Duke-NUS celebrates trailblazing faculty with first-ever Distinguished Professorships Ceremony

In a vibrant ceremony filled with anticipation and gratitude, Duke-NUS honoured an outstanding group of faculty at its inaugural Distinguished Professor Recognition Ceremony. Held on Friday, 17 January, at the Khoo Teck Puat building, the event showcased the School’s commitment to excellence during its landmark 20th anniversary year.

With hues of blue and pink transforming the Duke-NUS Atrium, distinguished guests from the School, the National University of Singapore and SingHealth gathered to celebrate exceptional faculty from Duke-NUS and the AMC who have been awarded distinguished and faculty professorships.

After welcoming the 70 guests, Duke-NUS Dean Professor Thomas Coffman highlighted the significance of the event: “This is the first time that we formally assemble to honour this incredible group of distinguished professors, and while this event arguably is a bit overdue, I believe it is particularly fitting that we launch this event during the milestone year for Duke-NUS…our 20th anniversary.”

Duke-NUS Dean Prof Thomas Coffman delivers his welcome remarks

Vice-Dean for Academic Medicine Clin Assoc Prof Chow Wan Cheng delivers her celebratory remarks

Established in partnership with donors, the Distinguished Professorships represent the highest appointment bestowed by the School.

Since their inception in 2010, out of the 25 professorships that have been established, 19 have been awarded to facultyfrom nine academic clinical programmes spanning medicine, surgery, cardiovascular sciences, oncology, ophthalmology and obstetrics, as well as from the School’s signature research programmes.

Among the distinguished professorships, several are named after luminaries in medicine and philanthropy—including Professors Foo Keong Tatt, Goh Hak Su and Tan Yew Oo, Mr Lee Hoo Leng and Professor Lee Seng Teik.

“The named professorships are not only appropriate in honouring what you have done for all of us, but it also serves as an inspiration to the young (junior clinicians) by their association with yourself,” said Vice-Dean for Academic Medicine, Clinical Associate Professor Chow Wan Cheng, as she thanked the donors during her speech.

A close-up of the awards

Arthur Lim Professor in Ophthalmology Gemmy Cheung receives her special token from NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye

Newly appointed Tanoto Foundation Professor of Diabetes Research Prof Wang Yibin (left) receives his special token from Duke-NUS Governing Board Chair, Mr Goh Yew Lin

After an inspirational video featuring awardees from over the years, the spotlight remained on the recipients as they were invited onstage to receive a special token. The tokens were bestowed by Guest-of-Honour NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Duke-NUS Governing Board Chair Mr Goh Yew Lin.

Each token featured the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of healing and medicine, which was elegantly encased within a crystal-clear shell.

“You really are the rock stars of our AMC and I hope…and I know…that you will continue to give back as mentors, advisors and shining lights…enhancing and expanding our academic culture. I look forward to your contributions,” added Prof Coffman as he congratulated the distinguished professors.

In addition to honouring current awardees, the event also recognised the contributions of past recipients as well as the first recipient of a faculty professorship. Created to complement the distinguished professorships, the School has established five faculty professorships that will be awarded to outstanding mid- and early-career faculty with exceptional potential.

Distinguished professorship recipients, both past and present, share the stage for a group photo with senior leaders and stakeholders from Duke-NUS and SingHealth

To empower aspiring young clinicians and faculty on their academic medicine journey, attendees at the event were also invited to “plant a seed” of advice and wisdom at the AMC Tree of Wisdom.

To cap the celebrations, guests were treated to a scrumptious dinner, while members of the Duke-NUS Music Student Interest group delighted with a lively performance of contemporary tunes.

Emcee for the evening, Associate Professor Grace Yang

Members from the Duke-NUS Music Student Interest Group performing on stage

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Duke-NUS celebrates trailblazing faculty with first-ever Distinguished Professorships Ceremony

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