Meet Our Awardees

Virtual Gallery

View in Full Screen for Optimal Experience

[Virtual Gallery]

Journey Stories

Lim Si Qi

Principal Physiotherapist

My passion lies in pursuing a career in the healthcare sector, as it offers the opportunity to engage with diverse individuals whilst making a meaningful difference in their lives. I specifically chose physiotherapy because it focuses on enhancing patients’ mobility and functional capabilities. Given Singapore’s ageing demographics, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals is set to rise significantly. While numerous employment opportunities are available, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) stands out as my preferred choice. During my tenure at SGH, I have been fortunate to gain exposure to a diverse range of specialties, which has greatly enhanced my clinical expertise. The hospital has provided me with abundant training opportunities, even supporting my pursuit of a master’s degree. I find immense satisfaction in pursuing my passion, particularly with the unwavering support of my department.

Sponsored for:

• Master of Gerontology, Singapore University of Social Science
• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (Degree Conversion), Singapore Institute of Technology
• Diploma in Physiotherapy, Nanyang Polytechnic

Sin Irene
Senior Nurse Clinician (APN)

After an unfulfilling first job as an assistant credit control executive, I joined the Singapore Prison Service as a Senior Prison Officer. I enjoyed the 4-year stint and learnt a lot from the job but still felt something was missing. In 2003, I chanced upon an advertisement about Nanyang Polytechnic’s Accelerated Nursing Programme and went for the talk. After the talk and much thought, I decided to enrol in the programme. I was still looking out as I wanted a rewarding opportunity that could make a difference in someone’s life. The Accelerated Diploma programme gave me the opportunity for a career switch.

Nursing grew on me. I found my niche. I enjoy patient interaction as I get to experience making a difference. Feedback is very immediate. It adds meaning to my life, and I add meaning to the lives of others. It’s a joy when patients remember you as the nurse who cared for them. This solidified my passion for nursing. At SGH, there are many opportunities for advancement. It has given me so much professional and personal growth. I get to train for a job I enjoy! Now, I have a deeper understanding of my patients’ conditions and a much wider knowledge base to draw upon when I consider their care. Besides opening doors for my career, the sponsorship provided opportunities for many rich and valuable experiences. At the different courses, I learn from and network with nurses from other disciplines/institutions.

The first challenge I face as a Nurse is staying current as knowledge is growing exponentially. Care is transforming and shifting. The nursing profession must keep pace with such developments to ensure the continued delivery of high quality, safe, and effective patient care. However, with the rapid advances in healthcare, none of us will have the capability to know everything. One important skill we will need will be the ability to go out to get the right knowledge for the right purpose at the right time. The second challenge is the increasingly complex practice environment. The patient-care environment is becoming increasingly complex with a growing population of patients who are older and more acutely ill. Patients are more educated and have high expectations of nurses. There is a need for nurses today to be highly trained, well-educated, critical thinkers to enable them to make complex clinical decisions and take on newly expanded roles.

Sponsored for:

• Currently pursuing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Duke University School of Nursing
• Master of Nursing, National University of Singapore
• Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Curtin Singapore
• Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Neuroscience), Nanyang Polytechnic
• Diploma in Nursing (Accelerated), Nanyang Polytechnic

Dr Ooi Chin Chin
Snr Principal Radiographer I (Research)
Head, Radiography

When I was awarded the scholarship to pursue my PhD, little did I know it would become a transformative journey that would not only reshape my professional career but also open doors to innovative research opportunities and leadership roles in healthcare. My research has focused on advancing clinical applications of ultrasound elastography in musculoskeletal diagnostics. This work has led to significant contributions in the field, resulting in over 30 peer-reviewed publications and attracting several successful competitive grant acquisitions. The research outcomes have not only enhanced diagnostic accuracy in musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging but also contributed to establishing evidence-based protocols in clinical practice.

