As part of its growing global health collaborations in the region, a delegation from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), National University of Singapore, visited Manila from 22 to 24 October 2025, led by Teo Yik Ying, Dean of SSHSPH, and included Alex Cook, Piya Hanvoravongchai, Harvy Joy Liwanag, Kiesha Prem, Jasper Tromp and Ms. Felicia Yue. The visit marks an important step in forging partnerships with the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines and other institutions in the country.
Building the foundations of a partnership with the Department of Health
The visit opened with a full-day workshop at the DOH central office, co-organized with the Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB). More than 20 representatives from across DOH bureaus — including Health Promotion, Health Human Resources Development, Disease Prevention and Control, Epidemiology, and International Health Cooperation — hosted the SSHSPH delegation to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Discussions focused on policy-directed research, capacity development, and convening dialogues to address pressing health challenges. The workshop laid the groundwork for plans to establish a new NUS global health programme in the Philippines, with DOH as the principal partner.
At the closing of the workshop, DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa expressed appreciation for the collaboration, and participants affirmed their commitment by signing a symbolic commitment board. A formal memorandum of understanding between SSHSPH and DOH is expected to be signed in early 2026.
Engaging international partners
On the second day, the delegation met with the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO WPRO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). At WPRO, discussions centred on potential collaborations in artificial intelligence and health, health system reviews, tobacco control, disease surveillance, primary health care and human resources for health. At the ADB, the SSHSPH team explored avenues for joint work with the Health Practice Team, identifying themes where SSHSPH expertise could complement ADB’s regional initiatives through potential partnering arrangements.
Strengthening academic and research links
The final day featured visits to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health (UPM CPH). Conversations with PCHRD focused on opportunities to support Filipino scholars to pursue studies at SSHSPH, as well as local research projects. At UPM CPH, the SSHSPH delegation built on previous discussions during the visit of UPM CPH to SSHSPH early this year to identify concrete areas for collaboration in education and research.
Celebrating partnerships and shared vision
Beyond formal meetings, the delegation also reconnected with alumni and partners at a cultural dinner, and was also hosted in another dinner by H.E. Constance See, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, who expressed the Embassy’s support for SSHSPH’s strategic partnerships in the country and gave advice on strengthening the relationships.
May this trip be the first of many as we build a strong partnership between our School and the Philippines to advance health in our region!