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Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Health
- Korea Herald
Duke-NUS celebrates 20 years of medical innovation with largest ever graduating class
SINGAPORE, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating 20 years of transformative medical education, Duke-NUS Medical School graduated its largest cohort yet today, the Class of 2025, in a vibrant ceremony at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium in Academia attended by guest-of-honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health. Marking a strategic milestone for Duke-NUS, the graduating class included 72 Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates—five of whom are also earning PhDs—and 27 PhD candidates from the Integrated Biology and Medicine, Quantitative Biology and Medicine and Clinical and Translational Sciences programmes. Among the MD graduates was the first group of individuals emerging from the Duke-NUS conditional admissions pathways with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). These pathways are designed to attract talent from engineering, information technology and other undergraduate programmes. Dean Professor Thomas Coffman said: "Collaborating with seven partner universities, including Duke University and NUS, these pathways are designed to allow students to earn a first degree in diverse academic majors while providing an opportunity to seamlessly transition into medicine. It's a powerful model for developing doctors who are outstanding clinicians but also bring valuable multi-disciplinary skills into our healthcare system." This cohort also includes the inaugural batch of graduates of the Master's in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality (MPSHQ) programme, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The MPSHQ is focused on building highly reliable healthcare systems that are of consistent quality and safety. The Class of 2025 represents Duke-NUS' commitment to broadening the skillset and experience of our students, with 41 per cent of MD and MD-PhD graduates having transitioned mid-career from professions that include law, public relations, accounting and mental health peer support. Additionally, 58 per cent of the Class of 2025's graduates are women, underscoring the School's dedication to fostering diversity in the learning environment. Said Dr Faith Wong Pih Yng, previously a modelmaking student and senior peer support specialist at Singapore's Institute of Mental Health, now MD graduate, "Among the many hospital postings, what stood out most vividly was assisting in and witnessing childbirth—the intense anticipation and joy of welcoming a new life into the world was simply unmatched. Ultimately, however, the memories I cherish most are the countless hours spent with my classmates, supporting one another and peer-teaching." Duke-NUS MD graduates received their degrees, awarded jointly by Duke University and the National University of Singapore, in front of friends and family, as well as notable guests, including Duke University School of Medicine Dean Professor Mary Klotman, SingHealth Group CEO Professor Ng Wai Hoe, and keynote speaker, Dr Amy Abernethy, member of Duke University's board of trustees and co-founder of Highlander Health. Caring and compassion underlines the Class of 2025's accomplishments, especially beyond academia. Partaking in a wealth of community service projects, some of their cohort, such as Dr Dana Chow Wai Shin, MD, started the Healthy to Thrive initiative, the first Duke-NUS-led public health screening event dedicated to migrant workers. The cohort was also recognised for their outstanding achievements, which were given out the night before. Awards such as the Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Prizes and Teamsmanship Awards presented to graduates who demonstrated excellence in academics, community service, and leadership. In the aspect of research and scholarship, the Class of 2025 did not flag, publishing an exceptional 253 papers and publications in their time at Duke-NUS, several as first authors in prominent journals such as Nature Medicine, Immunity and EMBO Molecular Medicine. MD-PhD graduate Dr Katherine Nay Yaung, first author on a paper published in Lancet Rheumatology, wrote about artificial intelligence and high-dimensional technologies to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases, and PhD graduate Dr Aishwarya Prakash, named first author and published in American Heart Association Journal, who found a type of peptide to have protective qualities for the heart after sustaining damage. "The conversations I've had with patients emphasise a shift towards continuity of care and empowering individuals to make their own health choices. In moments where I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that being a small part of each patient's journey has been a privilege," said Dr Pang Wui Ming Jeremy, recipient of the SingHealth Prize in Family Medicine, Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Teamsmanship Award for exemplary team values in medicine and Duke-NUS Achievement Prize. As Duke-NUS enters its third decade, the School continues to redefine medical education and research, nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders who are not just exceptional doctors but visionary innovators ready to make an impact in Singapore and beyond. About Duke-NUS Medical School Duke-NUS is Singapore's flagship graduate-entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted 'Clinicians Plus' poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five Signature Research Programmes and ten Centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore's largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has led to the creation of 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
