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At a recent seminar organised by the Social Service Research Centre, Assoc Prof Mythily Subramaniam, emphasised the critical role interpersonal relationships, regular exercise and good eating habits in building mental resilience amongst youths. Gracing the event, Senior Minister of State for Health, Dr Janil Puthucheary, also called for Singapore to pivot its focus to early prevention and detection, including identifying relevant risk factors and cultivating psychological resilience from a young age, in order to progress further in efforts tackling the increasing mental health challenges adolescents face.

The ‘Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes’ (GUSTO) study—a collaboration between A*STAR’s Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, KKH, NUHS and NUS—has brought to light a health concern, that is, 18% of children in Singapore are on the path towards unhealthy lifestyles, marked by minimal physical activity, excessive screen time, and a love for ultra-processed foods. This has led to a troubling trend, with them being likely to develop pre-hypertension and elevated diastolic blood pressure – issues that could usher in a host of health challenges later in life.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Mary Chong on her appointment as Programme Director of Master of Public Health (MPH) with effect from 1 Jan 2024.

Mary is a distinguished researcher specialising in Maternal and Child Nutrition. With a background as a clinical dietitian and a PhD from the University of Oxford, UK, she leads the nutrition domain of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study, alongside contributing to pre-conception research like SPRESTO and NiPPeR. Mary’s innovative approach integrates web-based technologies to explore the intricate link between diet, lifestyle behaviours, and health outcomes in children and adults.

Alongside her research commitments, Mary actively contributes to shaping the future of public health professionals. She shares her expertise in maternal and child nutrition through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as coordinating 2 core courses for the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme – SPH5001 Foundations for Public Health and SPH5003 Health Behaviour and Communications. Furthermore, Mary has been instrumental in spearheading the ongoing review of the MPH programme, actively leading and ensuring progress. Simultaneously, she plays a significant role in the assessment and enhancement courses within the School.

Her dedication to both research and teaching demonstrates her firm commitment to translating her research findings into education and contributing to public health.

Are you currently between the ages of 50 and 85, looking for a way to boost your well-being?

The Urban Care Farming Study, a collaborative effort between the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NParks, and HortiTherapeutics, invites you to join us for a research initiative that aims to explore the benefits of urban farming and horticulture on physical and mental well-being.

We are excited to showcase the “Birthing on the Way” project, led by Esther Sharma, PhD student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and professional midwife. The project, supervised by our school faculty, Assoc Prof Natasha Howard—who also holds a joint appointment with LSHTM—delves into the perinatal experiences of Afghan women migrating through Serbia en route to the EU, and the perspectives of those working in various capacities with women during pregnancy or birth. It aims to provide them a platform to voice their experiences and influence the support provided by NGOs and health professionals.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Mary Chong on her appointment as Programme Director of Master of Public Health (MPH) with effect from 1 Jan 2024.

Mary is a distinguished researcher specialising in Maternal and Child Nutrition. With a background as a clinical dietitian and a PhD from the University of Oxford, UK, she leads the nutrition domain of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study, alongside contributing to pre-conception research like SPRESTO and NiPPeR. Mary’s innovative approach integrates web-based technologies to explore the intricate link between diet, lifestyle behaviours, and health outcomes in children and adults.

Alongside her research commitments, Mary actively contributes to shaping the future of public health professionals. She shares her expertise in maternal and child nutrition through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as coordinating 2 core courses for the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme – SPH5001 Foundations for Public Health and SPH5003 Health Behaviour and Communications. Furthermore, Mary has been instrumental in spearheading the ongoing review of the MPH programme, actively leading and ensuring progress. Simultaneously, she plays a significant role in the assessment and enhancement courses within the School.

Her dedication to both research and teaching demonstrates her firm commitment to translating her research findings into education and contributing to public health.

Want to tackle real-world health challenges, both locally and globally? Then Public Heath may just be the calling for you! Explore what Public Health is and discover how a Minor or a Second Major in Public Health can enhance your major degree and expand your professional career across diverse fields.

Want to make a lasting impact in the field of public health? Join us at the NUS Open House 2024 and explore the different programmes offered at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

When you hear ‘Public Health’ you might immediately think of diseases such as Covid-19. You might imagine people working on ways to prevent infections or detect new outbreaks.