Building an Age-Inclusive Healthcare System in Singapore

Among the trends that will profoundly shape the future of healthcare in Singapore is the rapid ageing of the population. While the country is ahead of the curve in terms of preparations for an ageing population, efforts should also be directed at harnessing its benefits through large systemic shifts. Featured in ETHOS, a publication of the Civil Service College, this commentary outlines four strategies to cultivate a more age-inclusive healthcare model.

Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology

In 2023, Dr Reuben Ng won the Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology. This award acknowledges outstanding early career contributions in behavioral and social gerontology. It is given by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in conjunction with the Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation.

Mather Institute's Innovative Research on Aging Awards 2023

Dr Reuben Ng's study, which explored how older adults use TikTok to engage in discourses on old age, earned him the bronze prize at the Mather Institute's 2023 Innovative Research on Aging Awards. Award recipients are selected based on relevance to important problems, quality of research methods, usability of findings and recommendations, and ability to contribute to innovation in senior living.

The Rise of Older Influencers: Their Impact, Potential and Future

The rise of older influencers throws up some interesting questions regarding their place in the digital sphere. Exactly what kind of "influence" can these older influencers have on society? Do they currently hold any influence? Who consumes their content? What are the possible ramifications of their presence on social media? Where do they fit in the influencer ecosystem, especially as compared to their younger, more seasoned counterparts? What lies in store for them in the future? Read more in this commentary featured in Generations Today, a bimonthly publication by the American Society on Aging (ASA).

Harkness Fellowship: Advancing Health Equity for Older Adults

Dr Reuben Ng has been named a Harkness Fellow for the 2023–24 program. He holds the distinction of being the first from both Singapore and Asia to be awarded this fellowship. First offered in 1925, the Harkness Fellowships are the Commonwealth Fund's longest-running program. Nearly 100 years later, they remain a flagship of the Fund's International Health Policy and Practice Innovations program. Today, the Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice provide a unique leadership development experience for midcareer professionals from around the world.

Mental Health: Shaping Community Outreach & Policy Initiatives

Mental health concerns have reached critical proportions in Singapore. In light of this, several important questions come to the fore: In what ways can community initiatives play a role in shaping mental health policymaking in Singapore? What key findings have emerged from the Policy Watch and Public Consultation conducted by the community initiative SG Mental Health Matters? Why is it important to have community development and mutual aid as alternative logics to the dominant logic of service provision by the non-profit sector? Learn more in this Asia Thinker Series session organized by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

CNA's Getting Real About Trust: Do Singapore's Youth Trust Their Society and Institutions?

Fears of rising income inequality, declining social mobility, increasing political polarization and rapidly intensifying climate change have created a generation of youth who feel like they might not achieve their dreams. Getting Real About Trust is a documentary by Channel NewsAsia which examines levels of trust among the country’s youth in their society.

The Straits Times Interview with Hairianto Diman

At least 54 people became victims of scams while attempting to secure tickets for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour in Singapore. In total, these people lost over $45,000. In an interview with Hairianto Diman from The Straits Times, Dr Reuben Ng explains why concert-goers are vulnerable to such scams.

Mansfield College Welcomes Dr Reuben Ng as the First Principal's Visiting Fellow

With the support of Schmidt Futures, Mansfield College was able to collaborate with the International Strategy Forum (ISF) to provide an ISF Fellow with the opportunity to further a globally important project at the world-leading University of Oxford. This opportunity unfolds within the supportive and multi-disciplinary community of an Oxford college for a one-year period as the Principal's Visiting Fellow. ISF Fellow Dr Reuben Ng was appointed Principal's Visiting Fellow in 2022 after a competitive application process open to all ISF Fellows. The selection was made collaboratively by ISF and the Principal of Mansfield College Helen Mountfield KC.

The Gerontologist Podcast Interview with Dr Howard Degenholtz

In an episode of The Gerontologist Podcast, Dr Howard Degenholtz interviewed Dr Reuben Ng about two papers which looked at ageism on TikTok: 'Not Too Old for TikTok: How Older Adults Are Reframing Aging' and 'Hostility Toward Baby Boomers on TikTok'. Taken together, these two papers shed light on fascinating sub-cultures of the virtual world.
​
The Gerontologist Podcast is part of the GSA on Aging Podcast Series.

Dr Reuben Ng wins two international awards for research on aging

Dr Reuben Ng is the first recipient from Singapore to win two international awards for innovative research in aging and public policy. He won the prestigious 2022 Mather Innovative Research on Aging Award, making history as the first in Singapore and Asia to win this award since it was introduced in 2015. Dr Ng has been also named a 2023 Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science. He is the only Singaporean to be honored in 2023 among other rising stars from Harvard, Stanford and Yale. He is also the first from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to win this accolade since the award was first presented over a decade ago.

2023 APS Rising Star

Dr Reuben Ng has been named a 2023 APS Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science. The APS Rising Star designation is presented to outstanding APS members in the earliest stages of their research career post-PhD. Drawing its name from an Observer editorial series that featured exemplars of the exciting work being done by the field's newest researchers, this designation recognizes researchers whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals great potential for their continued contributions.