S'pore Poly valedictorian aims to be clinician-scientist after observing doctors at work
Mr Donavan Tan, valedictorian of Singapore Polytechnic's School of Chemical and Life Sciences, will be studying at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN S'pore Poly valedictorian aims to be clinician-scientist after observing doctors at work The TL;DR: Mr Donavan Tan Jia Jie, valedictorian of Singapore Polytechnic's Chemical and Life Sciences cohort, e-mailed over 300 doctors for job-shadowing opportunities. More than 10 said yes, sparking his ambition to become a clinician-scientist. Between December 2022 and January 2023, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) biomedical science student Donavan Tan Jia Jie e-mailed more than 300 doctors individually asking them if he could shadow them at work to gain first-hand insight into the profession. Thirteen of them said yes. F rom February to April 2023, Mr Tan rotated through more than six medical specialities, including general medicine, neurosurgery, palliative medicine, and oncology, spending two to five days at each placement, typically from 8am to 6pm. His behind-the-scenes look at life as a doctor inspired him to want to study medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The soon-to-be 20-year-old recently graduated from SP with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) and was awarded the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Award, which is presented to outstanding course gold medallists from technology or computer-related disciplines at each of the polytechnics. He has applied for deferment from national service to study medicine at the National University of Singapore, where he has been offered a place. Looking back at his experience of observing doctors at work, he said one moment stood out. At the National Cancer Centre, he met a teenage patient, not much older than himself, who was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer . 'It was difficult for me, because he was someone around my age, a teenager who hadn't had the chance to fully experience life, to pursue his passions, start a family or contribute to society,' Mr Tan said. 'He had a prognosis of less than a year.' That experience ignited a sense of purpose in him – what began as a passing interest in medicine became a committed pursuit of oncology. His final-year project was a seven -month research on breast cancer at NUS Medicine. 'I realised I wanted to do more for patients like him, to help them live their lives to the fullest,' said Mr Tan, who was a research intern at the Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore from March to May 2025. 'The path to medicine definitely hasn't been easy,' he said. 'But what kept me going is knowing that, soon, I will have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the community around me.' One of Mr Tan's lecturers, Mr Goh Tong Hng, also guided him to consider medicine as a career, as well as regularly checked in on his academic progress, offered advice, and helped him prepare for interviews. After graduating from SP, Mr Donavan Tan worked as a research intern at the Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN Mr Goh 'was always there not just as a lecturer, but as a mentor', he said. Mr Tan, who achieved an L1R5 (raw) score of 7 at O levels, chose the polytechnic path for its practical learning and specialised curriculum, even though it meant a more challenging route to university. To bolster his application to study medicine at NUS, he also volunteered for community work. At Presbyterian Community Services, he connected with elderly residents living alone. At Meet-the-People sessions in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, he assisted residents in drafting case letters to agencies, gaining exposure to the struggles faced by underprivileged families . Under the Family of Purple Heart programme, which supports caregivers' emotional and mental well-being, he managed volunteers and coordinated outreach efforts. 'I wasn't sure where my interests truly lay, so I wanted to cover as many aspects of society as possible,' he said. 'Each experience touched a different need in the community, and I was keeping an open mind about where I could make the most impact.' Mr Donavan Tan did his final-year project and internship at the Department of Pharmacology, NUS Medicine, helping to develop targeted treatments for an aggressive type of breast cancer. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN His dedication was recognised when he was awarded the SP service-learning award for two consecutive years, in recognition of his commitment to supporting vulnerable and underprivileged communities through active engagement in service projects. While he acknowledged the importance of a strong portfolio, he said his community involvement stemmed from a genuine desire to serve, not just to impress medical school interviewers. 'I did all these because I genuinely wanted to do something meaningful for the community,' said Mr Tan. He said: 'For me, it's always been about the bigger picture.' 'I want to do good with my life, not just for myself but for others as well. Medicine offers me the best opportunity to have a lasting, positive impact on the community.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Athletes eager to compete as 10th Special Olympics Singapore National Games kick off
