Health Sciences Authority

HSA’s Forensic Chemistry and Physics Lab has developed an innovative forensic technique that combines both the traditional methods and analysis of the document’s metadata to detect doctored documents, enhancing Singapore's ability to combat fraud. Since 2020, this method has been successfully applied in nine cases, demonstrating its effectiveness in exposing fraudulent activities. Read The Straits Times interview with our forensic scientists here: https://lnkd.in/gPKjZ6FK #forensic #science #fraud

Warmest wishes to all our Muslim colleagues and friends celebrating Hari Raya. May this festive occasion bring an abundance of peace, joy, and blessings to you and your loved ones. 🌙✨

Our CEO, Adj Prof (Dr) Raymond Chua, marks his first 100 days at the helm today! We caught up with him during his blood donation to reflect on this milestone period. In these first few months, he has actively engaged with our staff and external partners across all professional groups. His hands-on leadership approach has already catalysed meaningful initiatives, particularly in strengthening strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry collaborators and global partners to enhance HSA's capabilities and competencies. In addition, he is often on the ground engaging with staff to understand their challenges and concerns. He is not afraid of "getting his hands dirty" in reviewing policies, redesigning processes and systems to develop feasible solutions for both stakeholders and staff. The groundwork laid during this period sets the stage to ignite HSA's next chapter of growth and innovation. Watch the short video to learn about his journey of discovery and vision for HSA's future.

HSA's Chemical Metrology Laboratory (CML) welcomed Assistant Professor Ching Jianhong from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders (CVMD) Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School and 12 science undergraduates on 19 March 2025.   Our team was pleased to share with the visitors on Singapore's quality infrastructure and CML's role in chemical metrology, emphasising metrological traceability and measurement accuracy. We highlighted our breakthrough achievements: Significant advances in early detection of chronic kidney disease through development of reference measurement procedures and first-in-the world Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine-approved certified reference materials (CRM) for albumin in urine, potentially tightening variations across different medical devices. First-in-the-world insect-based CRM with intrinsic elevated levels of toxic metals, which can help analytical testing laboratories to validate their methods. How the team contributes to Singapore's maritime sector by organising accuracy-based proficiency testing programmes for marine fuel oil contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds. Such proficiency testing programmes allow oil testing laboratories to benchmark their capabilities and address gaps.   Our scientists, Dr Benny Tong, Christopher Leung, and Madeline Tjai, engaged with students to demonstrate the real-world impact of chemical metrology. This visit offered valuable insights to future scientists on the crucial role of measurement accuracy in analytical chemistry.   We are grateful for this opportunity to connect with Asst Prof Ching and these promising young scientists. Looking forward to future collaborations!   #ChemicalMetrology #Science #Education #Innovation #HSASingapore #AOACAOAC Southeast Asia Section

HSA is organising the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Workshop on "Capability Building on Measurement of Clinical Markers for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the APEC Region" on 22 April 2025.   This APEC-funded workshop, supported by the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme, Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) Incorporated, and ASIA-PACIFIC LEGAL METROLOGY FORUM, brings together leading experts to share insights on: - Accreditation requirements for clinical testing labs - Regulatory standards for IVD manufacturers - Metrological traceability - Measurement accuracy - Method validation - Quality control - External quality assessment programmes - Clinical marker measurement in patient care   Don't miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your expertise and connect with key stakeholders in the field! Register your interest via this link: https://lnkd.in/gsGjQ2DU. Attendance is subjected to APEC’s approval. Virtual meeting details will be shared with approved participants.   For any enquiries, please contact the APEC Project Overseer, Dr Fransiska Dewi at fransiska_dewi@hsa.gov.sg.   #APEC #Healthcare #ClinicalMarkers #Metrology #Accreditation #Regulatory #IVD #QualityControl

HSA’s Chemical Metrology Division (CMD) is excited to share our latest publication on Certified Reference Material for Inorganic Contaminants in Insect Protein. We are honoured to be invited to contribute a research paper to Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry’s special collection on "Reference Materials in Analytical Chemistry." This special collection features current research activities in the area of reference materials that underpin reliability of measurements as well as critical reviews on recent developments and future trends in this area.   As the demand for sustainable protein sources grows, ensuring the safety and quality of insect-based proteins is more important than ever. Our study details the development of a cricket powder certified reference material with intrinsically present arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, arsenic species, and selenium, providing a metrologically traceable solution for accurately assessing these contaminants in insect protein. This work is a significant step toward advancing food safety and regulatory compliance in the emerging insect protein industry.   A special thanks to our collaborator, the National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada, for their invaluable contribution to this research!   Congratulations to the team: Dr Fransiska Dewi, Deborah Sim, Dr Sin Yee Ng, Leung Ho Wah, Dr Richard Shin, Dr Tang Lin Teo, and our esteemed collaborator and co-author Dr Zoltan Mester.   Find the manuscript here: https://lnkd.in/g3vM-Kq4   #FoodSafety #CertifiedReferenceMaterial #InsectProtein #Metrology #Sustainability #AnalyticalScience