​LKYSPP faculty in top of world-ranking

Seven LKYSPP faculty have been ranked in the top 2% of all scientists in the world. The assessment, undertaken by researchers at Stanford University, compared faculty on field weighted citations. Five faculty members at varying points of their career trajectory were recognised among the top 2% of scientists for citations in 2022: Eduardo Araral, Vu Minh Khuong, Ramesh M, Reuben Ng and Araz Taeihagh.

"These accolades are a testimony to the fertile multi-disciplinary ecosystem that works. I am especially grateful to the talented group of research associates, PhD students, and the Research Support Unit that make all these possible. What an incredible privilege to be part of the Lee Kuan Yew School community," noted Assistant Professor Reuben Ng who also serves as the Lead Scientist for Data & Technology at the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk, NUS. 

CNA938 interview with Lance Alexander & Melanie Oliveiro

On CNA938's Singapore Today with Lance Alexander and Melanie Oliveiro, Dr Reuben Ng gives his two cents' worth on why digital natives are more susceptible to scams than older persons despite being more tech-savvy. To avoid being scammed, he suggests giving oneself a waiting period before making any decisions, authenticating the legitimacy of organizations, and consulting a trusted friend or family member as a sounding board.

Bring together policy makers and policy implementers to co-create solutions for successful ageing

With Singapore fast reaching superaged status, the Lloyd's Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) organised a health innovation workshop that brought together policy makers and policy implementers to address issues faced by older persons and caregivers. Held from 13 to 15 July 2022, the workshop provided attendees with a toolkit of techniques and frameworks—design thinking, behavioural insights, data analytics—which enabled them to co-create solutions for Singapore's ageing population.

LKYSPP Festival of Ideas 2022: Digital Inclusion and Resilience for Tomorrow’s Generation

In partnership with UOB, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) conducted a survey to understand Singaporeans' attitudes and behaviours regarding banking inclusivity and digital resilience. Findings from this survey were launched at the LKYSPP's Festival of Ideas 2022. In a session moderated by Dr Reuben Ng, Principal Investigator of the project, panellists and audience members discuss the research findings and their implications for Singapore and the general public.

SHBC 2022: Reinventing Healthcare

The National Healthcare Group held its annual Singapore Health & Biomedical Congress (SHBC) on the 12 and 13 October 2022. The 2-day congress brought together both local and international experts to deliberate on topics related to the theme 'Reinventing Healthcare'. Speaking on the topic ‘Technology Innovation and Big Data Approach in Aged Care’, Dr Reuben Ng discussed how blending data science, technological innovation and value care will stand Singapore's healthcare system in good stead as it navigates an aging population.

Meeting with Mongolia's Minister of Digital Development and Communications

In October 2022, Dr Reuben Ng met with Mr Uchral Nyam-Osor, the Minister of Mongolia’s newly established Ministry of Digital Development and Communications. During this meeting, they considered how Singapore and Mongolia can deepen their collaboration in the area of digital transformation particularly amid Mongolia's quest to become a digital nation.

TenGer TV Interview with Delgerzaya Delgerjargal

Dr Reuben Ng was interviewed by Delgerzaya Delgerjargal on Mongolia's TenGer TV. An expert on data analytics and public policy, Dr Ng shared his thoughts on how data can be effectively incorporated in different facets of society in the Mongolian context.

IC-AITC2: Sustainable Development From Research To Innovation After Pandemic

Held on 26 September 2022, the 2nd International Conference on Advanced Information Technology And Communication (IC-AITC2) was organized by Goodwood Conferences as well as the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, Universitas Multi Data Palembang. Centered around the theme 'Sustainable Development From Research To Innovation After Pandemic’, the conference aimed to increase the scientific capacity of academics in Indonesia.

Nobel Prize Dialogue: The Future We Want Together

The Nobel Prize Dialogue Singapore features a series of frank conversations exploring the best path to a world with improved well-being for all. It brings together a unique constellation of Nobel Prize laureates, scientists, policymakers and thought leaders to discuss wide-ranging global issues. Along with fellow panellists Wharton Chan, Serge Haroche, Stuart Russell, Aqsa Shafique and Bill Tai, Reuben Ng discusses how well-being can be maximized in the area of digital technology.

Mather Institute's Innovative Research on Aging Awards 2022

Dr Reuben Ng's study comparing age-based and role-based framing over 210 years won the bronze award at the Mather Institute's 2022 Innovative Research on Aging Awards. Created to inspire next practices, the annual award recognizes applied research that offers important implications for the senior living and aging services industries.

NUS IPUR inks partnership to support public service transformation in Mongolia

The Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mongolia's Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs to support public service transformation in Mongolia. The MoU was inked on 8 July 2022 on the sidelines of a visit by Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai to NUS. Led by Dr Reuben Ng, the joint partnership will see IPUR and Mongolia’s Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs co-create data-centric policies and optimize human capital in the public service of Mongolia.

