From November 27 to 30, Vice Chancellor Zheng Junke led a delegation to visit Singapore. The visit included stops at key educational and research institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Additionally, the delegation hosted the 2nd SJTUSM–NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Joint Symposium. This visit marked a significant effort by SJTUSM to expand collaboration with Singapore’s leading higher education and research institutions, further advancing talent development and research partnerships.

On November 28, the delegation visited the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, where Zheng Junke signed a student exchange agreement with Dean Chong Yap Seng. Zheng also delivered the opening remarks at the 2nd joint symposium between SJTUSM and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The symposium, which focused on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, child and women health, featured speakers from SJTUSM’s College of Basic Medical Sciences, Renji Hospital, Xinhua Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. Over 30 researchers from both sides participated, fostering lively academic exchanges. During the visit, Zheng also met with Vice Dean Kevin Tan to finalize agreements on joint PhD training programs.

The delegation also visited the NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where they were warmly received by Assistant Dean Sunny Wong. With increasing interactions in recent years, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the school’s development. Both parties agreed to explore further collaboration in PI partnerships, student exchange programs, and doctoral joint programs.

At ASTAR, the delegation was hosted by Benjamin Toh, Executive Director of the Biomedical Research Council, who provided an overview of Singapore’s biomedical research landscape and ASTAR’s support for drug development and research platforms. Toh and the delegation expressed interest in collaborating on neuroscience research, early childhood health, and other mutual areas of interest. A*STAR encompasses nine biomedical research institutes with 140 principal investigators and operates a graduate academy that admits doctoral students. Both parties reached a comprehensive agreement to establish deeper collaboration.

The delegation also held in-depth discussions with Peng Yinghong, Dean of the SJTU Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute (APGI), exploring opportunities for SJTUSM students to pursue doctoral studies and research at the institute. Established in 2002 with the approval of China’s Ministry of Education, SJTU APGI is the first overseas graduate school launched by a Chinese university, focusing on innovative collaborative projects in Singapore.

This visit further expanded SJTUSM’s collaboration with its Singaporean partners, deepening ties with world-class universities and research institutions. It laid a solid foundation for enhanced cooperation in medical education, research innovation, and clinical partnerships.

About the Partner Institutions

National University of Singapore (NUS): Founded in 1905, NUS is one of Asia’s leading universities and ranked 8th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Its Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is ranked first in Asia and is dedicated to innovation in medical education, clinical practice, and medical research. Recent years have seen close exchanges and comprehensive collaboration between NUS and SJTUSM.

NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine: Established in 2013, this joint initiative between NTU and Imperial College London is one of Singapore’s three major medical schools. Ranked 94th globally in the 2024 QS rankings for medicine, the school is highly innovative, training future healthcare leaders with a focus on medical knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership. It has achieved significant milestones in basic science, clinical research, public health, and translational medicine.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR): A statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, A*STAR was established in 1991 to integrate research and talent development, supporting Singapore’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. Its Biomedical Research Council and Science and Engineering Research Council oversee numerous research initiatives.