Geriatrician-scientist from NUS Medicine conferred Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2024
Published: 05 Jun 2024
Dr Vanda Ho, recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship 2024
On 30 May 2024, the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship was awarded to Dr Vanda Ho, a PhD student at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programmes at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine). She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Clinical Investigation from NUS Medicine. She is also Associate Consultant in the Division of Geriatric Medicine under the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH).
Dr Vanda Ho receiving the award from Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
Recognised for her significant contributions in the field of geriatric medicine, and her recent work in immunology, Dr Ho is among six outstanding candidates who were awarded the scholarship, which was set up in 1991 by the Tanjong Pagar Citizens’ Consultative Committee in commemoration of the significant contributions made by Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. Funded by donations from the public and awarded to exceptional individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of commitment to serve Singapore and Singaporeans, the scholarship will support the recipients’ postgraduate studies.
While she was pursuing her NUS Masters as a recipient of the National Medical Research Council Research Training Fellowship, she formed a multi-disciplinary team of immunologists, infectious disease specialists, and gut microbiome experts to study different aspects of the age-differentiated immune response to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. As a geriatrician, Dr Ho is leading the service planning for a geriatric medicine perioperative outpatient clinic, which will address the unique challenges older adults face pre- and post-surgery. She was involved in national initiatives such as the National Falls Roundtable and the Health District @ Queenstown collaboration led by HDB, NUHS and NUS, which looks into promoting healthy longevity among Singaporeans of all ages.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Dr Ho has demonstrated commitment and dedication with her involvement in community volunteer initiatives, including patient care at St Joseph’s Home, community health screening and overseas community projects. In recognition of her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Ho was awarded the COVID-19 Resilience Medal. For her dedication to passing the torch through education, she also received the NUS Medicine Great Teacher Award.
Dr Ho said, “I am honoured to be awarded the scholarship, and will continue working towards enhancing the lives of older adults in Singapore. As a clinician-scientist, I strive to continually improve as a doctor for my patients, and pioneer interventions from my research work that can make a meaningful impact on the population.”
