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On 17 July 2025, the School’s graduating class gathered at the University Cultural Centre to commemorate their achievements. In the presence of peers, faculty members, and distinguished guests, the ceremony marked a proud milestone and the start of a new chapter dedicated to advancing public health through purpose, compassion, and service.

This field trip to Cambodia, which included undergraduates reading a public health module, our very own Master of Public Health students, and Preventive Medicine residents, was a reminder of why experiential learning matters. By stepping out of classrooms and into communities, we saw how health, culture, and history are deeply intertwined—from ancient Angkor-era hospitals to modern hospitals bridging gaps in care.

As we listened to practitioners and community leaders, one thing became clear: even in resource-constrained settings, trust and partnerships can drive meaningful change. These are lessons not just for Cambodia, but for many of us in the region.

Such engagements also strengthen ASEAN ties. Health systems and resilience are shared concerns, and our future public health leaders need both technical expertise and cultural humility to work across borders.

Grateful to KHANA, Ministry of Health, Cambodia, MoPoTsyo, Angkor Hospital for Children, the APSARA National Authority and all who generously shared their time and insights. The students’ curiosity, reflections, and energy made this an unforgettable journey.

The DrPH is a practice-oriented, leadership-focused programme designed to equip experienced professionals with the skills to influence policy, drive systemic change, and lead impactful public health initiatives across Asia and beyond.

Graduates will be equipped to take on senior roles in government, international organisations, academia, and the private sector, where they can contribute to improving population health through evidence-based decision-making.

As a nursing undergraduate, Emily Yap’s journey in healthcare began with compassion and a call to action.

When COVID-19 first hit Singapore, she co-founded Dunearn Youth to deliver groceries to elderly and low-income households. The experience sparked a deeper desire to support vulnerable communities, leading her to pursue palliative care and later, the Master of Public Health at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in 2023. Now a Healthcare Humanity Award recipient, she continues to lead with heart and purpose, ensuring that no patient or caregiver is left behind.

Hear from Emily as she shares how the MPH programme equipped her with skills in health proposal design, programme evaluation, and the courage to speak up, transforming her into an advocate for caregiver support, community leadership, and system-level change.

From vape pens to flavoured pods, drug-laced vapes are becoming more accessible and popular, especially among teenagers. While vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, many are unaware of the harmful substances hidden in these products.

Hear from Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying as he discusses the severe health risks posed by these vapes, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and stronger enforcement to safeguard public health and prevent further harm.

AlumNite 2025 was held on 15 July and brought together nearly 200 graduands, alumni, and faculty for an unforgettable evening.

From a package of instant noodles to a bottle of fruit juice, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely available and affordable. While cereal and bread are not obvious UPFs due to the general perception that they are healthier options, one can be more aware of how much processed foods we are consuming by reading labels carefully.

Hear from Assoc Prof Mary Chong as she emphasises the importance of awareness of the hidden prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diets and how it contributes to preventing health risks such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer over time.

Healthier SG marks Singapore’s first major healthcare reform, shifting the focus from treating illness to preventive population health. As part of this shift and to better design solutions to achieve its goal, research studies are underway to understand the types of networks influencing health. However, with three healthcare clusters running independently, variations in programmes may confuse residents and lead to gaps in care especially if they are unaware that certain programmes are cluster specific.

A recent article published in The Lancet Western Pacific, led by Research Fellow Foo Chuan De and Assoc Prof Jason Yap, highlights the pivotal role of HealthierSG in bridging the divide between public healthcare providers and private sector general practitioners (GPs). This initiative aims to create a more cohesive healthcare ecosystem, ultimately safeguarding and improving the health of Singapore’s population.

Healthier SG is a national initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that is transforming the healthcare system in Singapore by strengthening public-private partnerships, with a focus on preventive and relationship-based care. Till date, MOH continues to face unintended challenges preventing private GPs from enrolling into this initiative that brings them into closer collaboration with public healthcare providers and community organisations through regional health systems.