(from left to right) Associate Professor Lydia Lau, Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Nursing), Lecturer Ms Lubna Shah, NUS Nursing, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, Professor Roger Watson, Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Education in Practice, Professor Liaw Sok Ying, Head of NUS Nursing, Associate Professor Zhou Wentao, NUS Nursing, Associate Professor Wilson Tam, NUS Nursing.

“I feel like I’m at the Taylor Swift concert of Nursing,” remarked Professor Amanda Kenny, Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Education Today, at the 9^th International Nursing Conference 2024. She stood in front of a sprawling audience from over 40 countries—the world’s best leaders, experts, professionals and students in nursing, midwifery and healthcare education.

Professor Amanda Kenny and Professor Roger Watson speaking to delegates at the opening of NETNEP 2024.

Also known as NETNEP 2024 (jointly organised by journals Nurse Education Today and Nurse Education in Practice), the annual conference was held in Asia for the first time, at the Singapore Expo from 27 to 30 October 2024. This year’s event welcomed delegates from across the world to share groundbreaking research, innovative practices, and forward-looking insights on nursing, midwifery, and healthcare education.

Professor Mary Sidebotham, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Nurse Education in Practice, emphasising the importance of resilient communities in nursing to a crowded room.

As a key partner, NUS Nursing displayed its dedication to advancing nursing education and research. Our educators, Professor Liaw Sok Ying and Associate Professor Lau Siew Tang, Lydia, led impactful keynotes and workshops highlighting NUS Nursing’s pioneering work: innovative AI-powered technologies and virtual reality (VR) simulations designed to enhance student training, as well as the latest findings on best practices in nursing education.

Prof Liaw Sok Ying highlighted NUS Nursing research.

Assoc Prof Lydia Lau’s VR workshop.

Delegates also enjoyed a special tour of the NUS Nursing campus on 27 October, where faculty and students presented state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge simulation labs. From lifelike mannequins that breathe, blink, and communicate to immersive VR tools, attendees gained firsthand experience with the advanced technology that is shaping the future of nursing education at NUS.

NUS Nursing students guiding visitors through the simulation labs.

The opening of NETNEP 2024 was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health. She reinforced Singapore’s commitment to supporting our nurses through technological innovation, as well as widened access to professional development and higher education for nurses.

NETNEP 2024 stood as a testament to the power of collaboration in nursing education. More than just an annual meeting of minds, NETNEP is a rallying point for nursing professionals eager to shape a brighter, healthier and compassionate future for all.