Reflections on the Advancement of Digital Healthcare through a Public Lecture by Two NUS Professors at Van Lang University

Enhancing academic quality, promoting scientific research, fostering a positive campus culture, and expanding international collaboration are key priorities at Van Lang University (VLU). Each year, the University hosts public lectures led by renowned scientists and international experts across various fields, offering valuable opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students to engage with in-depth knowledge and contribute to the growth of a strong academic community at Van Lang.

On June 18, 2025, Van Lang University had the honor of welcoming two distinguished professors from the National University of Singapore (NUS): Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, and Professor Dean Ho, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Their visit included an engaging exchange and insightful sharing of pioneering research in the fields of digital health and medical technology.

During his visit to Van Lang University, Professor Lim Chwee Teck shared pioneering insights on the shift toward personalized medicine, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and the health metaverse. One particularly innovative highlight was the HaptGlove - a virtual reality glove that enables medical students to practice patient examinations with remarkable realism. The glove accurately simulates the tactile experience of examining virtual patients, even detecting subcutaneous tumors. This is one of several cutting-edge solutions that integrate VR and AI in medical training and practice at NUS.

As both a researcher and a test subject in Project DELTA, Professor Dean Ho shared his own positive transformations alongside the health optimization journeys of other participants - from metabolism and sleep quality to overall performance. He highlighted how the integration of technology in medicine enables earlier and more accurate diagnosis, paving the way for highly personalized and effective treatment plans. In parallel, this technology also offers predictive and preventive capabilities, ensuring timely, precise, and tailored care for each individual. Professor Ho expressed his belief that these advancements in research will fundamentally transform how people enhance their health and extend longevity within communities.

The presentations by the two professors, rich in innovative insights and practical applications, drew great interest from Van Lang University’s faculty and researchers. In addition to in-depth academic questions, Van Lang’s lecturers and administrators also explored opportunities for collaboration and student exchange - laying the groundwork for a growing partnership between the two institutions. Discussions centered on connecting learners and fostering academic exchange. Professor Lim Chwee Teck expressed his hope that NUS will soon welcome Van Lang students for short-term lab visits and hands-on research experiences in the near future.

Impressed by Van Lang University’s message “Where Impact Matters,” Professor Dean Ho encouraged the university’s staff and learning community to discover their own ways of creating meaningful impact. Whether through entrepreneurial projects, supporting fellow learners within the VLU environment, or simply by approaching their studies with dedication - he emphasized that these efforts could one day translate into life-saving skills and innovations.

The public lectures delivered by the two NUS professors offered valuable insights for Van Lang University’s School of Health Sciences, which has experienced strong growth in recent years. The School encompasses key disciplines including General Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science. Students at VLU benefit from a practice-based learning environment supported by modern facilities modeled after the hospital-university concept. These include numerous laboratories, practice rooms, a general clinic, and a medicinal herb garden. Most notably, the University inaugurated its Medical Skills Training Center in October 2024 - an advanced facility equipped with state-of-the-art clinical simulation technology. With 370 medical practice models across 112 types and 8 clinical specialties, the center represents a multi-million-dollar investment, serving as a critical foundation for experiential learning and hands-on training in healthcare.

Keeping pace with global advancements, Van Lang University’s Faculties of Health Sciences is a pioneer in digital dentistry education in Vietnam. The training program equips students with hands-on experience using digital scanners, simulation-based practice with performance-evaluating software like PrepCheck, clinical observation and framework design via digital tools, digital splint fabrication, 3D orthodontic appliance printing, and AI-assisted radiographic analysis. State-of-the-art medical equipment, aligned with international standards, allows students to practice directly on advanced simulation models that replicate both physiological and pathological human functions. This immersive training environment enables learners to confidently handle clinical situations and minimizes potential errors during both education and future practice.

That same afternoon, representatives from both universities held a working session to discuss potential areas for future collaboration, with a particular focus on scientific research as a means to further enhance specialized academic training. The meeting marked a significant step forward in Van Lang University’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive and lead in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Through a shared dedication to fostering sustainable value in education and research, and expanding hands-on opportunities for students, Van Lang University continues to affirm its ambition to advance education aligned with international standards and global directions.

On January 23, 2024, Van Lang University organized a seminar on the semiconductor industry in Vietnam, themed “Challenges and Opportunities for Workforce Development.” The event featured the participation of Professor Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) of NUS.

From September 19 to 21, 2024, Van Lang University (VLU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) co-hosted the VLU Summer School - an advanced course themed “Semiconductors: From Materials to Applications.” The program offered a valuable opportunity for students, lecturers, staff, and engineers in the semiconductor field to learn and engage with one another.

News: Nguyet Mon
Photos: Ngoc Duy