From Coursework to the Clinic - LKCMedicine sends forth its first batch of 52 doctors into the world - Nanyang Technological University
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ISSUE 102 / May–Jul 2018
A quarterly magazine for NTU alumni
From
Coursework
to the Clinic
LKCMedicine sends
forth its first batch of
52 doctors into the world
CONTENTS
Issue 102 / May–Jul 2018
PRESIDENT
Professor Subra Suresh
SPOTLIGHT
VICE PRESIDENT
(ALUMNI & ADVANCEMENT)
Professor Alan Chan Kam Leung
DIRECTOR, ALUMNI AFFAIRS
Mr Soon Min Yam
NTULINK EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ms Sadia Roohi
EDITORS/WRITERS
Ms Lau Shu Hui
Ms Jennifer Su
CONTRIBUTORS
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
NTUitive
Public, International & Alumni Relations, NIE
Association of Nanyang University Graduates
Nanyang Symphonic Winds AA
NTU Alumni Toastmasters Club
NTU Chinese Society Alumni
NTU Hall of Residence Five AA
NTU Hall of Residence Four AA
NTU School of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering AA
20
NTU School of Civil & Environmental Engineering AA
NTU School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering AA
NTU School of Humanities Alumni Association
NTU School of Materials Science & Engineering AA
NTU School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering AA
NTU School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences AA
From Coursework
NTU School of Social Sciences AA
NTU Students Union
NTU Tamil Literary Society AA
NTU AA (Australia)
to the Clinic
NTU AA (Brunei)
NTU AA (Henan)
NTU AA (Japan)
NTU AA (Zhejiang)
PUBLISHING CONSULTANT
Wildtype Media Group Pte. Ltd. People
NTULink is a quarterly magazine mailed free to all alumni of NTU.
03
Articles and Classnotes from alumni are most welcome. Whilst care
has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, we
assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. Opinions
expressed therein do not necessarily represent those of the Alumni
Affairs Office, Nanyang Technological University, or the publisher. All
information is correct at press time.
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Nanyang Technological University
THE PRESIDENT
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04
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Website: www.ntu.edu.sg/alumni
ON CAMPUS
The Alumni Affairs Office (AAO) collects, uses, discloses and/or
processes your personal data so as to process, administer and/
or manage your relationship with us as an alumnus of NTU. Your A Momentous Meeting of Minds
personal data privacy is important to us and we are committed to
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Medicine
© Copyright 2018 by NTU Alumni Affairs Office
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LIFESTYLE
We Have Lift-off NTU Alumni Card Deals NTU SNAPSHOT
03
Embrace Lifelong Learning MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
Grow with PACE
Head back to school Dear Alumni,
NTU Alumni can enjoy course credit of S$1,600
We have witnessed many memorable moments and events in Finally, I feel like a proud parent in announcing that close
2018, and I am happy to share with you more exciting news to 10,000 graduates are receiving their degrees to become
from your alma mater. our newest alumni at NTU’s convocation ceremonies this
According to the 2018 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Top 50 year. Among them is our pioneer LKCMedicine batch of 52
Under 50 rankings, NTU is the world’s best young university, doctors, who have since taken up positions as house officers
a title we have retained for the fifth consecutive year. This latest and residents in seven hospitals across Singapore. To all our
achievement, together with NTU’s 12th place in this year’s graduates, I offer my heartiest congratulations.
QS World University rankings, further consolidates NTU’s I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you,
reputation as a leading global university. our alumni, for flying the NTU flag high in your careers and
On 1 June 2018, our beautiful garden campus hosted personal endeavours. I hope that you will continue to engage
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—the first time an with us in Singapore and around the world. I look forward
Indian Prime Minister has visited NTU. During his visit, to seeing many of you at this year’s Alumni Homecoming.
Prime Minister Modi witnessed the signing of new agreements
between NTU and several prestigious institutions in India. With my warmest wishes,
These agreements build on the already strong ties between Subra Suresh
NTU and India’s leading institutions. President,
NTU has received a landmark gift of 50 million Swedish Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
kronor (S$7.6 million), the largest endowment support
from overseas in NTU’s history, from the Knut and Alice
Wallenberg Foundation to establish the Wallenberg-NTU
Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship. With matching by the
Singapore government, the total endowment raised for the
programme is S$11.4 million. The Wallenberg Foundation
is also giving NTU an additional S$5 million through its
Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems and Software
Programme, to support the Postdoctoral Fellows, thus bringing
the total donation to S$16.4 million. The Wallenberg name is
synonymous with research excellence and innovation, and these
new fellowships will carry on that legacy. The university and
the community will benefit in perpetuity from the immense
Young and research-intensive, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) Short Courses
generosity of the Wallenberg Foundation.
is ranked 11th globally. It is also placed 1st among the world’s best young • Professional & personal
We have also launched the Population and Community
universities. development courses
Health Laboratories at the Lee Kong Chian School of
• Between one to five days
Medicine (LKCMedicine). This programme will help NTU
The College of Professional and Continuing Education (NTU PACE College) take the lead in translating discoveries from bench to bedside.
Semester-Long Courses
supports the local workforce and alumni in their professional development and I am pleased to note that Professor Christine Goh
• Modular, credit-bearing, stackable
lifelong learning journey, enabling them to update their knowledge and upgrade • 13-week long courses (39 hours) has taken the helm as Director of the National Institute
their skills to keep pace with the fast-changing economy. of Education (NIE). An English teacher turned teacher-
Seminar Series educator and researcher, Professor Goh has been with
The College offers short courses, semester-long courses, and short seminars • Short seminars in themes such as NIE since 1994. Her experience and expertise will help
which are approved and funded by the SkillsFuture Series. Courses approved Entrepreneurship and Data Analytics NIE nurture the next generation of effective teachers
under this series receive funding of 70% and 90% for its course fees. Find out • Offers Certificate(s) of Completion and leaders in education, which is so important to the
more at bit.ly/ntupacesfs. future of Singapore.
copace.ntu.edu.sg Registrations now OPEN issue 102 / may–jul 2018
On Campus
04
Top
PM Modi entering the Nanyang Auditorium to cheers from NTU
faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Bottom
Prof Suresh receiving the historic S$4 million gift from Mr Kris
Gopalakrishnan, as witnessed by Singapore Minister for Education
Ong Ye Kung and PM Modi.
