Head of Department
Professor Giorgia PASTORIN
As pharmaceutical scientist by training and registered Pharmacist from Italy, Giorgia Pastorin received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2004 from the University of Trieste (Italy). After a postdoctoral research position at the CNRS in France, she joined the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2006 as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011, became Assistant Head in 2014, Deputy Head (Research) in 2016 while directing the Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Center (PIRC) in the same Department. In 2017, she started serving the Faculty of Science as Assistant Dean (Research & Development) until June 2024. Since July 2024, she has been appointed as Head of the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.
She said: “By harnessing the strength and diversity of talents of all our faculty members, staffs and other stakeholders, together we can lead the Department to the next level of global excellence in Research, Education, Practice and Enterprise. I look forward to vibrant discussions and aspiring goals, as we strive to advance the healthcare profession to the benefit of our patients.”
Deputy Heads
Professor CHAN Chun Yong, Eric
Deputy Head for Research
Eric is a pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist who is passionate about both education and research related to translational clinical pharmacology and toxicology.
He said: “I want to be remembered as an inspiring educator and innovative pharmaceutical scientist. As Deputy Head (Research), I aim to work with every colleague to bring our clinical pharmacy practice, pharmacy education and pharmaceutical sciences research to greater heights and be recognised as a global leader centred in Asia.”
Associate Professor TENG Bee Choon, Christine
Deputy Head for Practice
Christine has been a pharmacist for more than 25 years and remains passionate in her roles as a pharmacist, educator and scholar. She joined NUS Pharmacy (her alma mater) since 2006 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. Christine is a registered Specialist Pharmacist (Infectious Diseases) and maintains her practice at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. She conducts research to bridge the gaps between knowledge, practice and optimal medication use for quality patient care. Christine is appointed on multiple national level committees, including the Singapore Pharmacy Council and the Pharmacy Specialist Accreditation Board. She was President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (2011 to 2013) and conferred as fellow of PSS in 2023.
She says: “I am fortunate to be part of various teams that worked tirelessly to achieve significant progress in the training, development and practice of pharmacist for a better healthcare. I look forward to working even more closely with our staff members, students, alumni, and partners from Ministry of Health, industry, healthcare and other academic institutions. With a strong collaboration and collective leadership, we will continue to establish new frontiers in research, education and practice.”.
Associate Professor YAU Wai Ping
Deputy Head for Undergraduate Education
Wai Ping graduated with BSc(Pharm)(Hons) and PhD from NUS, and received postdoctoral training at the Harvard School of Public Health, USA. She is a registered pharmacist with the Singapore Pharmacy Council. As an educator with more than a decade of teaching experience, she is firmly committed to nurturing the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who will make positive contributions to improving healthcare. She is also an elected Fellow of the NUS Teaching Academy.
She said: “In my new role as Deputy Head (Education – Undergraduate Matters), I look forward to working closely with fellow academic colleagues, as well as our administrative and technical support colleagues, towards providing a transformative and fulfilling education for our pharmacy and pharmaceutical science students.”
Assistant Heads
Associate Professor CHEW Eng Hui
Assistant Head for Special Duties & Space
Eng Hui, a pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist, has been actively involved in the department’s educational programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
She said: “I envisage the department to grow in strength and make increasingly significant contributions to the nation. Our technical and administrative support team is an integral part of our department. As Assistant Head (Special duties & Space), it is my goal to work with every colleague in the technical and administrative team to place our department in the best possible position to excel in Research, Education, Practice and Enterprise.”
Associate Professor CHIU Ngar Chee, Gigi
Assistant Head for Postgraduate Education
Gigi, a pharmacist by training who obtained her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, is deeply committed to advancing graduate education in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy. With a passion for fostering academic excellence and innovation, Gigi is devoted to enhancing the learning experiences of graduate students.
Gigi said: “My goal is to be recognised as a transformative educator and leader in graduate education. As Assistant Head (Postgraduate Education), I strive to collaborate with colleagues to elevate our postgraduate programs, ensuring they are at the forefront of pharmaceutical and pharmacy education globally, with a unique emphasis on our position in Asia.”