Dr Kathy Zhang's journey of curiosity and purposeful learning
Published: 20 Jul 2026
Dr Kathy Zhang, valedictorian for the Master of Science for Applied Biomedicine 2026 at NUS Medicine.
When Dr Kathy Zhang completed her Doctorate in Business Administration at Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University (SMU), in 2023, she could have considered her academic journey complete. Instead, she set her sights on an entirely different discipline: biomedicine.
At 56, Dr Zhang is the oldest graduate of the Master of Science for Applied Biomedicine programme at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), to date. Yet what defines her journey is not her age, but an enduring curiosity that has led her across disciplines, from business and entrepreneurship to biomedical science.
Dr Zhang’s interest in biomedicine began with a deeply personal experience. In 2023, a close friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away after more than a year of treatment. As she sought to better understand the disease, conversations with former classmates from Beijing Medical University, now the Medical School of Peking University, introduced her to developments in cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine. The experience opened her eyes to the complexity of cancer and rekindled her interest in the sciences she had studied during her undergraduate years reading Pharmacy and Chemistry.
At the same time, completing her doctorate reinforced her belief that learning remains both possible and rewarding at any stage of life. Encouraged by Professor Kevin Tan, Vice-Dean (Graduate Studies) and Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS Medicine, and Professor Jason Yap, Vice-Dean (Practice) of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, she enrolled in the Master of Science for Applied Biomedicine programme to deepen her medical literacy and explore ways to contribute to healthier ageing.
Dr Kathy Zhang (front row, middle in white jacket) with Dr Png Chin Wen (second row, middle in black), Department of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS Medicine, and her classmates from the Applied Immunology module, 2024.
Returning to the classroom proved to be an enriching experience for Dr Zhang. She enjoyed engaging discussions with classmates and faculty members who challenged students to think beyond conventional boundaries. One particularly memorable experience occurred during the Microbiome–Ageing–Immunity Crosstalk module, where Dr Png Chin Wen, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at NUS Medicine, encouraged her project team to explore bioinformatics tools beyond the course requirements. This introduced Dr Zhang to “R”, a programming language used for statistical computing and data analysis, a skill she has since incorporated into her own teaching at SMU.
She also found herself increasingly drawn to vaccinology, immunotherapy and the science of ageing, particularly biological ageing clocks, which led to a new venture called BioAge Connect. Dr Zhang’s experience in business, venture capital and academia has allowed her to connect scientific innovation with real-world application. She highlighted how learning in one field can create unexpected opportunities in another.
Starting August 2026, she will return to the programme as a Senior Adjunct Lecturer, co-teaching the Biomedical Innovation and Enterprise module.
“To me, teaching is one of the best ways to continue learning. It creates a meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas, keeps one connected to the forefront of change, and offers the opportunity to help students navigate their own journey,” Dr Zhang shared. She hopes to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the confidence to pursue ideas that can create meaningful impact.
Dr Kathy Zhang (middle, front row in blue) with her course mates for a post-graduation lunch gathering on 30 April 2026.
Being curious has been part and parcel of life for Dr Zhang. Inspired by her parents, both accomplished academics, she continues to seek new knowledge and perspectives wherever they may lead. Her advice to others considering a return to education is simple: it is never too late to explore something that genuinely interests you.
For Dr Zhang, learning is about living with purpose, embracing new possibilities and remaining open to growth. Her journey serves as a reminder that curiosity can open doors to unexpected opportunities, no matter where in life they appear.
