Singapore, 25 July 2015 – The Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) and SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre’s Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme (ACP) have partnered to establish the Tan Cheng Lim – CCF Professorship in Paediatric Oncology.

The Professorship, named in honour of one of Singapore’s pioneers in paediatric oncology, Emeritus Consultant, Professor Tan Cheng Lim, aims to promote continued learning and innovative medical research in the future generations of paediatricians in Singapore. Professor Tan is the longest-serving paediatrician in public healthcare and has helped shape the practice and landscape of paediatric medicine in Singapore and the region throughout his illustrious career spanning five decades. Professor Tan’s influence in advancing the level of paediatric medicine in Singapore, coupled with his dedication to teach generations of healthcare professionals, is exemplary and well-deserving of honour and recognition.

This endowed Professorship, established under the auspices of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics ACP, will be conferred on an outstanding individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements in advancing medical science with positive outcomes in healthcare delivery and a keen interest in advancing research and education in paediatric oncology.

The appointee will play a significant role in advancing the knowledge and clinical management of children with cancer. He or she will be a role model for the next generation of doctors through mentorship and teaching as well as active pursuit of clinical research in paediatric oncology.

“CCF is a champion for children suffering from cancers and is committed to working symbiotically with its partners in contributing to paediatric oncology research and education. This partnership will enhance the medical well-being of our children as they stand to benefit from the clinical research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancer,” said Mr Ho Cheng Huat, Chairperson of CCF.

“We are deeply appreciative of CCF’s generous support in enabling us to further our pursuit of Academic Medicine through clinical research and education. This Professorship will certainly build upon Professor Tan Cheng Lim’s excellent legacy and pioneering contributions in paediatric medicine to pave the way for a future that is free of childhood cancer as we uncover new treatments and cures,” said Professor Ivy Ng, Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth.

Associate Professor Ng Kee Chong, Academic Chair for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics ACP and Chairman, Division of Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) added, “At KKH, we see more than 100 cases of paediatric cancers each year. This Professorship will enable us to pursue advancements in paediatric oncology and we are very grateful to CCF for this contribution; the impact of which will undoubtedly touch the lives of many and bring much hope to our young patients and their families.”

The endowed Professorship was made possible through a $2.5 million contribution from CCF and with a dollar-for-dollar matching by the Singapore government, the fund for children’s cancer research is doubled to $5 million. This inaugural Professorship will provide an excellent platform for international centres of excellence to collaborate and by leveraging the expertise and resources of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and KKH, it will help push the frontiers of clinical research in paediatric oncology in Singapore and enhance future treatment and patient care for children affected by childhood cancers.