A MOMENTOUS
MEETING OF MINDS
T
he enthusiasm was tangible within In his welcome address, Prof Suresh workers with skills for the digital age. But
Top
the Nanyang Auditorium as more noted how PM Modi was one of the that does not mean that bread-and-butter
NTU President
Prof Subra Suresh than 1,000 NTU faculty, students world’s most-followed leaders, with issues such as agriculture productivity,
(left) in dialogue and alumni welcomed the arrival of Mr an impressive 43 million followers on affordable housing and healthcare, as
with Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister (PM) Facebook, another 42 million followers well as climate change and environmental
Narendra Modi. of India, on 1 June 2018. PM Modi was on Twitter and 892,000 followers on pollution, should be neglected.
visiting NTU to participate in a dialogue YouTube. Prof Suresh also highlighted “Given the scale and magnitude of
with NTU President Professor Subra that many in India view PM Modi as these challenges, we need innovation
Suresh on ‘Transforming Asia through ‘Mr Tech’ and commended the charismatic and technology to address them,” he
Innovation’—the first time that an Indian leader on his efforts in driving technological said, highlighting the importance of
PM has visited NTU. transformation in India. “collaboration between governments,
Dressed in his signature kurta, PM universities and industries”.
Modi descended the steps to take his seat INNOVATING TO PM Modi also explained that
at the front of the auditorium. He was IMPROVE LIVES technology must be combined with ethics
accompanied by Singapore’s Education and human values so that it can be a
Minister Ong Ye Kung, Prof Suresh, Kicking off the dialogue, PM Modi force for good. While there are fears that
NTU Pro-Chancellor Mr Chandra Das highlighted the numerous challenges technology is advancing too rapidly and
and NTU Board of Trustees Chairman faced by those living in Asia. He noted how disrupting existing businesses and lifestyles,
Mr Koh Boon Hwee, among other digitalisation has become the norm around he thinks that the notion of “disruption
distinguished guests. the world, and emphasised the need to equip means destruction” is completely wrong.
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018
On Campus
06
“Disruption, in fact, brings together
human talent and creativity, and hence
we should be welcoming disruption
Disruption, instead of fearing it,” said PM Modi,
adding that technology can empower
people and reduce inequality in society.
in fact, brings He stated three ‘criteria’ that inventors
of emerging technologies should aspire
toward—their innovations ought to be
together human talent affordable, user-friendly and accessible,
so that no one is left behind in the march
of technology-driven progress.
and creativity, and PARTNERING FOR
hence we should be
SUCCESS
In addition to the dialogue, PM Modi
welcoming disruption
witnessed the signing of agreements and
statements of intent between NTU and
leading Indian universities, institutions
instead of fearing it.” and industry players on education and
research to advance innovation for the
digital age. sum, S$2 million will go towards creating Top
Axilor Ventures Chairman Mr Kris the Gopalakrishnan-NTU Presidential Prof Suresh (right)
Prime Minister of India Gopalakrishnan, who is also Co-founder thanking PM Modi
Postdoctoral Fellowship, which will enable
Mr Narendra Modi and former CEO of Indian IT giant (centre) for the
some of the world’s most promising meaningful sharing,
Infosys, made a historic gift of S$4 million postdoctoral candidates to carry out with Minister Ong
to support postdoctoral and student their research at NTU. (left) looking on.
research activities at NTU. Out of this Out of the remaining S$2 million, the Middle
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore Prof Suresh
and PM Modi
and the Indian Institute of Technology
conversing with
(IIT) Madras will each receive about S$1 NTU’s Nadine
million to fund research collaborations for robot.
their students at NTU. Mr Gopalakrishnan Bottom
has also been appointed Nanyang Visiting (From left) Prof
Professor of Practice, in recognition of Suresh, PM
Modi, Minister
his distinguished career and outstanding Ong and NTU
contribution to the IT industry. Board of Trustees
Furthermore, new joint PhD Chairman Mr Koh
Boon Hwee with
programmes and collaborations with the autonomous
IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IISc and the vehicles that ply
NTU’s roads.
Indian Institute of Space Science and
Technology (IIST) have been established.
Meanwhile, in the area of digital technology
and artificial intelligence, NTU will
enter into a research partnership with
the National Institution for Transforming
India (NITI Aayog), a policy think tank
of the Indian government.
“Your visit has enabled us to
significantly enhance NTU’s partnerships
with institutions in India,” said Prof
Suresh, thanking PM Modi as the event
drew to a close. “We have so much to
look forward to achieving together.”
(From left) Minister Ong, Prof Suresh and PM Modi planting a neem tree in commemoration of the historic visit.
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018
On Campus
08
A LONG HISTORY OF
FINDING THAT
COLLABORATION
Prof Suresh began his talk by highlighting
his decades-long connection to Singapore.
“A lot of the funding [for my research] has
SWEET SPOT
come from the Singapore Government,
and I will discuss certain key findings in
the course of this talk,” he said.
Over the next hour, Prof Suresh
described specific examples of his work,
including new microfluidic platforms for
medical diagnostics and targeted drug
delivery, as well as three-dimensional
BETWEEN ENGINEERING
manipulation of single cells using surface
acoustic waves.
In one such project, Prof Suresh’s
AND MEDICINE
group, collaborating with researchers at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, used
sound waves to intercept rare circulating
cancer cells and chemical packets known
H
ow can we combine futuristic as exosomes in the blood. This cell-sorting
microfluidic technology and an technique is both gentle and efficient—it
age-old understanding of cell does not involve harsh chemicals or
biology to improve the way we diagnose mechanical forces and requires only A full-house crowd ENGINEERING “The malaria research community
disease and test new medicines? 25 minutes for a blood sample to be of NTU faculty,
staff, students and SUCCESS thought that the amount of stiffening
Answering this question was NTU processed, allowing for rapid diagnosis. alumni gathered was a factor of three or four. We showed
President Professor Subra Suresh, who to hear about Prof
Always eager to perform research at that [the stiffening] was up to a factor
spoke to a full-house crowd of 700 BEING CALCULATIVE Suresh’s research.
of 100. So without knowing anything
the interface of scientific disciplines,
academics, students and guests at his WITH BIOLOGY Prof Suresh also spoke about the about malaria-infected cells, engineers
Distinguished University Professor Lecture development of an optical tweezer that can contribute significantly to biology
on 12 April 2018. Titled ‘Fighting Human “One of the criticisms of biology and as well,” he said.
can be used to identify changes in the
Diseases at the Intersections of Engineering, medicine is that it is not like physics or Clearly, as Prof Suresh’s research
stiffness of red blood cells due to malaria.
