Research in SKH | Sengkang General Hospital

Mission

At the heart of discovery, innovation, and academic excellence, the Research Office serves as the central hub for fostering a thriving research community at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH). Our mission is to empower researchers, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships and drive impactful outcomes that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and healthcare solutions for the hospital, the community and the population.

Facilitating Research Excellence
We provide support, resources, and infrastructure to enable our faculty, students, and staff to conduct groundbreaking research and creative endeavours. From grant writing assistance to laboratory oversight, we ensure a seamless research process.
Promoting Partnerships and Collaboration
Innovation thrives in collaboration. We foster partnerships across departments, institutions, and industries to encourage knowledge sharing and multidisciplinary projects.
Enabling Funding Partnerships
Our team connects researchers with funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners. We guide the application process to maximise success and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Ensuring Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of research ethics and integrity is central to our role. We provide training, resources, and oversight to maintain compliance with institutional, national, and international guidelines.
Translating Knowledge into Impact
Beyond the lab, we aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. By supporting innovation, technology transfer, and public engagement, we amplify the reach of research findings.

Our Leadership

Clin Assoc Prof Iris Rawtaer
Research Director, Research Office

Clin Assoc Prof Frederick Koh
Deputy Director, Research Office

Research Office Team Portfolios

The Research Office oversees a diverse range of portfolios to support and enhance the research ecosystem at Sengkang General Hospital. These include:

By integrating these core areas, the Research Office ensures a comprehensive framework for researchers to excel in their endeavours.

Our Team

Your donation plays a meaningful role in supporting research and improving patient care at SKH. Contributions help advance studies, enhance healthcare services, and create better outcomes for our patients and community. Every gift—big or small—makes a lasting impact and supports our mission to deliver compassionate, evidence‑based care.

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Research News

Patient Care SKH Doctor on MAGNET initiative to combat muscle loss A S$10 million research initiative to tackle muscle loss in Singapore’s ageing population was launched on 4 August 2025, making it the country’s first comprehensive programme focused on sarcopenia. A key area of research is the first sarcopenia biobank, spearheaded by Sengkang General Hospital, which will help the research team uncover insights behind the disease. Clinical Associate Professor Frederick Koh, Consultant, Colorectal Surgery Service, SKH, and clinical lead of MAGNET, explained that muscle tissue and blood samples are obtained with consent during patients’ scheduled surgeries, and that the tissue removed is very small and will not affect patients’ recovery. The nationwide initiative brings together a consortium of scientists and clinicians across Singapore's three public healthcare clusters - National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth.

05 Aug 2025 | Lianhe Zaobao Read Story

Patient Care Study Shows Smart Sensors' Effectiveness in Detecting Cognitive Decline - SINEW A study led by Associate Professor Iris Rawtaer, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Research at SKH, and professor of computer science Tan Ah Hwee from Singapore Management University, demonstrated a 90% accuracy rate in detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through machine learning-based prediction technology. This marks an improvement from the 70% accuracy obtained in the first phase of study in 2020. The research, known as Sensors In-home for Elder Wellbeing (SINEW), has involved more than 200 seniors since 2020. The sensor system uses sensors strategically placed in participants' homes, along with wearables and sensor tags on keychains, to monitor movement patterns, sleep quality, and daily routines. This data is then analysed to detect cognitive decline.

07 Jul 2025 | The Straits Times Read Story

Patient Care SKH Doctor on INFINITY-iCOPE In a health segment on community health programmes for seniors, Associate Professor Laura Tay, Head & Senior Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, SKH, highlighted INFINITY-iCOPE, a comprehensive senior health assessment programme launched by SingHealth and SKH in October 2024. Established under SingHealth Regional Health System (RHS) and led by SKH, this initiative aligns with WHO's 'Integrated Care for Older People' (ICOPE) guidelines on community-level interventions to manage declines in intrinsic capacity in older people. A/Prof Laura emphasised the importance of managing seniors' intrinsic capacity - combined physical and mental abilities including cognition, mobility, sensory functions, psychological well-being, and vitality - as it is crucial for maintaining their independence and quality of life.

10 Apr 2025 | Channel 8 News Online Read Story

Research Singapore clinicians develop innovative ventilator for breathing support in COVID-19 patients Singapore clinicians develop ventilator for COVID-19 breathing support

24 Jul 2020 Read Story

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SKH Research Office

Research News