Nuraqilah Fatin Swat, a participant in bocce, pictured with a sign her friends made her after the 10th Special Olympics Singapore National Games during the opening ceremony held at Bishan Stadium on May 30, 2025. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – Through her schooling years, Nuraqilah Fatin Swat dabbled in different sports like football and floorball, but felt that none really suited her. With knee injuries also making it hard for her to pursue these sports, she began to search for other hobbies she could do outside of her job as a barista. Four months ago, while scrolling through Instagram, she came across a post on bocce, a bowling game of Italian origin played on a long narrow court, and decided to give it a try. The 30-year-old quickly took a liking to the sport and will be participating in her first bocce competition – the Special Olympics Singapore National Games, which will be held from May 30 to June 2. Although she picked up bocce only recently, Fatin is aiming for gold at the event as she eyes a spot at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile. She said: 'During my school days, I always saw my classmates going for Special Olympics competitions, they always got the chance to go overseas to compete. 'I already had interest in sports for a long time but I just didn't get the chance to join (these overseas competitions), but after I work, I just thought maybe I want to join the Special Olympics with a sport that suits me.' Fatin was speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 10th Special Olympics Singapore National Games, which took place at Bishan Stadium on May 30. The ceremony was graced by guest-of-honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who declared the Games open. The quadrennial, multi-sport competition will be held at the National University of Singapore, and will involve 543 athletes with intellectual disabilities, 140 coaches and over 1,000 volunteers from 27 schools and centres. It will feature seven sports competitions: athletics, badminton, bocce, bowling, dance sport, football and swimming. Also eager to make his debut at the Special Olympics Singapore National Games is footballer Shane Yan, who was inspired to take the sport more seriously after watching his favourite club Real Madrid clinch a third consecutive Champions League title in 2018. That led to him joining the Special Olympics football outreach programme the same year, with him training every Saturday morning at Bendemeer Secondary School in addition to weekly futsal sessions. The forward, 21, said: 'I really love football, it gives me the exhiliration when I run... I've never regretted my decision and look where I am now – I'm more physically active than before.' Shane Yan, a footballer, carries a torch with the Special Olympics flame during one leg of the relay during the opening ceremony held at Bishan Stadium on May 30, 2025. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Sport has given him the opportunity to mix with different people who share the same passion as him and has also emphasised to him the value of inclusion and social cohesion. 'For me, inclusivity and embracing diversity is very important to me because everybody has different capabilities in whatever they do,' said Yan, a third-year student in Republic Polytechnic, where he is pursuing a diploma in sports and exercise science. In her speech at the opening ceremony, Special Olympics Singapore president Teo-Koh Sock Miang sent a similiar message. Urging the crowd of about 2,500 people at Bishan Stadium to show their support for the athletes, she said: 'Tonight, I call on everyone to help us celebrate abilities and inspire possibilities. 'That's the theme of these Games – let's inspire each other, let's make sure that opportunities will always be there for our special athletes, so let's help to celebrate every single athlete at the Games.' Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Paper
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Singapore Idol's Leandra Lane to perform with son at Special Olympics Singapore National Games
About two decades after she first made her name as a teen contestant on the first season of Singapore Idol in 2004, home-grown artiste Leandra Lane is still actively singing. On May 30, the 38-year-old - who went by the name Leandra Veronica Rasiah and came in fifth in the hit local reality singing competition - will perform at the opening ceremony of the 10th Special Olympics Singapore National Games. The ceremony, which is set to take place at Bishan Stadium, will feature VIP guest President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The 2025 edition of Special Olympics Singapore will see 543 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in various sports at venues within the National University of Singapore until June 2. Lane and her 13-year-old son Alexander will perform their rendition of Reach, the 1996 hit by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan that was also one of the official songs of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Lane also mentors and trains young singers, including children with special needs, and runs Motown Kids, a music programme for those up to the age of 14. She says she got the upcoming gig via a friend who works with Special Olympics Singapore, and it will mark the first time mother and son perform together at a major public event. She says: "It is an extreme honour. This is also one of the most meaningful performances as Alexander and I get to share the message of working hard and giving all you've got." Alexander - her only child from a previous marriage to an Austrian engineer - started singing songs by veteran American singers Kenny Rogers and Bing Crosby since he was three. He has done several school performances and is currently a grade-eight student at Overseas Family School, an international school in Pasir