Sciences and Medicine’, the talk was engineering, where we can write compact shows, the science of the future spans
A focused laser would be applied to red
Prof Suresh’s first public lecture following equations, E=mc2, F=ma, which are universal different fields of expertise, and scientists
blood cells in saline solution, stretching
his inauguration as NTU President and laws that cannot be violated,” said Prof need not restrict their research to just
them to a level similar to that observed
conferment as NTU’s first Distinguished Suresh. “But biology is so complex, it is a single research domain.
in the human body. The research
University Professor. not conducive to this. So do we have the
team could then compare the stiffness of
In his introductory address, NTU opportunity for mathematics to work in
red blood cells when a malarial parasite
Provost Professor Ling San said the the context of human diseases?”
was introduced.
Distinguished University Professorship With the goal of using mathematics
represents the highest academic honour to better understand biology, Prof Suresh’s
that NTU bestows on a faculty member. team developed a computer modelling
“Established in August last year, this technique to study how the spleen filters
prestigious professorship pays tribute out old, diseased or misshapen red blood
to academic talents with extraordinary
scholarly achievements, whose research
cells from the bloodstream via a narrow
passageway called the inter-endothelial slit. Without knowing anything
about malaria-infected
typically straddles across multiple “The toughest mechanical test in the
disciplines, and who have distinguished human body is called the inter-endothelial
themselves internationally in importance slit. If a red blood cell cannot squeeze
and recognition,” Prof Ling said.
Prof Ling added that Prof Suresh has
through this, it is going to be filtered
out of the spleen. The mechanics of the
cells, engineers can contribute
continued his research at NTU, where his
group is using molecular self-assembly to
inter-endothelial slit is largely unknown,”
he said. Hence, computer simulations significantly to biology as well.”
generate hydrogel-based three-dimensional allow researchers to perform calculations
architectures, with applications in tissue and gain insights into the forces at play NTU President
NTU President Prof Subra Suresh speaking at NTU’s first Distinguished University Professor Lecture.
engineering and soft robotics. in the spleen. Professor Subra Suresh
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018
On Campus
11
F DOUBLING
DOUBLING
rom November 2019, NTU
Singapore and Peking University,
China, will offer a Double Masters
Programme aimed at early- and mid-
THE ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL SERVICES
DOWN ON
career executives who want to stand out
in Asia’s rapidly growing and competitive
LANDSCAPES ARE EVOLVING finance sector.
The Double Masters Programme,
CAN YOU KEEP UP? FINANCE EXPERTISE
jointly offered by NTU’s Nanyang Business
School and Peking University’s School
of Economics, provides an attractive
proposition for talented executives and
professionals from China, Singapore and
the rest of the world who want to enhance
their knowledge of the region and keep
up to date with new developments in
industry, including emerging technologies
in fintech and blockchain.
Upon completing the full-time
programme, graduates will receive a
Master of Science in Finance degree
from NTU and a Master’s degree from
Peking University.
Prof Sun Qixiang, Dean of the School of
Economics, Peking University (front left),
and Prof Robert Kennedy, Dean of NTU’s
Nanyang Business School, shake hands
as they seal a new agreement to offer the
Double Masters Programme in Beijing.
GROOMING TALENT,
The changing landscapes in accounting and financial services call for
Young and research intensive, specialised skills such as business valuation and risk management,
Nanyang Technological two high-growth practice areas identified by the Working Group on Legal
University, Singapore and Accounting Services, established under the Committee on the Future
GROWING WEALTH
(NTU Singapore) is ranked 12th Economy (CFE).#
globally. It is also placed first
among the world’s best young To empower you for the future, NTU’s Nanyang Executive Education offers
universities. cutting-edge programmes to expand and sharpen your skills in these areas -
so you always stay relevant and ahead.
N
TU Singapore will launch a of Banking and Finance Singapore, and
new postgraduate programme features two specialisation tracks:
to cater to the growing demand asset management and wealth
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING PROGRAMMES for highly trained expertise in the asset management. In addition to
(with SkillsFuture / IBF FTS funding available*) and wealth management sectors. the Master’s degree, graduates
Jointly developed by NTU’s Wealth will also receive the relevant
Management Institute and Nanyang industry accreditation and
Nanyang Enterprise Chartered Valuer & Mergers & Acquisitions
Business School, the new Master of certification for practice.
Risk Management Appraiser Programme Programme
Science in Asset and Wealth Management
will prepare students to be future-ready,
Next module Next intake Next intake
and equip them with strong ethics and
30 - 31 August 2018 4 August 2018 12 - 14 September 2018 a global outlook.
The programme has been structured
*Up to 90% funding. Terms and conditions apply
to align with the industry skills
framework established by the Institute
For more information, please visit our website www.execed.ntu.edu.sg or email us at nep@ntu.edu.sg
#
Based on April 2017 report by the Working Group on Legal & Accounting Services, established under a sub-committee of the CFE.
issue 102 / may–jul 2018
50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 www.ntu.edu.sg
On Campus
12
SEEING DIAMONDS
IN A NEW LIGHT
Probe
D iamond, the world’s hardest
natural material, is also flexible
to stretch by well below one percent.
A similar lack of deformability is also “Our results enables precise control and on-the-fly
alterations of the maximum strain in
when made into nanoscale needles,
according to a paper published in the
observed for other typically strong and
brittle materials, and attempts to flex were so the nano-needle below its fracture limit.”
