SPEECH BY PROF KENNETH MAK, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH, MOH, AT THE NUS DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SYMPOSIUM

Distinguished guests

Faculty members

Alumni, students, and friends of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology here at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

1.               It is particularly an honour to join you for this, the opening of the Centennial Celebration Symposium, as we celebrate a remarkable milestone — and that’s the 100th anniversary of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology here in the medical school, and it’s amidst many celebrations that the university is going through. More recently, we also marked the 120^th anniversary for the school itself, so the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has stood pace with the university through that last century.

2.       The theme of today’s symposium — “A Century of Discovery: Advancing Microbiology and Immunology” — could not be more apt. It reminds us both of the rich legacy that the department has built over the past century and the ongoing journey of innovation that continues to shape the future of healthcare, research, and medical education in Singapore and beyond.

3.       This symposium is not only a celebration, but also a platform for knowledge exchange. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in areas critical to human health, from microbial pathogenesis and host immunology, to emerging infectious diseases and vaccine development. It is my hope that the rich discussions today will inspire advancements in microbiology and immunology.

History and Contributions

4.       Today’s celebration is not just of longevity, but of transformation. A pivotal moment in the department’s history came in 2015, when it was renamed to reflect an expanded focus on the critical interface between microbiology and immunology, signifying a strategic vision for the future of biomedical science. For decades, this department has educated generations of doctors, scientists, and public health professionals, shaping how these disciplines are taught, understood, and applied in both academic and clinical settings. It has been a beacon of scientific excellence and service to healthcare.

Impactful Service and Research

5.       The Department of Microbiology and Immunology’s contributions to healthcare and public health are equally noteworthy. Its work in developing both national and international capabilities in infectious disease response and immunological research has played an important role in establishing Singapore as a regional hub in all of these fields. Furthermore, its leadership has strengthened the School’s laboratory standards and reinforced the department’s commitment to public health infrastructure. New research platforms for translational immunology developed by the department have bridged clinical insight with fundamental discovery, accelerating progress in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

Teaching Excellence and Innovation

6.       In academia, the department has consistently led with innovation and demonstrated a strong commitment to providing continuing education to researchers, academics, and healthcare professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the department launched an online educational series, Biomedical Insights into an Evolving Epidemic. And I know this, because Kelvin invited me to participate in one of these webinars. The webinar series shared the latest biomedical research on the evolving epidemic—including advances in vaccine science, therapeutics, and clinical management. Structured around the pillars of infection control—which are prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—this initiative exemplified how academic departments can respond rapidly and responsibly to real-world public health needs.

Alumni and Talent Development

7.       The department’s legacy is perhaps most vividly reflected in its people – a proud testament to its role in shaping biomedical leadership. Notable faculty include Professor Nicholas Gascoigne, Adjunct Professor Raymond Lin, Associate Professor Sylvie Alonso, Associate Professor Veronique Angeli, Associate Professor Justin Chu, Associate Professor Paul Macary, Associate Professor Kevin Tan and Associate Professor Zhang Yongliang, all renowned figures in public health, academia, and the biomedical industry.

8.       These are just some of the leading local and international scientists who have contributed groundbreaking work published in the world’s respected journals, underscoring the department’s stature as a magnet for talent and hub for top-tier research. Importantly, the department remains deeply committed to nurturing local talent, ensuring that the next generation of biomedical leaders will continue to advance research and healthcare in Singapore.

New Milestones and Vision

9.       And as we look forward, we see a department that continues to evolve. The recent launch of the Masters of Science in Applied Biomedicine marks a major step forward in postgraduate education. This programme is the first programme in Asia to equip students with skills to combat emerging infectious diseases, develop vaccines and design drugs. With strong response and an enrolment of over 100 candidates, this new programme will contribute to a new impetus for Singapore’s biomedical workforce and innovation ecosystem.

10.     So to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology—congratulations once again on your centennial milestone. Yours is a story of unwavering scientific curiosity, educational leadership, and service to society. May your next hundred years be even more impactful than that first one.

11.      I wish everyone a fruitful and inspiring symposium. Thank you.