NUS Medicine launches VK Rajah Professorship in Medical Ethics

Published: 18 Nov 2024

Credit: Mr VK Rajah SC

On 15 Nov 2024, the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) announced the establishment of the VK Rajah Professorship in Medical Ethics in a tribute to the former Attorney-General and Judge of Appeal, whose judicial decisions have been cited by various courts in common law jurisdictions and published in many international law journals.

The Professorship aims to advance the study and practice of medical ethics, a field of growing significance in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. An NUS alumnus, Mr VK Rajah SC is renowned for his significant role in transforming Singapore’s legal landscape.

His extensive career has led him to engage with ethical considerations in various capacities. He served as Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann, Southeast Asia’s largest law firm, from 1987 to 2003. In 2004, he was appointed a High Court Judge, followed by his elevation to Judge of Appeal in 2007. In 2014, he became Attorney General. He also held a directorship at the Monetary Authority of Singapore from 2015 to 2020. Since 2019, Mr Rajah SC has been Chairman of Singapore’s Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data.

During his tenure as Attorney-General and a Judge, his legal writings covered constitutional law, civil rights, justice reforms, and ethics. A central theme of Mr Rajah SC’s work has been upholding legal and ethical standards in the professions and commerce. His career embodies a deep respect for the rule of law, emphasising equal application of laws while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

When he retired from public service in 2017, then Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong in a valedictory letter noted, “In every appointment, you have carried out your duties with dynamism and commitment. You have improved our legal system, and made a difference to future generations of lawyers.”

Mr Rajah SC said of the Professorship, “I am truly honoured to have a professorship in medical ethics established in my recognition and to be associated with the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. This distinction also reflects the invaluable contributions of many colleagues and mentors who have shaped my journey. Upholding the highest standards of medical ethics is crucial for all in Singapore. Given that sound ethical guidelines protect research subjects and support equitable resource allocation, they also serve to consolidate trust in the healthcare system. In an era of rapid medical advancements, ethical decision-making ensures the preservation of human dignity, the protection of patient rights, and unwavering confidence in the integrity and capability of the medical profession.”

The latest in a series launched to recognise outstanding Singaporeans, the VK Rajah Professorship in Medical Ethics will be vested at NUS Medicine and will catalyse the formation of partnerships with experts from various disciplines to address ethical medical practice and other challenges of the day, and spur important discourse to improve the practice of healthcare to serve the population in Singapore and beyond.

Professor Chong Yap Seng, Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine, Dean of NUS Medicine, said, “The Professorship will build on Mr Rajah SC’s contributions by advancing ethical discourse and education in healthcare. Medical ethics is essential in helping healthcare professionals navigate complex moral dilemmas, and foster trust and accountability within the system. Through this professorship, we aim to promote ethical medical practices that uphold fairness, justice, and informed decision-making among healthcare practitioners.”