15 Years and Counting: The LKCMedicine Story
In 2010, NTU Singapore and Imperial College London signed a collaboration agreement to officially establish Singapore’s youngest medical school.
This School was given its name in 2011, honouring a landmark gift of S$150 million by the Lee Foundation. A name that is recognised internationally and today, responsible for training doctors who lead with compassion, integrity and humility: the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Since its inception 15 years ago, LKCMedicine has graduated over 800 doctors; made it to the top 100 in QS World University Rankings for Medicine and the Times Higher Education University Ranking; welcomed its largest intake of 190 students in 2025; pushed the boundaries of research; and embarked on its refreshed identity as an NTU medical school.
There is indeed much to celebrate about LKCMedicine’s growth. And celebrate we did!
On 6 November 2025, the LKCMedicine community, comprising senior leadership, staff, faculty, researchers, students, alumni, patient partners, healthcare partners and supporters of the School, were invited to indulge in some nostalgia and good cheer.
The 15th Anniversary commemoration event, titled “15 Years and Counting!” began with a student-led acapella performance. Their rendition of Wings by Little Mix and Golden by Huntrix was enjoyed thoroughly by some 200 guests, elevating the mood of the event.
Right after, LKCMedicine Dean Professor Joseph Sung, who is also NTU Senior Vice-President of Health and Life Sciences, delivered a welcome address that left many chuckling.
On a more poignant note, Prof Sung acknowledged the many people who have been an integral part of LKCMedicine’s story.
“At 15 years old, we are very young. We are at our adolescence. However, thanks to the founding leaders of the School and our colleagues from Imperial College London, NHG Health and NTU, we have been able to grow very fast and have a strong and well-established curriculum.”
Looking ahead, LKCMedicine Governing Board, Chair, Ms Chan Lai Fung, who was featured after Prof Sung, aptly summarised the School’s direction.
“Let’s keep nurturing not just skilled and compassionate doctors, but doctors who never stop learning, who are always growing and seeking to do better for their patients. Let’s also keep our research focus on what truly matters – addressing real needs and improving lives so that our work can make a tangible difference. And let’s keep strengthening the culture that has brought us here. One built on teamwork, professionalism, and respect in all that we do.”
An anniversary event would not be the same without hearing from our alumni, who continue to be a core part of the LKCMedicine community and embody the School’s values even after graduating.
SGH’s Internal Medicine Resident Dr Lee Cheok Hon (Class of 2019) recalled his time being part of the second cohort of students and having the unique opportunity to build the foundations of LKCMedicine.
“LKCMedicine has always prided itself on training doctors that you and I would like caring for us. As students, we got to choose and build a School that we would like training us.”
He added, “Trust. That is what guides our [School] leaders in creating good doctors. Trust in the evidence behind new pedagogical research. Trust in our students to do what needs to be done to make LKCMedicine a better place. Even as alumni, we are invited as tutors to contribute back to our School and hone our skills as clinician educators. LKCMedicine has shown that it values its alumni, and this is a trust that we will keep on giving back in the future.”
At the event, guests were treated to two very special videos in addition to the speeches. The first video was a throwback to LKCMedicine’s humble beginnings and the journey it has charted over the last 15 years.
It encouraged many to reflect on their own time at LKCMedicine. True to the DNA of the School, the video had a modern twist: old footages were AI-treated, making them come alive – heartwarming to many in the audience, especially those who have been with LKCMedicine for years.
“The 15 years is a significant milestone, with many more years to come [for the School]. As a faculty member who has been here for nine and a half years, it has been a fantastic and fruitful experience. I started my own laboratory as a Principal Investigator, and my research has progressed. I have also contributed to educating the next generation of doctors in Singapore and I am very proud of them!” effused LKCMedicine Vice Dean (Faculty Affairs) Associate Professor Yasunori Saheki.
The subsequent video was an LKCMedicine-curated music video showcasing the creativity, talent and fun personalities of our community – some of the traits that make us a dynamic and innovative medical school!
It was accompanied with a live performance by LKCMedicine staff, much to the delight of all present.
The main programme ended on an energetic note, but the fun and celebration did not stop there.
Guests trickled out to the Clinical Sciences Building Plaza for a scrumptious buffet and games, such as Remember & Match and giant pick-up sticks.
“I am so grateful for the people who have made LKCMedicine what it is today and by extension making it possible for me to pursue my medical education. I am very excited to see what is in store for LKCMedicine in the next few years. See you at the 20th anniversary!” said Nurul Hannah Binte Mirza Irwan, second-year LKCMedicine student.
LKCMedicine Health & Safety Manager Sowpati Jayaker expressed similar sentiments. Walking down memory lane, he shared, “Having been here for 10 years, I have seen LKCMedicine grow in so many dimensions, and it has been such an exciting journey to be part of. I hope LKCMedicine will continue to grow together as one family, while shaping future doctors and redefining medicine and research.”
Filled with heartfelt reunions, fond reflections, lively exchanges and a renewed vigour to propel LKCMedicine to greater heights, it was a fitting celebration for a young medical school known to punch above its weight and ready to evolve into its next phase.
