Interview with Teo Yik Ying

Published

Teo Yik Ying
Class of 95S24
Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

Professor Teo Yik Ying is the Dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS. His genomics studies on populations from Africa, Europe and Asia have gained international recognition. As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Yik Ying’s views as a leading public health policy expert were sought by both local and overseas media.

1. What is 1 life lesson you learnt in your JC years, that shaped the person you are today?
Yik Ying: 
The value of humility. No one will hold the answer to every challenge or roadblock in life, but being able to operate as a team and to learn from each other will usually produce better results.

2. What is your fondest memory of VJC?
Yik Ying: Hanging out with friends playing carom in the canteen.

3. If you could go back in time, what would you say to encourage your younger JC self?
Yik Ying: Enjoy the time with your friends living life as carefree as possible. The two years in VJ will be over before you know it.

4. Where’s your fave hangout spot in VJC, and why?
Yik Ying: Definitely the canteen. I like eating, especially together with friends!

5. What was your most challenging experience in VJC, and how did you overcome it?
Yik Ying: Trying to stay afloat for my GP, I’m not sure whether I overcame it in the end... 

6. In your opinion, what is unique about the VJC experience?
Yik Ying: The fact we are next to the sea. Chilling out means a run by the beach.

7. Name one person you met at VJC (could be a schoolmate or teacher or coach, canteen staff etc) and why you’ll never forget him / her.
Yik Ying: 
Mrs Kong, who lectured on Statistics, and who inspired me to know the value and power of understanding the hidden messages that numbers and data can tell. I’m specialising in data analytics because of her.

8. If you could use only one word to describe VJC, what would this word be?
Yik Ying: 
Fun!

Read our interviews with other alumni in this series!

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