Career

Wee Joo Chng: Today, I made my last decision and signed my last document as the director of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), closing this chapter of my life.

Photo of Wee Joo Chng taken from ncis.com.sg

Sep 1, 2023, 18:33

Wee Joo Chng: Today, I made my last decision and signed my last document as the director of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), closing this chapter of my life.

Wee Joo Chng, Vice President of Biomedical Science Research at the National University of Singapore, recently posted on LinkedIn:

“Today, I made my last decision and signed my last document as the director of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), closing this chapter of my life.

I still vividly remember my first Townhall as Director of NCIS, back in 2014, when we discussed the challenges we were facing, and the need to establish NCIS as a strong comprehensive cancer center, both nationally and internationally.

NCIS has come a long way since then, as we mark our 15th anniversary as a national cancer center this year. Our approach to cancer is unique, end to end, and focuses on right-sitting patients. From our excellent clinical trials unit, our innovative treatments such as cellular therapy, and our initiatives that bring care closer to our patients by introducing the NCIS on the Go program in the community, we have punched above our weight. Today, we not only provide world-class cancer care for our patients but also offer cutting-edge treatment options all under one roof, achieving clinical outcomes comparable with the best in the world.

What’s more, we bring huge value and impact to our patients and their caregivers. The unwavering dedication that everyone at NCIS shows every single day is unmatched. We see it in the efforts towards public education to raise awareness. We saw it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when the NCIS team excelled despite the increased workload and restrictions. We see it in initiatives like The Last Mile and Dream Makers programmes for our palliative patients. We truly have incredible people who deliver incredible care – and it has been my honour to lead NCIS.

Transitions and leadership renewal are key to growth. Prof John Wong built an excellent foundation for me. I hope I have not only strengthened this foundation but built on it to allow NCIS to reach higher. We have been preparing ourselves for this next phase, including preparing our future leaders.

Hence, it’s with much pride and anticipation that I relinquish my role as Director, NCIS, from 1 September, and hand over the leadership baton to Adjunct Associate Professor Chee Cheng Ean.

As NCIS’ Deputy Director (Clinical), Cheng Ean has already contributed to NCIS significantly by introducing award winning initiatives such as an abdominal drain service available in the NCIS Short-Stay Ward, and the NCIS Cancer Survivorship Programme (Asian Hospital Awards in 2019 and 2022).

Furthermore, Cheng Ean has been instrumental in creating a positive people culture through her leadership of the NCIS Transformation Office, aligning all to the organisation’s vision and mission for 2030, and advocating strongly for staff well-being.

With her commitment to furthering oncology, improving patient care and streamlining operations at NCIS, I am confident that Cheng Ean will be an excellent Director who will lead NCIS to greater heights.”

Photo: Fond memories of team bonding at NCIS Family Day in 2017.

Wee Joo Chng: Today, I made my last decision and signed my last document as the director of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), closing this chapter of my life.