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We are delighted to share the final report from the “Enhancing Telehealth in Singapore” programme, organised by NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), in partnership with Temasek Foundation.

Kpods, vape pods laced with anaesthetics, are fast becoming one of Singapore’s most urgent public health threats. Cheap, discreet, and marketed like regular e-vaporisers, they promise escape but instead fuel addiction, psychosis, and even death.

Beyond enforcement, what safe pathways can Singapore create to protect youth while reducing stigma?

Hear from Asst Prof Rayner Tan as he explains why stigma reduction, recovery support, and peer networks are vital to tackling Kpods and supporting long-term recovery.

The UM-NUS Joint Academic Symposium 2025, themed “Precision Health”, brought together leading thought leaders, scholars and clinicians from NUS and Universiti Malaya (UM) to showcase pioneering research in drug discovery, biomarkers, clinical AI applications, and advancements in precision health. This event was graced by the Singapore President and NUS chancellor, His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and the Chancellor of the University of Malaya (UM), His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

Among the highlights, Assoc Prof Sim Xueling from NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health gave a presentation titled, “Redefining Risk Prediction in the Age of Multi-omics”, focusing on how multi-omics is transforming healthcare by integrating genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and more for a holistic view of health. This approach improves risk prediction, uncovers new biomarkers, and enables personalized prevention and treatment. Together with clinical and environmental data, it drives a more precise and proactive model of care.

A research team led by Assoc Prof Kimberly Fornace is working to identify potential macaque monkey hotspots where a malaria-causing parasite carried by monkeys could spread to humans. By recording the calls of these primates, which are the natural hosts of the parasite, researchers can track their presence in different areas without needing direct sightings.

Disease risks are exacerbated by climate change that prompt animal populations to move into new areas, where they may have increased contact with humans. The project is part of a wider effort to understand how climate change affects public health, alongside critical areas such as food security, water resources, and energy. As a global transport hub, Singapore must remain vigilant against the threat of emerging infectious diseases.

In Singapore, vaping would be addressed as a drug-related issue, with stricter laws, heavier penalties, and possible jail terms for those selling harmful products. While such measures may deter some offenders, challenges such as addiction, mental health struggles, and social pressures are likely to persist.

To tackle these deeper issues, it is crucial to provide nuanced education and tailored support systems for young people, especially given the rise of illicit trade, misleading social media content, and porous borders in today’s society.

Hear from Asst Prof Yvette Van Der Eijk as she shares her views on the measures announced by the government to clamp down on the vaping scourge and the support needed for addicts.

We were honoured to host two distinguished guests from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, Associate Professors Theo Bodin and Jenny Selander, for a two-day visit on August 13-14.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and gain valuable insights into Singapore’s occupational health education and research. We discussed best practices, challenges, and ongoing research in both our countries, identifying key areas fo

The ACHS Fellowship Program aims to inspire and connect the next generation of biosecurity leaders and innovators. Started in 2025, the ACHS Fellowship is a highly competitive, part-time program that provides an opportunity for talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills through a series of

Heartiest congratulations to our National Day Awards 2025 recipients!

Held annually on 9 August, the Awards recognise individuals for their exemplary service, dedication, and various forms of merit to the nation.

We congratulate Prof Alex R Cook and Assoc Prof Liow Chee Hsiang on receiving the Public Administration Medal (Bronze), which honours public officers who have demonstrated outstanding efficiency, competence, and industry in their service.

While chronic conditions such as stroke and heart disease are expected to rise sharply with ageing, most of the projected cost savings would come from preventing these conditions from worsening over time, rather than from major improvements in health or longer lifespans.

Lifestyle interventions could yield greater benefits for the society, offering more opportunity to delay or prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Hear from Asst Prof Cynthia Chen as she shares insights on how sustained lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of chronic diseases and lower long-term healthcare costs in Singapore.

The NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and tuition subsidies to support deserving candidates from Singapore and around the world. Candidates are assessed based on academic merit, leadership potential, amongst other criteria.

What’s Available?
✅ Up to 70% tuition subsidy for both local and international students
✅ Full scholarships with stipends for outstanding full-time candidates
✅ Additional merit- and needs-based fellowships for future public health leaders
🌏 Special funding available for candidates from Thailand & Vietnam

Learn more about eligibility and benefits: sph.nus.edu.sg/education/mph/scholarship-financial-aid
Contact us at GDC_SPH@nus.edu.sg