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Reimagining Healthcare: NUS Medicine Showcases the Future of Medical Innovations
Dr Alexander Ng (far left), A/Prof Dinesh Kumar Srinivasan (third from left) and Adj Prof Lau Tang Ching (fourth from left), with the HealthX Team
At the Centre for Healthcare Simulation (CHS) at NUS Medicine, a celebration of innovation brought together a community of clinicians, researchers, educators and partners from across NUS and the wider healthcare ecosystem, to honour the pioneering spirit that drives technological advancement in medicine today.
Titled ‘Celebrating Innovation and Emerging Technologies’, the closed-door evening event held on 16 July 2025 spotlighted how creativity, data, and digital tools are reimagining the way we care, teach, and heal.
A highlight of the event was a showcase of promising medtech and innovation projects presented by Dr Alexander Ng from CHS’ Developing Technologies & Innovation (DTI) division, in collaboration with Associate Prof Yen Ching Chiuan from the Division of Industrial Design and Associate Prof Dinesh Kumar Srinivasan from HealthX. These projects, developed by undergraduate students from NUS Medicine and the Division of Industrial Design at the College of Design and Engineering, reinforced the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing patient care, medical education and research.
The event served not only as a stage for promising research and cutting-edge tools, but also a platform for discussion and exchange across disciplines. This opportunity underscored the vital role of collaboration and partnership in advancing patient care, medical education and research.
Ready for the future of Medicine
In his opening address, Guest of Honour Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean of NUS Medicine, reaffirmed the School’s commitment to a future of healthcare that is smarter, more digital, and deeply integrated with emerging technologies. He highlighted the growing role of telemedicine, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming healthcare systems, alongside the vast yet underutilised potential of health data.
Guest of Honour Prof Chong Yap Seng, Dean of NUS Medicine, giving his opening remarks
Recognising the importance of a strong partnership with NUS Medicine, Guest of Honour Prof Aymeric Lim, Chief Executive Officer of National University Hospital, highlighted how shared knowledge and diverse perspectives are essential to tackle global health challenges and ensure that technological advancements benefit all populations.
In harnessing these digital opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to this future, NUS Medicine became the first medical school globally in 2023 to implement a compulsory Minor in Health Data Science and AI for all medical students. Led by Prof Ngiam Kee Yuan, the programme recently received a S$125 million white space grant to launch SIMFONI, a national platform that will apply AI to improve clinical decision-making, disease modelling, and healthcare delivery.
Spotlight on Innovation: HealthX
HealthX is a student-led healthcare innovation club that brings together students from medicine, engineering, business, computing, and related disciplines to collaboratively solve real-world healthcare challenges. At the event, five HealthX booths showcased medical device innovations developed by interdisciplinary teams of medical and design undergraduates, working in close collaboration with clinicians and supported by the CHS Developing Technologies & Innovation team.
Prof Aymeric Lim, Chief Executive Officer, National University Hospital, was introduced to 3D printed simulators developed by CHS-DTI
These projects tackled real clinical challenges, such as managing nosebleeds with Cautris, to SecureDrain, a device to reduce the risk of thoracic drain dislodgement. Each prototype was grounded in real hospital practice and designed to improve both patient outcomes and clinician workflows. For many participants, this marks the beginning of a promising journey into the world of medtech entrepreneurship, with several teams already in discussions for follow-up grants, scholarships, and further development.
Showcasing Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations
In addition to HealthX, other partners demonstrated the potential of technology and design in reshaping healthcare education and practice.
The NUS CUTE (Connective Ubiquitous Technology for Embodiments) Centre, led by Prof Yen Ching-Chiuan, showcased collaborative projects with NUH and other healthcare professionals, highlighting technological innovations such as simulator models and affordable nursing mannequins. The team also demonstrated immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions, including a realistic digital twin of the hospital, to enhance staff training and integration.
The NUS Centre for Additive Manufacturing (AM.NUS) amazed guests with 3D-printed medical models of exceptional realism. Their rapid prototyping capabilities have helped transform abstract ideas into tangible teaching aids, supporting both undergraduate education and continuing medical training.
On the Horizon
Recognising that healthcare innovation demands practical expertise, a variety of courses have been introduced by NUS CHS-DTI to build core competencies in areas like simulator development, integrating innovative design into medical education and using tools like virtual reality and 3D printing to enhance medical education. To further boost internal capabilities, NUS CHS-DTI also offers internal training to ensure staff and educators remain at the forefront of simulation-based education and rapid prototyping.
Attendees of “Celebrating Innovation and Emerging Technologies”, an event to showcase medtech innovations, held on 16 July and organised by the Centre for Healthcare Simulation
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, such events reflect NUS Medicine’s deep commitment to shaping the future through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge education, and purposeful innovation. By nurturing a culture of continuous learning and technical fluency, NUS Medicine ensures its students, educators, and partners are empowered to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world.
To grow the future of healthcare and medical education, from Medtech ideas to healthcare teaching solutions, the CHS-DTI team welcomes collaborations to develop ideas. Refer to the poster below for more information.
