Singapore Chinese Health Study

The Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS) represents one of the largest population-based Asian cohorts in the world with high quality prospective data on exposure and comprehensive capture of morbidity and mortality. The PI is Koh Woon Puay, Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and honorary joint Professor at SSHSPH.

The Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS) integrates rigorous prospective study design, comprehensive measurements of lifestyle and genetic factors, and complete capture of disease incidence and mortality for epidemiologic research in the risk of important chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, tuberculosis disease, and gout. This Cohort represents a unique constellation of strengths that includes a well-defined and motivated study population with nearly complete follow-up, high quality data, strong expertise in epidemiologic research, and an Asian setting that importantly complements studies conducted in western countries. Further, the SCHS has completed GWAS of ~26,000 cohort members for more than 800,000 naturally occurring DNA sequence variants across the human genome. We have published the essential validation studies of our dietary and nutritional assessment tools, as well as several methodological studies on correcting measurement errors and residual confounding using statistical modeling. Additionally, we have demonstrated the substantial reliability and validity of using a biomarker-based approach for etiology research by utilizing biospecimens that have been stored for over 20 years. We have also consolidated operations in data management, linkage analysis, data sharing and biorepository.

As of March 2026, we have published more than 520 research articles, and many publications have provided scientific knowledge with important public health implication. We are currently conducting follow-up studies on ageing outcomes with surviving participants.

More information on SCHS may be found here.