#PassionPridePurpose From Campus to Community
As a proud NUS Pharmacy alumna, Ms Chung Wing Lam (Class of ’09) has charted a purposeful career to strengthen community healthcare after her graduation. Today, as a dedicated community pharmacist, she brings together clinical expertise and compassionate care to support patients from all walks of life. She also shapes the future healthcare landscape by tutoring and mentoring NUS Pharmacy undergraduate students. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to accessible healthcare and continuous learning. In recognition of her professional contributions and inspiring leadership, Wing Lam was recently honoured with the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2025, celebrating not only her achievements, but also the impact she continues to make in the lives of those she serves.
Journey to Community Pharmacy
Having completed her undergraduate preceptorship (PECT) at Watsons, Wing Lam was drawn to community pharmacy practice and the opportunities to interact with patients and customers with a focus on preventive care. As a community pharmacist, she extends care beyond the dispensary, supporting patients in nursing homes and intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) settings. The services she provides enhance medication safety and optimise therapy through close collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
“Looking back, I would not have imagined that community pharmacy would have advanced to what it is today, with opportunities to conduct research, oral and poster presentations at conferences, publish journal articles, administer vaccinations in-store, and provide e-consultations. It is also exciting to have opportunities for public-private sector collaborations- including BASIC, breast cancer survivorship shared care model between National Cancer Centre Singapore, SingHealth Polyclinics and Watsons.”
Wing Lam (at right side) and colleagues Joy Chong and Siti Rahil (left to right) with poster on “Development Framework for Pharmacists (DFP) implementation in Watsons Singapore” presented at Singapore Pharmacy Congress 2025
Contributing Beyond Pharmacy Services
Inspired by caring preceptors and mentors throughout her PECT, pre‑registration, and pharmacist years, she learned that impact grows when pharmacists engage in initiatives beyond day‑to‑day work. One such example is her involvement in the Community Pharmacist Influenza Vaccination sandbox, which earned positive public feedback for its convenience, accessibility, clear explanations, and the team’s professionalism.
Seeing the public benefit through the Watsons Diabetes Care service also spurs her on, for example when participants shared how the programme deepened their understanding of chronic disease management and empowered them to take charge of their health. “Seeing our pharmacy team members grow with these opportunities to practice at the top of their licence is very heartwarming!”, she said.
Wing Lam with some of the Influenza vaccination service Paragon team members (left) and the Watsons team at SPC Pharmacist’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony (right)
“I would like to thank Watsons, PSS, NUS, SPC, MOH and the various professional organisations that have given me the opportunity to contribute. It is an honour to be part of something bigger and to have the chance to shape the future of the profession. I’m also grateful to Watsons management and colleagues for being supportive of my involvement in many activities. Being able to meet and work with many people outside of Watsons is another plus point as it helps to broaden my perspectives, along with making new friends.”
Back at NUS, Wing Lam also pays it forward by mentoring NUS students during their PECT at Watsons, and through programmes such as the Department’s INSPIRxE alumni mentorship programme and the Science Alumni‑Student Mentorship Programme, continuing the cycle of guidance and encouragement that shaped her own journey.
Picture with Mr Png Yong Koh, mentor from PSS Mentorship Program (2018 batch)
Reflecting on Balancing and Life Motto
When asked how she balances various commitments, Wing Lam shared that she turns to purposeful planning by prioritising and scheduling time for work, friends, family and not forgetting self-care. She finds it equally important to carve out moments to rest and recharge, and maintaining good sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to stay focused and resilient.
“Setting aside time for various aspects helps me to keep track of what I want to do, and ensure I don’t miss any events. Being purposeful with my time helps me to maximise my day.”
Her guiding motto, “Begin with the end in mind”, shapes how she approaches decisions and projects. This principle was reinforced during a PSS workgroup meeting, where progress stalled until the group advisor pointed the team to revisit their objectives. It was then that she realised that once the desired outcomes were clarified, the path forward became clear. With a firm grasp of the “end,” she embraces flexibility in execution so that balance and purpose are sustained in both daily life and professional work.
#PassionPridePurpose and Award Recognition
With a passion for patient care, pride in her profession, and a clear sense of purpose, Wing Lam channels the right energy into her everyday life. She was recently honoured with the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2025, amongst many other awards over the years, for these values and the difference they create. The awards are truly a testament to the meaningful drivers that guide her journey. When asked on her thoughts about receiving the award, she said “It is truly an honour to have been nominated for this award, and I am deeply grateful to be selected. NUS has given me a strong foundation and played a significant role in shaping who I am today, so being able to give back to my alma mater is especially meaningful to me.” She added on that the award is a collective achievement, and she hopes to share the joy with the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Watsons management and colleagues, preceptors, mentors, peers, and many enthusiastic partners whom she has worked with.
In closing, she offers this advice to aspiring pharmacists: “Embrace challenges as this will allow you to explore new frontiers, broaden your perspectives, and learn more about yourself along the way.”
Wing Lam as an invited speaker, sharing about her experiences as a community pharmacy representative, NUS Xperience Pharmacy Camp, Dec 2017
NUS Alumni Awards ceremony, Nov 2025
Article by Ms Ng Shi Ying (NUS Staff)
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