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Curiosity, courage, collaboration, commitment: Strengthening global health through regional partnerships

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  4. Curiosity, courage, collaboration, commitment: Strengthening global health through regional partnerships

In today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, Curiosity, Courage, Collaboration, and Commitment—the four Cs championed by Professor Ivy Ng Swee Lian, Senior Advisor of SingHealth—are more crucial than ever in driving global health progress.

A prime example of these values in action is the launch of our new Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) in Hanoi, Vietnam, in partnership with Hanoi Medical University (HMU).

This marks our third RCC, following successful launches in Medan, Indonesia, and Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Each centre stands as a testament to the power of cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.

Hanoi RCC Group Photo
Leaders from Hanoi Medical University, SingHealth and Duke-NUS Medical School at the MoU signing.


A strong and enduring partnership with Vietnam 

Our collaboration with Vietnam spans many years, reflecting a deep and sustained commitment to advancing healthcare. In Non-Communicable Diseases & COVID-19 Impact – SDGHI partnered with the Hanoi University of Public Health and the Health Strategy and Policy Institute to examine access to hypertension treatment in urban Vietnam and the pandemic’s impact on chronic disease management.

Assistant Professor Anne-Claire Stona
In Mental Health: Assistant Professor Anne-Claire from SDGHI and Prof. Thanh Huong Tran Thi from HMU are co-leading a research grant focused on adolescent mental health and family well-being in Vietnam.
Assistant Professor Vincent Pang
In Climate Change & Health: Assistant Professor Vincent Pang (SDGHI) and Assistant REsearch Professor Christine Gray (Duke University) are working with Dr. Hoàng Bùi Hải (HMU Hospital) on a research grant exploring the links between climate change, infectious diseases and mental health.  
Professor Paul Pronyk breaks down pathogen surveillance.
In Pathogen Surveillance: Professor Paul Pronyk, together with Associate Professor Hoang Thi Hai Van (HMU) and Dr. Vu Mai Phuong Hoang (National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Vietnam), has applied for an international grant to enhance Vietnam’s pathogen genomics surveillance capacity.  

These initiatives underscore a long-standing commitment to capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and research-driven impact. 


Unlocking impact: the role of the RCC 

Our experience in Medan and Jaffna has demonstrated how RCCs drive health system improvements, research collaborations, and professional exchanges across disciplines, including public health, dentistry, and nursing. 

The Hanoi RCC further strengthens Vietnam-Singapore healthcare cooperation, fostering deeper engagement in regional health resilience. The Jaffna RCC, for example, has already contributed to advancements in trauma care, cancer research, and neuroscience, illustrating the tangible impact of such partnerships. 

Strengthening our global health mission, together


The launch of the Hanoi RCC was a powerful moment, bringing together in Hanoi, Vietnam, not only key leadership from both SingHealth and Duke-NUS but also flying in RCC leads from Jaffna and Medan— Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Jaffna University - Sri Lanka RCC, as well as Dr. Inke Nadia D. Lubis, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera  - Indonesia RCC—in a shared commitment to expanding the network, scaling impact, and improving health systems across the region. 



Professor Ivy Ng Swee Lian, Senior Advisor of SingHealth, shares key healthcare principles with the audience at the Hanoi RCC launch.
Professor Ivy Ng Swee Lian, Senior Advisor of SingHealth, shares key healthcare principles with the audience at the Hanoi RCC launch.

Looking ahead: The power of the four Cs 

We are deeply grateful to our partners Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), the University of Jaffna and now the Hanoi Medical University (HMU) for their trust in us. 

With the Hanoi RCC now established, we look forward to deepening partnerships, accelerating research, and strengthening health resilience across Asia. 

At the launch, Professor Ivy Ng Swee Lian, Senior Advisor of SingHealth, reminded us of the four Cs—Curiosity, Courage, Collaboration, and Commitment—as guiding principles for our work. 

As we build upon this momentum, these values will continue to shape our efforts, ensuring that we remain bold, collaborative, and unwavering in our dedication to global health equity. 




Find out more about our regional presence here. 

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