Building on this foundation, I serve as Vice Chair for Programme Accreditation at the College of Allied Health, collaborating with the Chair and Deputy Chair to develop robust accreditation frameworks across allied health disciplines. As an Associate Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), I have spearheaded curriculum design and pedagogy to enhance applied learning for ultrasound practitioners, while conducting numerous continuing education and training workshops in collaboration with clinical and industry partners as well as international experts.

I also serve as an International Advisory Committee member for Radiography Journal and as a mentor in the Allied Health Research Mentoring Programme, actively fostering the growth of emerging researchers and contributing to advancing radiography scholarship. What began as a research journey has evolved into a multifaceted career focused on elevating education, strengthening clinical practice, and driving professional development. I remain deeply grateful to SGH for its unwavering support and the invaluable opportunities that have shaped my professional journey.

Sponsored for:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University
• Advanced Diploma in Sonography, Nanyang Polytechnic
• Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography, Nanyang Polytechnic

Joanna Phone Ko
Nurse Clinician I (APN)

I received my first scholarship from SGH in 2008 when I was with the pioneer batch of local degree nurses from the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies at the National University of Singapore. I began my nursing career in 2009.

The more experience I gained in my career as a nurse, the more I wanted to further my education so that I could practice at an even higher level. SGH was ready to support me all the way, and in May 2015, I left for Philadelphia to pursue my Master of Nursing programme at the University of Pennsylvania. I have been an Acute Care Advanced Practice Nurse in the SGH Medical ICU since 2017.

SGH has truly given me many opportunities to progress in my career and professional development. Currently, my main clinical role involves leading the SGH MICU Acute Response Team (SMART) in triaging and stabilizing critically ill patients in the general ward. I also work closely with the medical team in managing patients admitted to the Medical ICU.

I am passionate about teaching and mentoring and have been given several clinical preceptor and mentor portfolios for different groups of learners, including Advanced Practice Nurse interns, Resident Nurse interns, and NUS Master of Nursing students. I also participate actively in research and quality improvement and have collaborated with fellow healthcare colleagues on several publications and workgroups related to ICU and critical care management and medical humanities. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) studies at Duke University, and I look forward to taking my contribution and leadership to the next level in this organization.

Sponsored for:

• Currently pursuing Doctor of Nursing Practice, Duke University School of Nursing
• Master in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programme, University of Pennsylvania, United States
• Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing), National University of Singapore

Kala Adaikan
Head, Dietetics

I had a keen interest in pursuing higher learning in my special area of interest: the management of diabetes. The scholarship opportunity served as an excellent platform to update myself on the latest developments in patient care, treatment and research methodologies in this field. Not only did it help me enhance my skills as a clinical dietitian, but I also developed expertise in the advanced nutrition management of young adults with diabetes requiring intensive insulin management and insulin pump therapy. It has made me a better educator by enabling me to develop extensive nutrition care plans for various subspecialties in diabetes for advanced care and practice.

The opportunity to pursue my master’s degree was a stepping stone, enabling me to become an essential member of the pioneering multidisciplinary team—the first in Asia to be accredited to offer and conduct the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) course as a facilitator and trainer in Singapore.

Additionally, it has given me the opportunity to work alongside other healthcare professionals as a member of national workgroups for diabetes and provide valuable input in the development of guidelines.

I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge in my special area of interest, and to contribute to the betterment of patient care.

Thank you SGH!

Sponsored for:

• Masters in Diabetes, The University of Warwick, United Kingdom

Shi Zeshen Clinton
Senior Medical Social Worker (Clinical)

I took a social work module in my first year at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During that module, the school arranged for Medical Social Workers to share their on-the-job experiences. Their passion and zeal proved infectious, and I found my calling in their profession. I received the SGH Scholarship in 2010 and was assigned a very experienced Senior Medical Social Worker as my mentor. He was passionate about his work and was a source of inspiration for me during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

It's a privilege to be journeying with patients through their illnesses. I’m thankful for the chance to witness human resilience every day. My profession has taught me to appreciate life and live it to the fullest.

Sponsored for:

• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Social Work, National University of Singapore