2018 was a year filled with many transitions and changes at NHCS. In August, we welcomed new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ms Catherine Ang. 

Prior to her current appointment, Catherine was the Deputy Director at SingHealth Group Finance. She subsequently came on-board in January 2018 as NHCS’ CFO-designate, learning the ropes from her predecessor, Malcolm Koh. 

CardioConnect sits down with her for a short chat.

How has it been in NHCS so far?
I’m still trying to understand the business, cost drivers and demand elasticity. I’m also trying very hard to remember the many new faces and names. Faces and directions are my worst nightmare, which is why I’m not patient-facing and should never drive! 

Has numbers always been your thing?
Numbers tell a story, and to me, they say it much better than words. I must be a selective visual learner because somehow it doesn’t work with faces (or directions).    

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
I see challenges as something inevitable in life; it definitely helps to have a good friend to share my woes with. When in doubt, I consult those who are wiser than me. Thankfully, they are not hard to find. 

What do you like to do in your free time?
I do yoga once a week as stretching helps to delay the onset of shrinking (I don’t have much height to start with) and improve my flexibility, in preparation for old age. I also find that travelling helps to open the eyes and broaden the mind. These days, I prefer free-and-easy trips, especially now that they are made much easier with ride-hailing apps! 

What is a fun fact about you that is unknown to most of your colleagues?
I am a pescetarian (a person on a vegetarian and seafood diet). My cholesterol level was borderline high two years back so I’ve switched to oatmeal for dinner on most days. I must say it is quite effective.  

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A recent Forbes article said that CFOs are facing increasing stress as workload and expectations rise. With her positivity and candour - and perhaps all that healthy omega-3 fats from her pescetarian diet - we are confident Catherine will do just fine as she manoeuvres her way through the spreadsheets. We wish her a fulfilling journey ahead as she scales the heights at NHCS.