From March 26 to 28, a delegation from Tsinghua Medicine, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Chen Xuyan, visited Singapore for in-depth discussions with several renowned institutions and research organizations. The visit explored collaboration opportunities in areas such as clinical exchange programs for medical students, long-term clinical training, joint research programs, and faculty development, laying a solid foundation for further strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual growth.

Group photo of the attendees at Nanyang Technological University's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

On the morning of March 26, the delegation visited the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and met with Vice Dean (Education) Assoc Prof Faith Chia and Vice Dean (International Relations) Assoc Prof Yusuf Ali. The discussions focused on clinical internships, joint research training programs, and the establishment of a framework agreement for future cooperation.

Group photo of the attendees at Duke-NUS Medical School.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Duke-NUS Medical School, where they engaged in discussions with Senior Associate Dean and Deputy Head of Education Professor Scott Compton and his team. The two institutions shared their medical education models and discussed potential collaborations, including student exchange programs, joint research training initiatives, faculty development programs (FDP), and the signing of a cooperation agreement.

Chen Xuyan presents a Tsinghua souvenir to Lau Tang Ching, Vice Dean of NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Group photo of the attendees at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

On March 27, the delegation visited the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS). They met with Vice Dean (Education) Adjunct Prof Lau Tang Ching, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Education) Assoc Prof Chen Zhixiong, and Assistant Dean (Graduate Education) Assoc Prof Heng Chew Kiat to review ongoing collaboration initiatives. Professor Chen Xuyan expressed her sincere appreciation for NUS's longstanding support of Tsinghua medical students. Their partnership has pioneered Tsinghua's long-term (two-year) overseas clinical training program, a significant step in the university’s strategy to enhance the global competencies of its medical students. Discussions covered optimizing the curriculum, expanding clinical exchange programs, and exploring the potential for an MD-PhD dual-degree program. Both parties agreed to refine training plans and establish a comprehensive collaboration framework.

Group photo with Tsinghua Medicine students.

During the visit, the delegation met with 14 Tsinghua eight-year clinical medicine students currently undergoing research training and clinical rotations at NUS. The students shared their academic and personal experiences abroad and provided valuable feedback on the joint training programs. Professor Chen Xuyan expressed her delight in seeing the students adapt well, thrive academically, and embrace cross-cultural interactions. She reassured them that Tsinghua remains a strong support for them and emphasized that their input is crucial for further strengthening the collaboration.

Group photo of the attendees at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.

On the morning of March 28, the delegation visited Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and met with Tay Chay Wah, Executive Director of the A*STAR Graduate Academy, along with several faculty members from affiliated research institutes and laboratories. Both sides introduced their institutional structures, research focuses, and talent development programs. Discussions centered on student selection, funding opportunities, and training frameworks, with a shared commitment to fostering student collaboration that could catalyze broader research and translational initiatives between scholars from both institutions.

Group photo of the attendees at the Tanoto Foundation.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Tanoto Foundation, expressing deep gratitude for its continued support of Tsinghua’s medical education initiatives. The foundation has played a key role in supporting the clinical exchange program between Tsinghua Medicine and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Benny Lee, CEO of the Tanoto Foundation, acknowledged the program’s success and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to furthering collaboration in medical education and talent development.

This visit has significantly strengthened the ties between Tsinghua Medicine and leading Singaporean medical institutions and research organizations. The delegation’s discussions and engagements have paved the way for deeper cooperation in medical student training, faculty development, and joint research initiatives. Tsinghua Medicine remains dedicated to fostering global partnerships and providing world-class training opportunities for its students, contributing to the advancement of medical science and healthcare on an international scale.