Faces of Duke-NUS: Kenneth Tang from Internal Audit

Behind every innovative programme is a team working tirelessly to make things happen. For the Duke-NUS Health Innovator Programme (D-HIP), that includes Jeremy Lee, manager in the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

D-HIP runs for nine months each year, bringing together students, clinicians, mentors and industry partners to tackle real healthcare needs with creative solutions. And Jeremy, 36, is part of the driving force ensuring that this journey runs smoothly.

Tell us about an interesting aspect of your role.

The best part is the variety. I get to engage and work with teaching faculty, clinicians, industry experts, executive coaches and students—all working together to make D-HIP a success. Recently, I planned a study trip for our fellows with colleagues from Duke University in the US. We worked hand in hand with them to ensure that all aspects of the trip were properly planned such as the programme itinerary, accommodations, and airport transfers! Every detail matters.

What do you most look forward to at work?

I really enjoy working closely with the teaching faculty to actualise innovative and exciting teaching methods, which allows me to learn how to make presentations more appealing to stakeholders. Each class for our D-HIP fellows is different, and they are always packed with different interactive forms of teaching, including videos, activities, live demonstrations and sharing sessions. One instance that left a lasting impression was when a faculty member incorporated real coconuts in the class. Of course, it was tied to the concept of evaluating a commercial product. I shall leave it to the reader’s imagination to connect the dots there!

Jeremy with his team


What is the biggest misconception about your role? 

People often assume I’m just a course coordinator, but in reality, it’s much broader. As D-HIP is an academic programme with classes for participating fellows from not only diverse backgrounds but also different institutions of higher learning, the first challenge is making sure that the classes run smoothly.

Yet, beyond this most obvious facet of the role, it also requires diverse stakeholder engagement, managing operations and implementation, event management, procurement and facilitation work. I wear many hats for this role.

Jeremy conducting the first class briefing for the D-HIP fellows

What’s been your most challenging moment?

It had to be preparing for the start of the semester for D-HIP as we have to engage with multiple stakeholders in a short period of time. I overcame it with planning and by prioritising the different engagements, along with multitasking the work. Collaboration forms a big part of the equation as it helps to complete tasks more efficiently. In that sense, my team and I live and breathe the School’s values.

 
How do you unwind?

Representing his hall in volleyball at the NUS Inter-Hall Games

I stay active by playing volleyball and swimming; and relax by watching Netflix and practising horticulture. I used to play volleyball weekly when I was younger, when I represented my alma mater the Fairfield Methodist Schools Alumni Association in the National Volleyball Opens tournament.

I also like to keep house plants as a hobby, and my favourite plants are Monstera deliciosa and fiddle-leaf fig. Both plants have large and unique leave shapes. They also do not require strong sunlight and are easy to care for. They are statement pieces in any house and help me to destress whenever I look at them. I always look forward to seeing new leaves budding!
 

Why Duke-NUS?   

I wanted to contribute to a mission-driven institution focused on education, research and innovation in medicine. With my passion for healthcare and as an alumnus of the National University of Singapore, I feel a sense of identity and a duty to contribute at NUS. The strong learning culture also attracted me because it continues to spur me to further my self-development. Here, I have opportunities to attend various talks, courses and conferences for upskilling.

All photos in this story are copyrighted by Jeremy Lee.

We’re always on the lookout for stories to tell. Know a colleague we should feature in a future Faces of Duke-NUS spotlight? Drop us a note at communications@duke-nus.edu.sg!