Tow Tiang Seng Distinguished Lecture​

7 November 2020 — This event was held on via zoom webinar, and was attended by more than 250 esteemed guests and donors of Mind Science Centre. The Tow Tiang Seng Lecture Series was made possible by the generous contributions by the Tow Family, and MSC would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Tow and family for the support for our programmes and research in mental health. Learn more

27 March 2021 — In this edition of Mind Science Centre’s (MSC) key event ‘Speaking Up for Mental Health’, we celebrated the launch of ‘Profiles in Resilience’, a book sharing stories of resilience from 20 amazing individuals; and heard the inspiring story of an undefeated mind from Professor Jeremy Monteiro – our 3rd Tow Tiang Seng Distinguished Lecture Guest Speaker. Learn more

10 October 2021 — In this edition of Mind Science Centre’s (MSC) key event – Tow Tiang Seng Distinguished Lecture Series, we celebrated World Mental Health Day the unique way with our webinar audience of 464 on the rainy afternoon of 10 October. We were honored to have our Patron – Mrs Teo Poh Yim, with us on the webinar to launch of our little gift of positivity to the world – ‘Singing in the Rainforest’ Music Video. Learn more

8 May 2022 — The Age Well Everyday (AWE) program for dementia prevention has a pervasive theme of Dignity. This lecture traced the genesis of the program, evidence-based data and translational significance. The Community Health and Intergenerational study focuses on ageing-in-place and the Therapeutic Rainforest research is about health benabiod and possible impact on prevention of climate warming. Learn more

6 October 2022 — As seniors live through their golden years, active ageing is the key to maintaining a good quality of life. Engaging in active ageing requires a holistic approach, where multiple aspects like physical, mental, social and financial health come into play. Having financial security allows the seniors to have the freedom to choose how they want to spend their retirement years. Join our webinar to take the important step towards ensuring your financial health!

8 June 2023 — Research on ageing is both science and humanities. The Community Health & Intergenerational (CHI) study is the first research in Asia with a team which includes the specialities of psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, biostatistics, family medicine, nursing, cardiology, ENT, orthopaedics, eye, dentistry, immunology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, nutrition, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, economics, horticulture, music therapy, art therapy and digital technology. Building resilience is the key to good mental health. Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. When stress, adversity, or trauma strikes, we still experience anger, grief, and pain, but we are able to keep functioning.

2 November 2023 — The NUS Youth Epidemiology and Resilience Study is the first nationwide epidemiological study aimed at understanding the prevalence of mental health symptoms and psychiatric disorders among adolescents in Singapore aged 10 to 18. Conducted from 2020 to 2022, the study involved more than 3,000 young individuals and sheds light on the critical link between resilience and mental health.

22 March 2024 — The unquiet mind, often fraught with emotions, thoughts, and conflicts, seeks avenues for expression and understanding. Poetry serves as a conduit, allowing these inner tumults to flow into words, rhythm, and metaphor. Through poetry, we not only articulate our innermost thoughts and emotions but also reach out to others, inviting them into our worlds of introspection, imagination, and the raw, unfiltered essence of our existence.

26 September 2024 — The stigma of mental illness is prevalent and pervasive. Patients are often reluctant to seek help because they are fearful and ashamed. A broken leg elicits more sympathy than a broken mind. Early treatment, family care, and community support are essential for recovery. Destigmatisation needs all our support, including from those who pace the corridors of power.

21 May 2025 — In recent years, there has been greater awareness of women’s mental health. Women play myriad roles in the family, workplace, and community. What are the common mental health challenges faced by women? Do stigma and prejudice prevent them from seeking help? Help-seeking behaviour varies across different communities around the world. Recent research on mental health promotion and depression prevention will also be discussed.

22 October  2026 — This webinar brings together three distinguished speakers to discuss work, stress, and mental well-being across the lifespan.

Dr R. Nagulendran, still practising at 88, reflects on his 64-year medical career, from public healthcare to Woodbridge Hospital, and the challenges of stigma and resource constraints.

Associate Professor Shefaly Shorey shares her approach to work–life balance as a mother, academic leader, and active volunteer in the Age Well Everyday (AWE) programme.

Associate Professor Lee Cheng examines how work stress can precipitate mental illness and highlights the importance of supportive environments and calibrated expectations for recovering psychiatric patients.