1st Singapore Public Health Conference

Dear friends and colleagues,

Welcome to the inaugural Singapore International Public Health Conference, jointly hosted by the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and the Chapter of Public Health and Occupational Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore. For years, both have worked closely and synergistically, with the School pushing to new frontiers through vigorous research and the Chapter using this evidence to effectively tackle population health issues. We continue to find strength in collaboration, with this year's conference being held in conjunction with the 7th Singapore Public Health & Occupational Medicine Conference.

In recognition of the importance of such teamwork, we have aptly chosen the theme for our first conference as “Translating Public Health Research into Practice”.

Globally, we have seen an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and threats from infectious diseases such as influenza and SARS. This has caused great strain on the health, economic and social resources of both developed and developing countries. There is a need for the larger public health community to rise to the challenge. We must develop innovative and evidence-based clinical solutions, craft new models of healthcare delivery and be at the forefront of groundbreaking health policy reforms.

The organising committee has planned an exciting programme, consisting of lectures, symposiums, research presentations, as well as pre and post conference workshops and interest group discussions. The conference will be a rare opportunity to hear local, regional and international speakers, sharing their latest research and providing fascinating perspectives on public health issues, action and practice that are of critical importance. It is also a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and foster collaboration on an international scale with over 500 local and international delegates of various inter-disciplinary backgrounds, and ranging from healthcare professionals to researchers and academia.

Our distinguished guests include:

Peter Piot, CMG, MD, Ph.D., DTM, FRCP, FMedSci Director of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
David Heymann, MD Chairman of the Board of the UK Health Protection Agency
Kenneth Warner, Ph.D. Avedis Donabedian Distinguished University Professor of Public Health
Peter Crome, MD, Ph.D., FRCP, FFPM Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Keele University, England
Sir Roy Anderson, FRS, FMedSci, Chair in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the School of Public Health Imperial College, London.
Tikki Pang, Ph.D. Visiting Professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Come and be part of the vibrant community who will courageously take on the challenges that the future of public health poses. We look forward to seeing you at the 1st Singapore International Public Health Conference.

Dr Benjamin Ng
Co-Chairperson
SIPHC 2012 Organising Committee
Vice-Chairman
Chapter of Public Health & Occupational
Physicians
Academy of Medicine, Singapore

A/Prof Lim Yee Wei
Co-Chairperson
SIPHC 2012 Organising Committee
Vice-Dean, Research
Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health,
National University of Singapore