These results pave the way for
surprising
journal Science. The research was carried them cause them to break. scientists to explore unprecedented
out by an international team of scientists “Our results were so surprising properties of diamonds, and may lead
Diamond nano-needle
that we had
that included NTU President Professor that we had to run the experiments to new applications in data storage,
Subra Suresh. The other corresponding again under different conditions just to opto-electronic devices and ultra-strength
authors were Professor Lu Yang and confirm them,” said Prof Suresh. “We also
to run the
nanostructures, say the researchers.
Professor Zhang Wenjun from the City performed detailed computer simulations Biological applications for such
University of Hong Kong, and Dr Dao of the actual specimens and bending diamond nano-needles also abound—
Ming from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in the United States.
experiments to measure and determine
the maximum tensile stress and strain
experiments given their biocompatibility, they could
be useful for drug delivery into cells. In
The research team demonstrated
that diamond nano-needles—about a
that the diamond nano-needles could
withstand before breaking.”
again under biosensing applications, the properties
of the diamond nano-needles could be
thousand times thinner than a strand of
human hair—can be bent and stretched
Prof Suresh and his collaborators
further showed that polycrystalline
different useful in magnetic resonance imaging or
nuclear magnetic resonance to achieve
before bouncing back to their original
state when pressure is removed.
diamond nano-needles, where each needle
comprises many nano-sized grains or
conditions even higher accuracy and resolution,
as well as three-dimensional images of
With a scanning electron microscope
‘video recording’ the process in real time,
crystals of diamond, can withstand a
reversible, elastic stretch of up to four
just to complex nanostructures and biomolecules.
“This work also demonstrates that
the team used a diamond probe to put
pressure on the sides of diamond nano-
percent before breaking.
“After two years of careful iterations
confirm what is usually not possible at the
macroscopic and microscopic scales
needles and measured how much each
needle could bend before it fractured. The
between simulations and real-time
experiments, we now know that the them.” can occur at the nanoscale, where the
entire specimen consists of only
team demonstrated up to nine percent deformed shape of a bent nano-needle is dozens or hundreds of atoms, and where
tensile stretch in single crystal diamonds. key to determining its maximum tensile NTU President the surface-to-volume ratio is large,”
Bulk diamond, in sizes easily visible strain achieved,” Dr Dao explained. “The Professor Subra Suresh said Prof Suresh.
Diamond nano-needles bending under pressure from a probe, with the maximum tensile strain being measured.
to the naked eye, would be expected controlled bending deformation also
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018
On Campus On Campus
14 15
NANOPARTICLES
(From left) Asst Prof Baskaran Mani, Assoc
Prof Murukeshan Vadakke Matham and Prof
Aung Tin showing off the GonioPEN.
SHED LIGHT ON SCARRING
S cientists at NTU Singapore, led by
Associate Professor Murukeshan
Vadakke Matham, director of NTU’s
Centre for Optical and Laser Engineering,
have invented a new pen camera that
S cientists led by Assistant Professor
Xu Chenjie from NTU’s School
of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
makes it easier for doctors to diagnose
have developed nanoparticles that allow
patients with glaucoma. The work was
one to ‘see’ what happens during wound
performed in collaboration with clinicians
healing and scarring.
from the Singapore Eye Research Institute
The nanoparticles carry DNA strands
(SERI), led by Executive Director Professor
attached to their surfaces, such that
Aung Tin.
they appear like spiky balls. Applied
Dubbed the GonioPEN, the camera
to closed wounds as a cream, they give
allows doctors or trained technicians to
off flurorescent light signals when they
capture more detailed images of the eye
AN EYE
interact with biomarkers produced by
drainage canal, with minimal contact
skin cells involved in scar formation.
at the side of the cornea. The images are
Thus, the detection of fluorescence tells
then analysed by computer programmes,
doctors and skin specialists that abnormal
which help eye specialists make diagnoses—
FOR DETAIL
scarring activity is taking place, allowing
important because different types of
them to take preventive action.
glaucoma will require different forms of
The researchers say that the new
treatment. Patents on the GonioPEN
method could also be used as a tool to
have been filed by NTUitive, NTU’s
monitor and analyse other skin diseases Asst Prof Xu Chenjie (centre) and his colleagues analysing skin images.
innovation and enterprise arm.
which conventionally require biopsies
for detection.
P
CREATING A
rofessor Gan Woon Seng,
Director for NTU Singapore’s
Centre for Infocomm Technology, has
S MRT Services and autonomous
vehicle company 2getthere are
joining forces with NTU Singapore to
developed a device that can reduce noise
deploy fully automated Group Rapid
QUIET PLACE
pollution entering buildings, even when
Transit (GRT) autonomous vehicles
the windows are wide open. The work was
on the NTU Smart Campus by 2019.
done in collaboration with researchers
The silent roadster, which uses
in Japan and the UK.
magnetic pellets on the road for
Designed to be mounted on window
autonomous navigation, has a top speed
grilles, the device uses active noise control
of 40 kilometres per hour and can ferry
technology—found in many high-end
50
24 passengers, with seating space for
headphones that cancel out external
eight. The new GRTs will be tested on
noise—adapted to work in a large open percent NTU’s campus in several phases, starting
area. The researchers showed that the reduction in from around the last quarter of 2018.
device could reduce noise from nearby
environments such as busy roads, train noise from: The trial will gradually be expanded
campus-wide.
tracks or from construction activities by
up to 50 percent. The various forms of mobility available on the NTU Smart Campus.
The research team is now working Busy roads
Top Speed: 40 km/h
USHERING IN A
to improve the device’s noise cancellation
efficiency so that it can be made smaller
and hence produced more cheaply. Train tracks Maximum capacity: 24
Prof Gan Woon Seng and the array of noise-
Construction
DRIVERLESS ERA passengers (8 seated, 16 standing)
cancelling devices developed by his lab.
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / may–jul 2018
spotlight
16
N
o one likes to fall sick. But when
illness strikes, doctors bear the
responsibility of restoring health.
It is a calling that requires not
just medical knowledge, but also skills such
as good communication and teamwork.
Training the next generation of doctors is
the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
(LKCMedicine), an institution that brings
together two world-class universities—
NTU Singapore and Imperial College
London—to transform medicine and meet
the healthcare needs of the 21st century.
