News

“Climate Change” has become a daily conversation topic — yet its profound impact on public health often goes unnoticed. From dengue outbreaks to shifting disease burdens, no region is immune. Rising temperatures may even set the stage for the next pandemic.

To address these urgent challenges, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), National University of Singapore (NUS) are hosting an evening panel discussion and networking dinner on:

📅 12 November 2025
📍 Park Avenue Rochester Hotel, Singapore
🕔 Event: 6:15 PM – 9:30 PM (Please arrive 15 minutes earlier for on-site registration)

This event will explore how climate change affects health across Asia and Europe, fostering dialogue between academia, policymakers, and public health experts. Together, we aim to raise awareness, bridge science and policy, and spark collaboration for more resilient health systems.

Join us to:
✅ Understand how climate change drives infectious disease risks
✅ Exchange ideas across regions and disciplines
✅ Build connections for action and adaptation
🔔 Please register by 6 November 2025 to secure your place!
👉 Register here: https://asiaeuropefoundation.formstack.com/forms/ccph2025
ℹ️ For more information: https://asef.org/projects/climatehealth2025/

he SPH2801 course offered our students a meaningful opportunity to explore Cambodia’s healthcare landscape firsthand. Through site visits to both public and private health facilities, students gained valuable insights into the country’s healthcare structure, the challenges it faces, and the cultural factors that influence health behaviours and perceptions.

The experiential learning journey also deepened understanding of key public health issues such as HIV, Tuberculosis, and chronic diseases, and how these are managed within local contexts. What made the trip especially impactful was the opportunity for direct engagement with communities and individuals living with these conditions—providing a human perspective to classroom concepts.

This immersive experience underscored that while Cambodia’s healthcare system differs from Singapore’s, there is much to learn from the country’s resilience, community solidarity, and unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes

As Asia faces new health challenges — from climate change to ageing populations — the need for skilled public-health leaders has never been greater.

At NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, our postgraduate programmes empower professionals to lead change across health systems, policy, and research:

🎓 Master of Public Health (MPH) – Develop the analytical, leadership and communication skills to address real-world public health issues in Asia.
🎓 MSc in Health Economics & Outcomes Research (MSc HEOR) – Singapore’s only specialised programme in HEOR, equipping graduates to drive evidence-based decision-making and health technology assessment across the region.

In an exclusive interview, Assoc Prof Mary Chong and Assoc Prof Alec Morton share their insights on new frontiers of public health training.

On 27 Oct, Dean Prof Teo Yik Ying delivered the prestigious André Allard Memorial Lecture during the International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine (ICASM) 2025, which brings together global experts to explore the future of health, safety, and wellbeing in aviation and space travel.

In his lecture titled “Defining the future of global systems governing health and wellbeing of populations: Amidst the revolution in aviation and space travel.”, Prof Teo discussed how post-World War II global governance frameworks that were established to maintain peace, security, and public health are now being tested by modern challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and rapid technological advancements in aviation and space travel. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and resilient global standards to safeguard population health in an increasingly interconnected world.

The NUS Cambodia Programme, represented by Associate Professor Siyan Yi and Ms Esabelle Yam, attended the Shanghai Medical Forum organised by Fudan University on 17 to 19 October 2025.

In conjunction with the forum, the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO) Consortium, led by Fudan University, with members from the NUS SSHSPH, the National Social Protection Council from the Cambodia Ministry of Economy and Finance, the University of Melbourne, the University of Dhaka, and the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, met for an inaugural meeting.

The consortium will work on addressing inequities in health caused by gender, social disparities, being uncounted, or unreached to support and engage with policymakers and researchers in the member countries on various initiatives, including long-term care and health technology assessment.

On 17 Oct 2025, the School celebrated its 14th anniversary. The day began with a Park Clean-Up at the Ulu Pandan Park Connector in support of the Keep Singapore Clean Movement, reflecting the School’s dedication to community engagement and environmental responsibility.

The celebration continued back on campus, where members of the School community came together to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate their shared achievements. Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying presented the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health Faculty Awards for Academic Year 2023/2024, congratulating the recipients for their outstanding contributions in education, research, and service.

Senior Lecturer Teng Woon Chien Cecilia, Asst Prof Seow Wei Jie were awarded the SSHSPH Teaching Excellence Award (Individual Award).

Senior Lecturer Andre Mueller, Assoc Prof Jeannette Lee, Assoc Prof Jason Yap, Adjunct Lecturer Ann Toh, Ms Eleanor Joan Ong were awarded the SSHSPH Teaching Excellence Award (Team).

Prof Alex Cook was awarded the SSHSPH Outstanding Researcher Award.

Asst Prof Yvette van der Eijk was awarded the SSHSPH Young Researcher Award.

Afifah Ismat Rahman-Shepherd, Mu Rong, Shen Qianyu, Yeo Peck Tiang Joanna were awarded the SSHSPH Graduate Student Teaching Award.

The celebration concluded with a delightful buffet lunch, rounding off a joyous occasion that celebrated more than a decade of dedication to fostering healthier and more resilient communities in Singapore and the region.

The latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) reveals encouraging signs that Singapore’s population health strategies are paying off, with higher physical activity levels and reduced smoking rates. However, obesity and diet-related challenges persist, reflecting deeper lifestyle and environmental factors at play.

We are delighted to share that many of our faculty members have been named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2025, as published by Elsevier. This annual global ranking recognises the most influential researchers across all scientific disciplines, based on standardised citation indicators.

Please join us in congratulating the following faculty members for this well-deserved recognition:

This year’s theme — Applying Mathematical and Quantitative Psychology to Real-World Complex Problems — brings together researchers exploring the intersections of data, cognition, and human behaviour.

Singapore has made mental health a national priority, and efforts are steadily gaining ground. However, the next crucial step lies in building emotional resilience within communities to bridge the gap between national policies and everyday care.

Hear from Asst Prof Rayner Tan as he explains that while these policies have created pathways for people to access knowledge and services, greater focus is needed in ensuring effective implementation, particularly in expanding the availability of competent care.