TEY HL
HOW ONE DOCTOR’S INNOVATIONS ARE CHANGING HEALTHCARE
From Lab to Life: A/Prof Tey’s Visionary Approach to Dermatological Innovations
This is just one of the many lives transformed by the groundbreaking innovations of A/Prof Tey, who won the Exemplary Innovator Award at the Public Sector Transformation Awards 2024.
A/Prof Tey Hong Liang isn’t your average dermatologist. He’s a visionary leader and serial innovator who has made it his life’s mission to revolutionise skin health care. As the clinical director of the National Healthcare Group (NHG)’s Centre for Medical Technologies and Innovations (CMTi), A/Prof Tey goes beyond treating skin conditions – he drives innovation and enterprise.
His patient-first approach has led to the development of over 11 commercialised co-developed products. From novel dissolvable microneedle patch that reduces post-surgical scarring to an anti-odour foot spray and a range of skincare products that’s bringing relief to millions, each innovation addresses real, and often overlooked patient needs. These are more than just another product on the shelf, they’re solutions that dramatically improve quality of life.
But A/Prof Tey’s impact extends far beyond his own innovations. He has built an engine that spurs innovation. A/Prof Tey has been instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation within the National Skin Centre (NSC) and the broader healthcare community. He leads a multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, pharmacists and clinical research scientists in NSC, encouraging creative thinking and collaborative work. Ultimately, empowering them to front innovation projects of their own. A/Prof Tey instils to colleagues a mindset of sustainable innovation and emphasises the importance of commercially viable innovations, enhancing the long-term sustainability and scalability of innovation outcomes.
In his role at CMTi, he steers strategic direction of innovation and enterprise in NHG. His successful collaborations and product developments have been exemplars for healthcare colleagues in other disciplines and specialties. Through knowledge sharing and mentorship, he effectively guides clinicians to navigate the innovation landscape. Over the years, A/Prof Tey continues to influence a culture of innovation. His collaborative partnerships with industry, research institutes and academia, raise awareness of the value of clinical partnership for the development of relevant healthcare solutions. A/Prof Teys transformative leadership shapes the innovative landscape within NSC, NHG and beyond.
A/Prof Tey's recognition serves as an inspiration to healthcare professionals across Singapore, encouraging them to think creatively and pursue innovations that can make a real difference in patients' lives. It's a testament to what can be achieved when medical expertise is combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to patient care.
The success of A/Prof Tey is a testament to the National Healthcare Group’s commitment to cultivating talent and fostering innovation. By providing a supportive environment where innovation is encouraged and resources are available to turn ideas into reality, NHG is helping to shape the future of healthcare in Singapore and beyond.
"It's an honor to be recognised by this award, but what's more meaningful is seeing how our work actually translates into positive real-world outcomes for our patients and population, and helping them improve their quality of life."
Learn more about our innovative approaches to healthcare and how we're working to improve patient outcomes across Singapore.