From 8 to 9 March 2025, about 40 HSAians laced up their running shoes 👟👟 to join the Ministry of Health (Singapore) (MOH) family in the Relay for Life 100KM challenge. Paving the way, HSA CEO Adj Prof (Dr) Raymond Chua, together with several Directors, ran alongside to show their support for staff and for this meaningful event.   Collaborating closely with MOH colleagues, our team’s unstoppable spirit, drove us to exceed expectations, completing the challenge ahead of schedule and surpassing both distance and time targets.  We are thrilled that the Healthcare Family Trail Trekkers Team 2 emerged as 1st runner-up at the overnight relay. Together with another team, they clocked a total of 365.4 km which doubled the distance covered last year! Through this collective effort, together we proudly 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 $𝟮𝟳,𝟬𝟬𝟬—a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and commitment to supporting this cause! 🙌   Beyond speed and endurance, this run carried a deeper purpose for us. Every step we took was a reminder of why we were there: 🛡️ To celebrate our cancer warriors - those who fight with resilience every day. 🕯️ To remember loved ones lost - honouring their strength and legacy. 🤝 To fight back together - because no one should battle cancer alone.   At HSA, we are committed to advancing health sciences and supporting the well-being of our community. Through this run, we reaffirm our dedication to making a difference—both in our work and in the lives of those around us.   A heartfelt thank you to all runners, supporters, and the big healthcare family (Agency for Integrated Care (Singapore), ALPS Pte. Ltd., Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Health (Singapore), MOH Holdings (Singapore), MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) & Synapxe) for 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 this meaningful journey with us and making it possible! 💙 ➡️ If you would like to show your support to our team, click here to donate! https://lnkd.in/gqnsXwTK #RelayForLife2025 #RelayForLifeSG #HealthSciencesAuthority #HSA #LifeinHSA

Dr Fransiska Dewi, a Senior Analytical Scientist from HSA’s Chemical Metrology Division had the privilege of participating in the 1st Drafting Workshop of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035 held in Jakarta on 5 March 2025. At the workshop, as the Chair of the ASEAN Reference Material Network, she presented the network's vision, goals, and objectives for the future of APASTI, along with key stakeholders to consider in its development.   The workshop brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, stakeholders, and experts to chart a roadmap for advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the region. It aimed to develop a strategic framework that enhances ASEAN’s STI ecosystem, fosters cross-border collaboration, and drives inclusive and sustainable development. Discussions focused on key priorities, stakeholders, goals and action plans for APASTI 2026 - 2035.   A sincere thank you to the organisers from Aus4ASEAN, ASEAN Secretariat, and the dedicated consultants from Ernst & Young for making this workshop a success. Their efforts in fostering regional cooperation played a crucial role in shaping ASEAN’s future in science, technology, and innovation.   Following the workshop, Fransiska also visited our counterpart metrology institute in Indonesia, the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia (BSN). This visit provided an opportunity to explore areas of collaboration and strengthen ties between our institutes to support regional metrology infrastructure. A heartfelt thank you to BSN for the warm hospitality and engaging discussions.   Looking forward to continued collaboration towards a stronger, more innovative and inclusive ASEAN!   #ASEAN #ScienceInnovation #RegionalCollaboration #APASTI

This International Women's Day, we highlight Grace Chan, Director of Finance & Procurement. Grace's approach to life, like her daily coffee, is energising — showing how consistent habits can fuel significant achievements over time. Her leadership in financial management and procurement has optimised resources and driven efficiency. As we celebrate contributions by women worldwide, let Grace's purposeful mornings inspire us to find our own sources of strength and motivation. What daily habit motivates you? Tell us in the comments! #InternationalWomensDay

On this International Women's Day, we showcase inspirational female leaders at HSA. Wong Woei Jiuang, Assistant Group Director of the Medical Devices Cluster, Health Products Regulation Group, leads her team to upkeep standards of safety, quality and performance whilst facilitating innovation in medical device development. She guides her co-workers in their work and helps them to grow and develop as individuals even as they handle the many challenges in the fast-changing medical technology landscape. Swipe to see how Woei Jiuang leads and inspires her team. Which leadership qualities do you admire most? Share your thoughts below. #InternationalWomensDay