The seeds of LKCMedicine were
planted more than a decade ago. In
January 2008, NTU commissioned a
feasibility study for the establishment of
a new medical school. Given Singapore’s
rapidly ageing population and evolving
healthcare needs, the plan received the
go-ahead; by October 2010, NTU and
Imperial College London had signed a
FROM
Collaboration Agreement to establish
LKCMedicine.
The school is named after the late
Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian (1893-
COURSE WORK
1967), a renowned business tycoon
and founder of the Lee Foundation, in
acknowledgement of the landmark gift
of S$150 million the Foundation made
to NTU in 2011 to support medical
education and research. LKCMedicine
opened its doors to its inaugural batch
of medical students in August 2013.
Five years on, the training wheels
have come off, and this first batch of 52
newly minted doctors are now making
their ward rounds at hospitals across
CLINIC
Singapore. NTULink caught up with
four of them to find out what they’ve
TO
been up to since leaving their alma mater.
LKCMedicine sends forth its first
batch of 52 doctors into the world
THE issue 102 / may–jul 2018spotlight
18
It’s important
ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE
THE LIFEBLOOD
The curriculum at LKCMedicine reminder to treat every patient as an
to treat every didn’t just focus on acquiring medical
knowledge, said Dr Delwyn Lim,
individual—with respect, dignity and
empathy,” he noted.
OF LEARNING patient as an currently a house officer at Tan Tock Seng
Hospital. For him, the communication
This mindset has served Dr Lim
well—he was able to gain direct admission
skills he picked up as a student were the into a residency programme under the
A fear of blood almost caused Dr Aishwarya
individual—with most valuable.
He recalled a clinical encounter
National Healthcare Group (NHG),
specialising in internal medicine. Typically,
Narayanan to take a detour away from medical
school. But she faced her phobia head on: respect, dignity session in his sophomore year where
a patient was invited to share about
doctors work for a year or two before
getting accepted into such programmes.
she signed up for a three-day attachment
at a hospital while she was still a student in
junior college, during which she witnessed
and empathy.” his experiences with doctors and the
healthcare system. “It brought us a fresh
“I’ve always been interested in internal
medicine, and I had good mentors in
perspective and allowed us to gain insights medical school who guided me along the
orthopaedic surgery being carried out.
about how a patient feels. The experience way and provided me with career advice. I
“I ended up seeing quite a lot of blood in
Dr Delwyn Lim has stayed with me and serves as a constant certainly hope I won’t disappoint!” he said.
the operating theatre, which somehow helped
me become immune to it,” she quipped.
As a house officer at KK Women’s and
Children’s Hospital, Dr Narayanan’s day consists
of ward rounds, attending to the needs of
patients already in the wards, and seeing newly
admitted ones—the bread-and-butter work
of fledgling doctors. Reflecting on her time
spent at LKCMedicine, she noted that the
most memorable lesson she picked up was
how to learn from her peers.
“The learning style at LKCMedicine
is not your typical lecture-tutorial format.
Instead, there was a lot of team-based learning,
where we go to class and have discussions on
topics and issues,” she explained. “There’s a
lot of teaching one another—sometimes you
understand one concept better than someone
else, and vice versa.”
The learning style
at LKCMedicine is not
your typical lecture-
tutorial format. Instead,
there was a lot of team-
based learning.”
Dr Aishwarya Narayanan
issue 102 / may–jul 2018spotlight
20
STRONGER TOGETHER
Although consultations with doctors are
often one-on-one sessions, a host of other
healthcare professionals works behind
the scenes to provide invaluable support.
Dr Claudia Tong, a house officer at Khoo
Teck Puat Hospital, acknowledged this,
stressing that teamwork was the most
important takeaway from her time at
LKCMedicine.
“I felt that collegiality and teamwork
were reinforced, which is very important
in medicine because you have to work
with co-house officers, allied health
officers and nurses. We need to know
how to be tactful and function as a team,”
she said.
Learning how medicine sometimes
fails, and how to deal with death, was
also important for Dr Tong. She recalled
how during one of her first weeks at
LKCMedicine—known as ‘hospital
week’—the consultant she was assigned
to led her and her course mates through
the morgue and the palliative care unit.
That was when she had the chance to
observe the bedside dynamics of a lady
on her deathbed.
“I thought that it was quite an
enlightening experience, and to me,
it brought out the human aspects of
medicine,” said Dr Tong.
In medicine,
you have to work
with co-house officers,
allied health officers
and nurses. We need
to know how to be
tactful and function
as a team.”
Dr Claudia Tong
issue 102 / may–jul 2018spotlight
22
You could be BRIEF TIMELINE: Harnessing
Health Insights
doing a good job 2008
With HELIOS
medically for your NTU commissions feasibility study for a new medical
school in Singapore
New discoveries are vital to the medical
profession. At LKCMedicine, a cadre of
scientists is seeking ways to improve
patients, but if they 2009 primary healthcare, population health and
global health.
do not feel that you NTU submits proposal to MOE for a new medical
school and commences discussions with Imperial
One key study is the Health for Life in
Singapore (HELIOS) Study, a partnership
College London
are communicating between LKCMedicine, National Healthcare
Group and Imperial College London aimed
2010
with them, it all
at determining the causes of common
A Collaboration Agreement is signed between NTU and diseases such as diabetes, heart attack
Imperial College London for the new medical school and stroke. The goal is to promote health
goes to naught.” and wellbeing, and ultimately deliver
2011 better healthcare to future generations
The Lee Foundation makes a landmark gift of S$150 in Singapore.
If you are an NTU alumnus and a
Dr Leon Tan million to the new medical school, which is named
Singapore citizen or permanent resident
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)
aged between 30 to 84 years, you are
invited to participate in the HELIOS study.
2012 This will involve visiting the study centre
The Toh Kian Chui Foundation donates S$20 million for three to four hours to complete the
to LKCMedicine following:
2013 • Answer some questions about yourself,
LKCMedicine admits its inaugural intake your dietary habits and your medical
A MELODY FOR LIFE 2014 •
history.
A range of health assessments,
Professor James Best is appointed as the first Resident including height, weight, blood
Dr Leon Tan also remembers the passion In the meantime, he hopes to keep pressure, bone health, eye
Dean of LKCMedicine
and dedication of the teachers and the LKCMedicine alumni a close-knit health, heart, lung and blood
mentors he met while at LKCMedicine. community. As the founding President of vessel functions.