Schmidt Futures announces first cohort of International Strategy Forum Asia Fellows

Schmidt Futures, in collaboration with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, announced the inaugural class of Asia Fellows as part of the International Strategy Forum (ISF) in May 2022. The ISF aims to forge an interdisciplinary network of rising leaders to strengthen progress and security amid technological innovation and a changing world order. Representing 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific, the ISF 2022 Asia Fellows are a diverse cohort of business professionals, technologists, security experts, government leaders, academics and more.

Data Innovation Lab: Supporting Government Transformation in Mongolia

In Mongolia, the need for data literacy and data innovation was identified through government transformation programmes. Data from the 2019 World Risk Poll also showed that the country ranked the highest for the gap between current risk experience and how worried they are about future risks. With these motivations, the LRF Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk teamed up with the National Academy of Governance of Mongolia to co-create programmes on data literacy and risk communication.

When can we travel again?

​The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way people travel. With more people getting vaccinated and measures loosening up, will we get to return to our pre-COVID travel habits or will there be changes?

Understanding public perceptions of fall risk and bone health

The prevalence of disability in Singapore is expected to grow by 5 times in the next 40 years. However, igniting conversations around falls and prevention programmes has always been a challenge. People tend to assume that falls are either inevitable or unpreventable. In Asia, discourse on bone health treatments is often over-medicalised. Dr Reuben Ng embarked on a study to understand public perceptions of fall risks and to learn how programmes could be designed to focus on preventing fall-related bone disease.

CNA938 interview with Daniel Martin

On CNA938's Health Matters with Daniel Martin, Dr Reuben Ng discusses the importance of providing better support for caregivers in light of Singapore's rapidly aging population. Despite their invaluable contributions, caregivers receive barely any media coverage. Dr Ng's study discovered that in 2019, cars were discussed 66 more times than caregivers in the news. Even bubble tea enjoyed more coverage than caregivers.

​Caregivers play a role in preventing the first fracture

​As part of Amgen's Our Unbreakable Bond campaign, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Amgen Biotechnology Singapore collaborated on a study to explore perceptions of bone health, serious falls and caregiving. Findings from the study underscore the need for more societal conversations on caregiving as well as greater support for caregivers.

​Risk experience and perception

Dr Reuben Ng discovered significant gaps between individual perceptions of risk and societal narratives on risks presented in the media. Insights from our study highlighted the importance of policy communications and explained why framing climate change as a risk could spark change.​

LKYSPP 16th Anniversary: Insights from Singapore's Policy Landscape

Annuity values, housing insecurity and age at childbearing: what do these issues have in common? In the first of four webinar episodes celebrating the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy's 16th Anniversary, four faculty members share some of their recent empirical findings that have implications on policy and household decision-making in Singapore, as well as the challenges of translating research into policy. The panel discussion covers the blind spots in policymaking and difficulties in policy communications, particularly when it comes to unpopular or overlooked topics.

ESSEC Biz-Gov Forum 2019: Technology and Ethics - The Perennial Debate

The ESSEC Biz-Gov Forum 2019 is an exclusive forum for policymakers, businesses and academics to discuss how to address new challenges faced by companies, government regulators and civil society regarding the conduct of business amid global political change.

68th United Nations Civil Society Conference: Building Inclusive Communities Through Education

The Sustainable Development Goals call for equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education. Rapid technological changes present many opportunities, but the learning environment, the capacities of teachers and the quality of education in many parts of the world have not kept pace. New models in higher education are emerging as lawmakers and educational professionals seek to address declining enrolment numbers, lack of diversity, skyrocketing tuition costs and knowledge gaps in today’s rapidly evolving global workforce.

Cyber Resilience: Beyond Security, Towards a Smart Nation

The concept of Cyber Resilience does not only apply to businesses, but also to all of us living in a world where technology is playing an increasingly important role. At the 'Cyber Resilience: Beyond Security, Towards a Smart Nation', an event organized by SPECTRUM Global, a few experts shared their thoughts on the importance of data, privacy and policies.

Risk Talk: Batik Data Sculpture

The Lloyd's Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) funded the production of 'Risk Talk'—a data sculpture which uses batik art to depict how risk perceptions have changed over a 200-year span.

Innovative approaches to risk perception

There are several limitations to using traditional methods to assess societal perceptions. At the Lloyd's Register Foundation International Conference 2019, Dr Reuben Ng offered his take on how new and innovative approaches to studying societal perceptions can complement traditional methods.

InnovFest Unbound 2018: Open Innovation in Healthcare Collaboration

Open innovations have enabled many actors to collaborate in the healthcare industry. Corporates, practitioners and academics are working more closely with each other to solve problems from the simplest to the most complex. This panel brings experts from the health technology ecosystem to discuss and share case studies on the acceleration of fresh ideas into commercialisation through collaboration.

OTC Institute Labour Research Conference 2017

Conducted on 23 November 2017, the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi) Labour Research Conference was a key event in the Labour Movement’s calendar. The conference showcased findings from research projects of key concerns to the Labour Movement, in extensive collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) on Changing Skills and Jobs, Singapore Management University (SMU) on Retirement Adequacy and National University of Singapore (NUS) on Underemployment. Union leaders were also invited to share how they had been working with companies to prepare workers for the future.
Proudly powered by Weebly