As Professor Tina Wong sees it, there are two types of people at the are hyper-focused on getting through their sets and those gym: those who who are not.
“I am very disciplined and I do not waste time. When I am at the gym, I do not look at anyone. I am there to beast it, and then I leave,” says Prof Wong, the head and senior consultant of the Glaucoma Department at Singapore National Eye Centre.
In her words, “I have to compartmentalise my time. With age and seniority, my portfolio has grown so large and I have so many tasks to complete that I have to be very disciplined.”
With a laugh, the powerhouse says she often struggles to describe what she does at social events, often settling on a “simple” answer — a doctor. That barely scratches the surface.
In 2007, the British-born professor with Hong Kong family roots moved to Singapore from London to pursue her various passions as a doctor, surgeon, and research scientist.
ADVOCATE FOR TECHNOLOGY
An outspoken proponent of technology and innovation, particularly in med tech, she was the Executive Director of the National Health Innovation Centre (NHIC) from 2017 until the end of last year.
Reflecting on her tenure at NHIC, which supports innovation and enterprise activities from the public healthcare sector in Singapore, she says, “In 2017, things were just beginning in terms of commercialising homegrown innovations and health tech products. And towards the end of my term, we were looking at implementing some of these initiatives that we have funded earlier on.“
For instance, last October, the NHIC launched the Clinical Innovation and Adoption Initiative to disburse up to $1 million to assist successful applicants in developing and distributing their technologies across the island.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From Screen to Store
Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.
In the Dining Spotlight
Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.
All for One
How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.
Pods and Swirling Staircases
This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.
Stories Behind the Kebava
Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.
Good to Go
Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.
Seasons of the Snake
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.
Phoenix Rising
One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.
Preserving Paradise
Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.