This was especially true during their the LKCMedicine Alumni Association, 2015
Then-President of the Republic of Singapore Dr Tony • A collection of samples such
three-hour-long clinical communications he aims to organise gatherings for his
Tan Keng Yam graces the Foundation Stone Laying as blood, urine and saliva.
sessions, which involved five other medical peers to keep in touch with one another.
students and a qualified doctor. “It is rare to have an entire class Ceremony, during which a foundation stone is laid
at each site of the School’s dual campus. Later that After your visit is completed, you will
“At first you’re not used to people spend five years together like this, and
year, LKCMedicine moves into the Experimental receive a personalised health report at no
criticising the way you speak, the way you it will be nice to stay connected even as
Medicine Building at NTU’s main campus cost, and an opportunity to discuss the
sit, that kind of thing,” he admitted. But we go along different paths during our
results, if necessary, with a doctor. You will
the feedback really helped him become medical journey,” he said.
also receive a token of appreciation
a better communicator. “You could be Additionally, Dr Tan is looking to 2016 for your time.
doing a good job medically for your encourage alumni to donate towards The Clinical Sciences Building at LKCMedicine’s
patients, but if they do not feel that you meaningful school initiatives, such Novena campus is completed To make an appointment or to
are communicating with them, it all goes as community projects. “We are also
find out more, contact HELIOS
to naught.” looking for alumni to help organise
But ‘all work and no play’ is not clinical sessions and revision sessions
2017 at +65 6904 7077 or email
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean officially helios@ntu.edu.sg.
how Dr Tan would describe his time at for our juniors.”
opens LKCMedicine
LKCMedicine. He and Dr Lim played Because after all is said and done,
in ‘The Medicine Band’ and even modern medicine is built on a long
represented NTU at the National University history of deep knowledge and shared 2018
of Singapore’s Medicine Music Festival. experience, and this generation of LKCMedicine graduates its first batch of 52 doctors
Dr Tan continues to compose music, and doctors looks set to fly the LKCMedicine
hopes to produce his own record one day. flag up high.
issue 102 / may–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018people
24
P
ay a visit to Idsowe, a small village along the Tana River Opposite page
Mr Gabriel Teo with his ward, Salati Soye.
delta in Kenya, and you will find Garsen High School,
a public school offering quality, affordable education Top
to more than 800 students. The school represents the Mr Teo with a parent and student seeking partial sponsorship to enable
hard work and commitment of Malaysian-born Mr Gabriel
Teo Kian Chong, who has spent 23 years striving to improve
It’s about teaching people self- her to continue with her secondary education at a national school.
discovery—to recognise their
Middle
education in Tana River county. He speaks the local language— Tana River Life Foundation-sponsored medical student Ms Alice
Wahome conducting remedial classes during the school holidays for
strengths, their weaknesses
Kiswahili—like a native, and his interactions with Kenyans secondary school students at Emmaus Community Centre.
betray a simple truth: this man is no outsider, but a respected
Bottom
and their potential. This is all
member of the community. Mr Teo’s charitable efforts help 280 children from 14 villages around
Mr Teo admits that this was not life according to plan. Like Idsowe receive a quality, affordable education.
any fresh graduate out of university, his original aspirations were
to land a stable job and live a comfortable life. He had been an
excellent student (an ASEAN scholar, no less), and upon graduating
part of education.”
from NTU with a degree in accountancy in 1988, secured a
position at accounting firm Arthur Andersen almost immediately.
But before he started work, Mr Teo went on a graduation trip. founding of Garsen High School in 2004 and the Tana River
“The day after my final paper, I was on the plane,” Mr Life Foundation (TRLF) in 2005.
Teo told NTULink. “I spent a month in Europe, then nine But providing academic education was not Mr Teo’s only
months in Kenya.” Little did he know that this journey would focus. He felt that education should be holistic, encompassing
go on to shape his future into something very different from life skills and values.
what he had envisioned. “It’s about teaching people self-discovery—to recognise their
strengths, their weaknesses and their potential. This is all part of
education,” he explained. Hence, youth sponsored by TRLF must
AN ITCH THAT NEEDED TO complete a two-year community service stint, “so that if they go
BE SCRATCHED on to be successful, they continue being people of substance,
passionate and responsible to their society and to others”.
“That first stay in Kenya was off the beaten track. I stayed
with a group that was working in a very remote area with the
local community,” Mr Teo said, recalling that it was quite a GROWING THE SEEDS OF PROGRESS
shock to someone like him who was used to modern creature
comforts. Even clean water and basic healthcare were hard to Mr Teo’s strategy has borne fruit. One beneficiary, Mr Oscar
Building
come by for the villagers. “A lot of questions started coming Raha, who studied business IT in Malaysia on a scholarship,
up in my mind. I realised there were things that I didn’t know, returned to Idsowe to set up the TRLF IT lab at the Foundation’s
and maybe things that needed to be answered or explored.” Emmaus Community Centre. Mr Raha is also the county’s
He returned to Singapore in January 1989 and worked information and communications technology officer, and is
for Arthur Andersen for three years, then spent another two involved in computerising all the government ministries in
years with Sedco Forex, serving out a five-year bond. Tana River county.
people and
“I gave myself five years to determine whether that desire “I think this is a very good success story because it shows we
[to volunteer with the Kenyan community] was just a passing have nurtured someone who has not forgotten his community,”
feeling or something more real,” he said. But the calling of said Mr Teo.
community service never left him. In 1995, he resigned and Today, TRLF is run by Mr Teo together with 25 full-time
left for Kenya once more. staff and 20 volunteers, supporting hundreds of students
across the delta. The Foundation has also built the Emmaus
Community Centre and a school called the Delta Mustard
futures
GIVING HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION Seed Academy. Furthermore, TRLF is providing solar reading
lamps to primary school children to light up their homes in
Having benefitted from a good education himself, Mr Teo was rural villages off the national grid.
