Health Promotion Board (HPB)
Features | Public Service

Leading Healthier,
Longer Lives

A high standard of public health is key to national welfare, the economy and productivity. The Health Promotion Board (HPB), a key agency overseeing national health promotion and disease prevention programmes, is committed to create a health-supportive environment for Singaporeans.

Good health begins with the smallest things. To promote the overall health of Singaporeans, HPB implements and spearheads health education, promotion and prevention programmes adapted for our modern lifestyle, such as the Healthier Dining Programme and Workplace Health Promotion Programme.

A high life expectancy is also not enough – HPB strives to empower Singaporeans to attain optimal health, increase the quality and years of healthy life and prevent illness, disability and premature death. HPB Mid-Term Undergraduate Scholars Caleb Kevin Teo and Lim Zhen tell us how they help Singaporeans enjoy a healthier and higher quality of life.

Tell us more about your decision to apply for the HPB Mid-Term Scholarship.

Caleb Kevin Teo: I interned with HPB’s Corporate Communications Department during my third undergraduate year, helping to plan media strategies and writing press releases for HPB’s initiatives. I also assisted in HPB’s media events, studio recordings, campaigns and roadshows.

The Last Man Standing Challenge – an anti-binge drinking campaign – was particularly memorable. This campaign took its message to popular nightspots and clubs in Singapore with a roving carnival-like machine and prizes for party-goers who had a sufficiently-low blood alcohol level. I liked how this campaign was relevant and accessible to the target audience while still driving home its message.

I found the work in HPB to be both exciting and meaningful and this further strengthened my conviction to serve the public upon graduation!

Caleb Kevin Teo Wei Siang
HPB Mid-Term Undergraduate Scholar

Designation: Senior Executive,
Research & Evaluation Department,
Research & Strategic Planning Division

Studied: Bachelor of Social Science with a second major
in Communications & New Media,
National University of Singapore

"I personally believe in the value of investing in one’s health. It’s really a privilege to be able to work on something that I believe in."

Lim Zhen: Initially, I was unsure about what I wanted to do in the future before I entered university. Like many undergraduates, I believed that the future would take care of itself. Eventually, I came to see the value of planning ahead and having a concrete goal. The HPB Mid-Term Scholarship was a perfect opportunity for me as I personally believe in the value of investing in one’s health. It’s really a privilege to be able to work on something that I believe in.

How do you hope to contribute to HPB and the public health landscape?

Caleb: The public health landscape is very dynamic and exciting. It continues to be influenced by various stakeholders such as Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) leaders, the Government, commercial businesses, academics, health experts and the public. I hope to help HPB become a leader in this field and act as a bridge that connects the various stakeholders so that we can all contribute towards building a healthier nation.

Lim Zhen: I would like to help develop policies and programmes that will enable people in Singapore to stay physically and mentally healthy. I also hope to play an active role in rolling out these programmes, gathering sentiments from the ground and ensuring that they successfully address public needs. I hope that with these policies and programmes in place, leading a healthy lifestyle will ultimately become second nature to Singaporeans.

What is your job scope like and what are some of your responsibilities?

Caleb: I work in the Research & Evaluation Department, where we conduct quantitative and qualitative research to gain insights into different health topics. This includes getting information on people’s health knowledge, their attitudes towards various health issues and their living habits and practices that may influence their health. We work closely with the programme and outreach teams to design suitable initiatives to encourage healthy living.

I deal primarily with research into adolescent health and communicable disease education. I help to design research studies, ensure quality data collection, conduct data analyses, and offer recommendations and insights to my colleagues in the programme and outreach departments.

Lim Zhen: My job involves making workplaces in Singapore healthier and empowering the working population to lead healthier lifestyles. For instance, I develop training structures and enablers of Total Workplace Safety and Health, an integrated approach to managing safety, health and well-being in the workplace.

I also work with the Ministry of Manpower to make health promotion part of workplace safety and occupational health policies. This enables a more holistic perspective, where employers can examine the impact of work on employees' health and vice versa.

What opportunities have you enjoyed as a HPB Scholar?

Caleb: I attended trainings, workshops and conferences that kept me updated on the latest happenings in public health in Singapore and around the world. For instance, I attended a WHO-ASEAN conference in Manila that discussed issues related to tackling tobacco use. It was an eye-opening experience to be among leading experts, academics, NGO leaders and government officials in the field. I learnt about the best practices in tobacco control from various ASEAN countries, such as taxing tobacco and clamping down on illicit trade. It’s very exciting to be at the forefront of new developments in public health practices and policies.

Lim Zhen
HPB Mid-Term Undergraduate Scholar

Designation: Senior Executive,
Workplace Health Planning & Strategy,
Workplace Health & Outreach Division

Studied: Bachelor of Social Science
with a second major in Sociology,
National University of Singapore

Lim Zhen: HPB was open and supportive of my decision to embark on a double major programme in the National University of Singapore (NUS). As a HPB scholar, I was empowered to pursue my interests in Psychology and Sociology locally and experience life out of Singapore while pursuing some of my modules overseas. HPB’s support has helped me to make the most out of my opportunities and in turn, I enjoyed a more fulfilling and rounded undergraduate education.

At HPB, I have attended meetings with senior management and Government officials – an extremely enriching experience that allowed me to learn more about the decision-making process and broader considerations influencing the development of health initiatives. On a lighter note, I’ve also been part of the cheerleading team for HPB’s Friendship Games Day, and it was really enjoyable and fun to bond with my colleagues in such an informal setting!

What advice do you have for aspiring HPB Scholars?

Caleb: Passion is one of the most important things to have if you’re considering a HPB Scholarship. The work is challenging and difficult, and you’ll need to work on the ground as well! Nevertheless, if you truly want to make a difference in the lives of others and believe in HPB’s vision to build a nation of healthy people, there is no better scholarship to apply for.

Lim Zhen: Be true to yourself and know where your interests lie. Your life will be infinitely more enjoyable and fulfilling if you work on the things that interest you. Therefore, if health promotion is something that resonates with you, don’t hesitate and apply for the HPB Scholarship now!