News

Singapore’s new Workplace Fairness Act (WFA), passed on 8 Jan 2025, marks a significant step forward in protecting workers from discrimination. However, experts have raised concerns about gaps in the legislation, particularly the exclusion of LGBTQ workers, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with chronicillnesses, such as cancer. These gaps mean that vulnerable workers are not fully protected.

How can Singapore strengthen the WFA to ensure comprehensive protection for all?

Hear from Asst Prof Rayner Tan and his co-author as they highlight the need for broader legal definitions, enhanced public access to workplace discrimination data, and stronger protections against retaliation.

Social media amplifies panic with every new outbreak, but the real challenge lies in fostering scientific literacy and maintaining measured vigilance. Reactions are common whenever new respiratory outbreaks occur, especially when these involve pathogens that are less well-known outside healthcare and research communities. The recent surge in Mycoplasma pneumonia infections in China, avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in the US, and concerns over a possible Human Metapneumovirus pandemic have sparked increased public interest. However, the media’s increased reporting, particularly on social media, can cause unnecessary panic at the same time.

How can we balance public vigilance with accurate information to prevent fear from spreading faster than the disease itself?

Hear from Prof Hsu Li Yang as he delves into the need to improve scientific literacy in current and future generations, empowering individuals to distinguish between credible and misleading information.

On 8th January 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Executive Committee College of Public Health, University of the Philippines (UP) Manila. The group was led by Dean Dr. Fernando B. Garcia, Jr., and Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, an alumna of the NUS Master of Public Health program and Assistant to the Dean for Academic Affairs. Hosted by Vice Dean (Global Health) Prof Hsu Li Yang and Vice Dean (Research) Prof Alex Cook, the meeting focused on sharing best practices in academic programs, research, public service, and administrative procedures, as well as exploring future collaboration opportunities between our institutions.

Thank you, Dr. Fadrilan-Camacho and the UP Manila team, for this enriching exchange. We look forward to building on this collaboration moving forward!

Myopia is a growing public health crisis in Singapore, with long-term health, social, and economic implications. While myopia is irreversible, its progression can be managed through strategies like delaying its onset, slowing its progression, and mitigating associated risks.

How can Singapore address the growing myopia crisis and implement systemic changes to reduce its long-term impact on health, society, and the economy?

China is experiencing a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, a common respiratory virus that poses greater risks to children and the elderly. Other countries, including Vietnam and India, are monitoring its spread, while Malaysia reported a 45% increase in cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Experts note that while the surge is concerning, HMPV is not a new virus and is unlikely to cause a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19.

Climate change stands as one of the most significant health challenges of the coming century.

To address this, Singapore is bolstering its defences against zoonotic diseases through enhanced bio-surveillance and wildlife monitoring. The Climate, Environment and Health Programme was launched to deepen insights into the health risks posed

A study by the National University of Singapore and Columbia University introduced the Global Ageing Index, a metric assessing countries’ preparedness for population ageing. Singapore ranked 10th globally and 1st in Asia, showcasing its strong strategies to tackle ageing-related challenges. However, low and middle income countries face significant hurdles, such as rapid ageing and insufficient health and social security systems.

Assoc Prof Feng Mengling (Mornin) is promoted to Associate Professor with effect from 1 January 2025.

Mornin has been with the School since 2016 and holds considerable portfolios in the real-world application of data science and AI, with the National University Health System and Smart Systems Institute. A signature of his research program is the transformation of raw medical and health data into actionable solutions for real-world public health and healthcare settings. His research impact is considerable, with his AI models for breast cancer mammogram analyses, his work with Civil Defence on establishing an AI assistant for handling emergency calls, the machine learning development for septic patients requiring transthoracic ECG, and designing the stratification model by the severity of patients in ICUs, amongst others. He is concurrently affiliated with the School of Medicine and School of Computing, in relation to his domain expertise in using Computer Science to tackle medical problems.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, and we wish you continued success ahead!

We are delighted to announce the appointments of the School’s new Assistant Deanery, effective from 1 Jan 2025!

Assistant Dean (Education): Assoc Prof Mary Chong
Assistant Dean (Global Health): Prof Alex Cook
Assistant Dean (Practice): Assoc Prof Ng Wee Tong
Assistant Dean (Research): Assoc Prof Falk Muller-Riemenschneider

Working closely with the Vice Deans, they will play a pivotal role in providing operational leadership in implementing programmes, policies and initiatives that align with the School’s goals. This is also an important aspect of leadership succession planning.

The expertise, commitment and leadership of our Assistant Deans will be crucial as we navigate this dynamic landscape, driving meaningful change through research, education, practice and outreach.

Appointment of Associate Professor Mary Chong as Assistant Dean (Education)

Assoc Prof Chong brings an exceptional commitment to nurturing the next generation of public health professionals. Her innovative approaches to curriculum design and passion for student engagement have set new standards in educational excellence.

Working closely with Vice Dean (Education), Assoc Prof Liow Chee Hsiang, the School is poised to further elevate our academic programmes, ensuring our students are well-prepared to tackle ever-evolving public health challenges.

Appointment of Prof Alex Cook as Assistant Dean (Global Health)

Prof Cook’s exceptional contributions to global health modelling and his leadership in international collaborations position him perfectly to help lead the School’s global health efforts. His appointment signals our strong commitment to advancing global health initiatives and fostering partnerships that transcend borders.

Together with Vice Dean (Global Health), Prof Hsu Li Yang, the Global Health Office will expand the school’s global partnerships and address health challenges beyond Singapore.

For the time being, Prof Cook will continue to lead the Research Office in promoting and coordinating translational research within the School as Vice Dean (Research), and there will be further announcements with regards to changes in his leadership portfolio later this year.

Appointment of Associate Professor Ng Wee Tong as Assistant Dean (Practice)

Assoc Prof Ng has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to bridging academic insights with real-world applications. His extensive experience in public health practice makes him uniquely equipped to lead initiatives that translate our research into meaningful improvements in population health outcomes, both locally and regionally.

Together with Vice Dean (Practice), Assoc Prof Jason Yap, they will ensure our translational research continues to address pressing public health needs and improve population health outcomes.

Assoc Prof Ng will continue to lead the School’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) Office as its Director as well as helm the Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health (CEOH) as Director.  

Appointment of Associate Prof Falk Muller-Riemenschneider as Assistant Dean (Research) 

Known for his collaborative spirit and ability to foster interdisciplinary research, Assoc Muller-Riemenschneider is a highly respected researcher whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of epidemiology and public health policy.

Together with Vice Dean (Research), Prof Alex Cook, they will guide our research agenda towards impactful discoveries and stronger partnerships across disciplines and sectors.

The recent MediShield Life enhancements aim to provide Singaporeans with greater financial protection against rising healthcare costs. Set to roll out in stages from April 2025, these enhancements represent a significant step towards ensuring more comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Singaporeans.

With these changes, what does this mean for Singaporeans and how will we benefit from it?