convinced that nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders Asked if there was anything that people can do to support
would make the biggest difference to the community in Idsowe. TRLF’s efforts, Mr Teo recommends what he did 23 years
“I think education is probably the most sustainable and ago—visit it and see for themselves.
cost-effective method to help people to help themselves, “If you want to do something that involves human lives,
because it can bring about a permanent change,” he said. So I think the first step is to try and be part of the community,
How a trip to Kenya in 1988 left Mr Gabriel Teo when the headmaster of a school in a village next to Idsowe to absorb the reality on the ground and to understand the
with an enduring desire to serve expressed a desire to start a public school that the families of situation better,” he said. “Once you understand what we are
Tana River county could afford, Mr Teo committed himself doing and why we are doing it, the question of ‘how can I
wholeheartedly to that mission. That eventually led to the contribute’ will answer itself.”
issue 102 / May–jul 2018 issue 102 / may–jul 2018people
26
“About ten years ago, I went down to Ngee Ann Kongsi “I think most people want to give back in varying degrees,
ready to make a contribution. There, I was told that they are but they don’t know how to,” he mused, recalling his own
a private charitable organisation, and they don’t take public experience. “I think that there should be more awareness on
On giving and
donations. It was quite a wake-up call. Here I was, wanting the channels by which one can support worthwhile causes.”
to give back, and yet I couldn’t!” At the same time, he thinks that students who may be
So he went back and did some soul-searching, rethinking struggling financially should be confident in their own abilities
his strategy of making ad-hoc donations. Speaking to close and forge on without fretting too much about their situation.
friends and family members about his intentions, he eventually “They should just focus on what is their core role at that
learnt of NTU’s endowment fund, a part of which is dedicated point in time and rest assured that everything else will fall into
towards supporting needy students through bursaries. place,” he said, suggesting that a good student is unlikely to
gratitude
In it, Mr Leow saw an opportunity for philanthropy through his encounter problems with securing scholarships. “We should
alma mater, allowing him to give in a more sustainable manner. have enough layers of support for people to turn to. But of
The Leow Joo Teng & Chang Choon Har bursary was thus course, people should not take things for granted.”
established at NTU. “My family was supportive of this move,” At the end of the day, Mr Leow hopes to see more deserving
said Mr Leow, adding that his wife, Madam Julie Chang, who people—especially those without connections and affluent
owns and manages the preschool group ‘Learning Kidz’, also backgrounds—succeed. He emphasised that upon entering
champions education. the working world, young people need to remain strong in
Initially, the couple had some qualms about having the moral character and resist the temptation to play up their
Having benefitted from financial
bursary awarded in their names—they had always been private connections.
assistance schemes in the past, people. “But at the end of the day, the important thing was “As they progress in their career, they should also feel the
alumnus Mr Victor Leow found a way to to focus on helping financially needy students across all need to return something to society. This way, I think we can
disciplines,” Mr Leow noted. create a society with more empathy,” he said.
pay it forward through his alma mater
While many students stand to benefit from the Leow Joo
Teng & Chang Choon Har bursary, Mr Leow feels that his
IGNITING FEARLESS AMBITION family is the greatest beneficiary. “We’re showing our children
that life is not just about working hard, being honest, growing
In Mr Leow’s opinion, an ideal society is one where hardworking, in intelligence, and building a career, but also about being
intelligent and sincere students should never have to worry about mindful and grateful for how you have benefitted from the
money. It is also one where those who have done well for themselves kindness of others.”
on the back of financial assistance choose to pay it forward.
I
n an affluent city state like Singapore, it is easy
to forget the less fortunate. But the needy in
society—especially children and the elderly—are
the ones that Mr Victor Leow Joo Teng, Managing Director
Singaporeans were raised under tight financial conditions, so
we were really no different from the others,” he said, adding
matter-of-factly that “we never thought of it as hardship, but
if you had the opportunity to progress, then you progress.”
“Life is not just about working hard,
being honest, growing in intelligence,
at an international bank, hopes to help. Since he graduated
and building a career, but also about
from Nanyang Business School in 1991, Mr Leow has been
a regular donor to charitable causes, prioritising education SUPPORT FOR THE NEEDY
and healthcare.
“Those donations started out very small when I first And progress he did. Mr Leow went to a neighbourhood school,
graduated,” Mr Leow said in an interview with NTULink.
He recalled having made his first cheque out to NTU a year
or two after he landed his first job at DBS Bank. But every
receiving support from the Ngee Ann Kongsi bursary. A prodigious
and hardworking student, his academic results qualified him to
study at Hwa Chong Junior College, then at NTU. Both times,
being mindful and grateful for how
you have benefitted from the kindness
drop makes an ocean, and Mr Leow was just happy to be able he earned himself Ngee Ann Kongsi scholarships to relieve his
to do his part. After all, he had been a beneficiary of financial parents’ burden of financing his education.
assistance himself. Feeling a tremendous sense of gratitude to the private
of others.”
His mother had been a seamstress, and his father, a shop philanthropic organisation that had sponsored him during
assistant. Together, they did not earn much, but they made sure his formative years, he decided to return the favour once he
that Mr Leow was able to attend school. “In that era, many was relatively stable in his career.
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018alumni perspective
28
BIG IDEAS,
NEW VENTURES
B
Top
eneath the glamour of success, family background, Dr Ong said that it her own beliefs rather than look to others (From left) Ms Esther Wang, Dr Tommy Ong
being a business owner takes grit was an overwhelming desire to change for validation, she said. and Mr Jeremy Lim sharing their views on
and hard work. But hardship never his own circumstances that motivated entrepreneurship.
deterred Dr Tommy Ong (MAE/2005, him to strike out on his own. Right
TIP/2006), Ms Esther Wang (ADM/2011) Igniting change was also what spurred DON’T OVERTHINK IT (From left) Ms Wang, Mr Lim and Dr Ong
and Mr Jeremy Lim (WKWSCI/2017) Ms Wang on to establish JoyTingle, a social with Mr Soon Min Yam, Director of NTU
Alumni Affairs.