Ris. Music and show business run in the family. Lane's African-American father, Rick Lane, was a member of the 1950s American soul group The Drifters, while her Eurasian mother, Lucia Rasiah, was a Miss Singapore in the 1970s. Like his mother, Alexander takes vocal lessons from Lane's sister and manager, Leynette. Leandra Lane and her 13-year-old son will sing together at the opening ceremony of the 10th Special Olympics Singapore National Games. PHOTO: LEANDRA LANE The former Singapore Idol alumnus - who joined when she was 18 - still keeps in touch with fellow contestants like singer and Kiss92 DJ Daphne Khoo. "Being on the show taught me early on about the entertainment industry and how unique we all are. I was one of the youngest contestants going in and was naive about it all. Being able to sing is one thing, and identifying healthy competition is another. This was what I learnt from my time there." After Singapore Idol, she took vocal lessons in a performing arts school in Sydney, Australia, and studied dance at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles. The singer ended up fifth place on Singapore Idol. PHOTO: MEDIACORP She organises regular concerts at venues like the Esplanade and performs at events such as the St Patrick's Day Street Festival at Boat Quay in March. She also spent several years based in Europe and the United States, and sang in Los Angeles music venues such as The Viper Room and Whisky A Go Go. She has been based permanently in Singapore since 2019. While music takes up most of her time, she is also a property agent, having obtained her licence in October 2024. She is also writing and recording songs for an upcoming EP that is slated to be released in 2026. In January, a close brush with death after a gig at an orphanage in India strengthened her resolve to dedicate her life to music. She was sleeping in an Airbnb apartment in Mumbai when the air-con unit caught fire. She and her friend woke up just in time to escape the apartment before the whole place went up in flames. "It was such a scary experience that taught me the meaning of life and to live life to the fullest. I want to sing as much as I can, and love the people whom I love with all my heart and soul."
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Is there a ‘best country' for Singaporean Chinese to migrate to?
SINGAPORE: You might be considering moving to another country sometime in the future. While Singapore is one of the safest and most modern countries around the world today, some people might be interested in greener pastures elsewhere or may simply want to try out what a different culture has to offer. Also, with Singapore regularly making it on the top of 'most expensive places to live' lists, some may feel that other shores would simply be more affordable, such as the 39-year-old adjunct lecturer from the National University of Singapore (NUS) who lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but flies over once a week for his digital marketing class . In this article, The Independent Singapore takes a look at what countries may be best for Singaporeans of Chinese descent, with the Chinese being the largest ethnic group in the Little Red Dot. The simple answer is that there is no simple answer, as it depends on what a person looking to move is looking for. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to migration, including how well one fits with the culture and lifestyle of the country they're looking at, job opportunities, immigration policies, and support from the community, which is vital for anyone who migrates. See also Bored and broke, Vietnam migrants risk lives for riches in Europe Having said that, the most popular choices for Singaporean Chinese to migrate to include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. However, Malaysia and other Asian countries are gaining ground in this aspect as well. Australia and New Zealand appear to be a preferred destination for Singaporeans for many reasons, with many already choosing to go to university in the Land Down Under. Both countries are more accessible than North America and Europe, and the landscapes, laid-back vibe, and slower pace of life, in comparison to Singapore, are attractive to many. Living costs are also lower in both countries. The US has also long been popular with Singaporeans, especially major cities such as San Francisco and New York, but this may change due to the country's immigration and student visa policies, as well as the cost of living, which is rapidly gaining pace with Singapore's. Canada might be a friendlier alternative, but for those used to tropical weather, its cold winters would be a challenge. See also Protests send Hong Kongers to Taiwan in search of new lives Historical ties and ease with language have made the UK a viable choice for Singaporeans, but, again, if the cost of living is a consideration, this would be a problem. Also, many countries in Europe are 'immigrant weary' at the moment. Aside from Malaysia, which may be the most obvious choice to many Singaporeans due to lower living costs and a shared culture, others have considered Indonesia and Thailand. The advantage of moving to another Southeast Asian country is that one can stay relatively close to home. And finally, there is China itself. The country is, after all, an economic giant and is making strides in technology, manufacturing, finance, and other fields. Many in Singapore may find China's siren call irresistible, with untold opportunities. /TISG Read also: Earning SG dollars, spending Thai bahts: S'poreans cheer the man who 'games the system' by living in Thailand but flies to SG once a week for work while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle
