We are pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Ng Wee Tong as Vice Dean (Practice), with effect from 1 April 2026.
Assoc Prof Ng has served as Assistant Dean (Practice) since 1 January 2025. During this time, he has strengthened the School’s translational practice agenda, ensuring that our research remains responsive to pressing public health needs and focused on improving population health outcomes. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to bridging academic scholarship with real-world implementation. His extensive experience in public health practice positions him well to drive initiatives that translate evidence into meaningful policy and practice impact, both locally and regionally.
Among his key initiatives as Assistant Dean (Practice) are strengthening the governance and strategic positioning of the Practice Office, deepening partnerships with public sector agencies and health system stakeholders, and enhancing the School’s platforms for translating research into policy and implementation. He has also promoted the integration of practice-based insights into research and education, fostering stronger alignment between academic work and real-world public health priorities.
In his new capacity as Vice Dean (Practice), Assoc Prof Ng will lead the Practice Office in close partnership with the senior leadership team to further advance the School’s practice mission. He will guide efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen pathways for research translation into policy and programmes, and ensure sustained and measurable impact on population health.
Assoc Prof Ng will concurrently continue in his roles as Director, Continuing Education and Training (CET), and Head, Occupational Health Education & Research Unit (OHERU).
Please join us in congratulating Wee Tong on his appointment and in wishing him every success in this important role.
Appreciation
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Jason Yap for his dedicated service as inaugural Vice Dean (Practice) since 1 July 2020.
During his tenure, Assoc Prof Yap played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the School’s practice mission, strengthening strategic partnerships with government ministries and public sector stakeholders, and advancing the translation of research into policy and implementation. His leadership laid a strong foundation for the Practice Office and positioned the School as a trusted, evidence-based partner in policy research and advisory work.
With effect from 1 April 2026, Assoc Prof Yap will step down as Vice Dean (Practice) and take on the role of Senior Adviser to the Practice Office. In this capacity, he will provide strategic counsel to the Vice Dean (Practice) on government engagement, policy positioning, and institutional partnerships. He will help sustain senior-level relationships with ministries and statutory boards, advise on commissioned research and policy collaborations, guide research teams on policy relevance and stakeholder engagement, and mentor academic leads involved in government-facing projects. Importantly, this role ensures continuity of key relationships and institutional knowledge, while further strengthening the School’s policy impact agenda.
We thank Assoc Prof Yap for his dedicated service and look forward to his continued guidance and contributions to the School.