from chasing their ambitions and starting enterprise start-up. While volunteering While ideas and inspiration drove Mr
their own companies. The trio shared at a children’s hospital, she noticed how Lim to found five start-ups, he noted and understanding, Ms Wang described
their experiences in entrepreneurship anxious children were when receiving that execution was the key determinant how good mentors have helped her
with some 80 alumni at the NTU treatment, and felt that something needed of success or failure. realise her vision, and Mr Lim said
Distinguished Alumni Forum, held to be done to alleviate their fears. “Ideas are easy to come by, but what that he works closely with a group of
on 12 April 2018 at the NTU Alumni “If I think I can solve a problem and makes the difference in this day and friends, who are also NTU alumni, in
House at one-north. I know I can do it better than anyone age is the execution of ideas,” he said. running some of his start-ups. At the
else, I’ll get started. So down the rabbit After defining the problem that needs end of the day, all three emphasised the
hole I went,” she said, recounting how solving, Mr Lim encouraged budding importance of savouring the process of
CHANGE STARTS she started designing and producing entrepreneurs to “do first, think later”. entrepreneurship, admitting that the
FROM WITHIN Rabbit Ray, a toy-like medical aid that “People don’t really know what they entrepreneur’s journey is tough but fun.
Kicking off the informal session was
not only calms down fearful children in
hospital settings, but also teaches them
need until they see it. Be resourceful, be
creative… but also be prepared to move
NTU alumni left the talk feeling
inspired. Mr Lye Rong Fang (NBS/2009)
Ideas are easy to come by, but
what makes the difference in this
Dr Ong, Founder and CEO of Resvenus about procedures such as vaccinations on,” he said, highlighting the importance picked up several lessons from the speakers.
Laboratories, an online retailer of cosmetic and intravenous drips. Rabbit Ray is of not clinging on to ideas that are losing “I learnt that if you see something
now used in hospitals in ten countries.
and skin care products. In 2013, he launched
a facial cream with Japanese partners; within In 2018, Ms Wang made it to Forbes’
30 Under 30-Healthcare list. Even so,
viability.
The speakers acknowledged that
important that needs to be changed,
you should take the initiative to make it day and age is the execution of ideas.”
six months, it had become the best-selling they would not have come so far happen. It takes courage to take the first
online premium beauty supplement in when pushing ahead with her mission, on their own. Dr Ong credited his leap, but as these distinguished alumni Entrepreneur
Singapore. Having come from a humble she makes it a point to be anchored by mother for her unwavering support have shown, there is a payoff.” Mr Jeremy Lim
issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018alumni connect
30
A
s China rises to prominence on
the global stage, the notion of
the Chinese dream has become a
powerful political rhetoric—a rallying
call to build a strong sense of belonging
and nationalistic fervour, and an anchor
to hold Chinese society together.
But what exactly is the Chinese dream?
Professor Alan Chan, NTU Vice President
(Alumni & Advancement), posed this
question to the audience at a Tête-a-Tête
session held at the NTU Alumni House Alumni were forthcoming with questions for
initiative should be viewed as a means
at Marina Square on 22 March 2018. Prof Chan. to enhance human relationships. He
More than 100 alumni had gathered also said that at a time when technology
to hear Prof Chan share his insights on is rapidly advancing, it is even more
Confucian values and the Chinese dream. CHICKEN SOUP FOR important to gel society together with
THE SOUL shared values.
How do we ensure that technology
does not overrun humanity? How do
OF VALUES AND However, one could argue that Confucian
ethics are no different from universal ideals, we make sure innovation is carried
VIRTUES out responsibly? When relationships
and therefore, should not be regarded as
unique to Confucianism. In response to are not just between humans, but also
Describing findings from surveys of the with machines, how will society adapt?
such arguments, Prof Chan applied the
Chinese population, Prof Chan gave These are some critical questions that
analogy of chicken soup.
alumni a glimpse of what mainland are surfacing, Prof Chan noted, and an
Chicken soup, he said, is not unique
Chinese think the Chinese dream is. ethical perspective is needed to steer
to Chinese cuisine—other cultures have
Some Chinese wanted the renminbi to humanity into the future.
it too. No two soups are exactly the same
be the only internationally recognised Alumni found Prof Chan’s discussion
or completely different; rather, they are
Prof Alan Chan, currency in the world. Others wished thought-provoking and informative. Ms
NTU Vice similar in some respects and different in
for free education. Chua Hui Zi (SBS/2011), a traditional
President (Alumni others. Thus, when it comes to sets of
& Advancement), But many, especially among the Chinese medicine (TCM) physician,
values, Prof Chan advised the audience
at the Tête-à-tête younger generations, wanted to be rid liked the analogy of the chicken soup
session, discussing to go over differences and similarities
of corrupt officials, contaminated food in the explanation of Confucian values.
Confucian ethics. with a fine-tooth comb, noticing how
and polluted air. What became apparent “The ideas of Confucian ethics
particular virtues may take on diverse
was a prevailing sense of discontent in and harmony raised during the session
forms of expression depending on the
Chinese society. resonated with me and my practice of
geographical context.
“Yet, behind every complaint, there TCM,” she said.
“You can have the individual
is an implied desire and value. It’s not
A PHILOSOPHY
ingredients, but when you put them
what you want to see on the streets of
together, you get the chicken soup’s
Beijing every day, but rather, something
unique flavour,” he said, emphasising
that is nobler; something that is more
that when components are combined
human,” said Prof Chan.
correctly, there is harmony, be it in terms
Prof Chan also spoke about Confucian
values and how they are still relevant
of taste or in terms of social compact. “One could say
today. He used the example of filial piety
“So, one could say that Confucian ethics that Confucian
are universal values embedded in a specific
ethics are
FOR THE TIMES
(xiao) to highlight how Confucianism
cultural complex.”
transforms basic sociological and biological universal values
relationships into ethical relationships,
beginning with the family as a core unit embedded
of society. MORE RELEVANT NOW in a specific
“When you combine filial piety with THAN EVER cultural complex.”
the value of being humane (ren), and the
value of conducting oneself in a rightful Recounting a presentation he made at a
manner (yi), these three values together conference on China’s ‘One Belt, One
transform the whole network of human Road’ initiative, Prof Chan alluded to
relationships,” said Prof Chan. Confucian values, advocating that the
issue 102 / may–jul 2018 issue 102 / MAY–jul 2018You can also read
