Celebrating Excellence in Pathology: Promotions of Professors Tan Soo Yong and Ng Siok Bian
Published: 05 Sep 2025
Prof Tan Soo Yong (left) and Prof Ng Siok Bian(right)
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Professor Tan Soo Yong and Professor Ng Siok Bian to the rank of full Professor in the Department of Pathology, NUS Medicine. Their achievements as clinicians, educators, and researchers exemplify the highest standards of academic medicine and reflect their lasting contributions to the field of pathology, both in Singapore and internationally.
Professor Tan Soo Yong
Professor Tan Soo Yong currently serves as a Senior Consultant in the Department of Pathology at the National University Hospital (NUH) and as Research Director at the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB). He has also held leadership positions as Group Chief of Pathology at the National University Health System (NUHS), and as Head of the Department of Pathology at NUH and NUS Medicine.
An inspiring educator, Prof Tan has shaped the future of pathology through initiatives such as the Pathology Training Program in Myanmar and an online Haematopathology Course, alongside his instrumental role in developing Singapore’s Pathology Residency Programme. His teaching excellence has been recognised through multiple teaching awards and the MOH Long Service Award.
In research, Prof Tan is internationally recognised for advancing the understanding of lymphoma pathology, particularly intestinal T-cell lymphomas. His work has redefined disease classification and informed the development of affordable diagnostic tools. His expertise is reflected in his contributions to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Skin, Gastrointestinal, and Haematolymphoid Systems.
Clinically, Prof Tan is a trusted authority in diagnosing complex lymphoma cases, attracting referrals both locally and internationally. Beyond clinical and academic commitments, he has contributed extensively in advisory and administrative roles, serving as Expert Advisor for the Ministry of Health, Chair of the Singapore Food Toxicology Network, and Advisor to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority under the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP). His leadership and impact have been recognised with honours such as the Distinguished Senior Clinician Award and the Public Administration Medal (Bronze).
Professor Ng Siok Bian
Professor Ng Siok Bian is a leading expert in haematolymphoid pathology, with internationally recognised expertise in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV-TNK-LPD). Her pioneering research has uncovered key molecular signatures and oncogenic pathways in Extranodal NK/T-cell Lymphoma (ENKTL), leading to the identification of novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and the characterisation of a new lymphoma entity: EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma.
Prof Ng plays a pivotal role in advancing research at NUS. She is an Associate Investigator at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, an active member of the NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), and Principal Investigator on multiple major research grants, including the theme lead PI of the SYMPHONY 2.0 Large Collaborative Grant in 2024. Her scientific leadership has been recognised with several National Medical Research Council (NMRC) awards, most notably the Clinician Scientist Award – Senior Investigator in 2022.
Internationally, Prof Ng is a sought-after speaker and collaborator. She has presented at leading international conferences and contributed to multiple editions of the WHO Classification of Tumours series. Recently elected to the International Lymphoma Study Group, she continues to shape global understanding of EBV-associated lymphomas.
Her institutional and national contributions are equally significant. Since 2015, she has served as Research Director in the Department of Pathology and has held key roles in NUHS committees, national research governance, and academic journal and grant reviews. Clinically, Prof Ng is recognised for advancing diagnostic precision, having expanded haematolymphoid diagnostic services across NUH and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and introduced essential molecular pathology tests at the Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Centre.
Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition of their accomplishments.
