“Leadership is about serving others and for the greater good.” These words echoed by Dr David Ng, SHP Chief Executive Officer, captures the essence of his approach to both his professional and personal life.
As the CEO behind the busy operations of ten polyclinics, he does not just take the lead in managing the overall clinic operations and resources, he also takes time to attend to patients and listens to his staff. Dr Ng is the kind of leader who lights up any room with his warm smile and charismatic demeanor. As a believer of servant leadership, he seeks to listen, understand, and solve problems collaboratively. For him, helping his people discover and develop their fullest potential is incredibly rewarding.
Dr David Ng, SHP Chief Executive Officer, delivering an opening address
for SHP's Quality and Innovation Day.
Becoming CEO of SHP
Dr Ng’s journey to becoming a CEO is marked by a deep commitment to personal growth. His path to medicine was suggested by those who knew him well. “People who knew me said that I am a listener by nature and that medicine would suit me,” he recalled. Despite considering himself as a “mediocre student at best,” he embarked on this journey with a sense of purpose.
He gave his best in any given assignment, starting from the small tasks in church and in the army. Gradually, these assignments grew. Similarly in Healthcare, he worked hard and rose the ranks, from a Deputy Director of the then Queenstown Polyclinic to Director, he later became the Clinic Director at Punggol Polyclinic, before taking on the role as Deputy CEO of SingHealth Polyclinics, to where he is now as CEO.
Throughout this journey, he discovered that he is a generalist who likes to connect the dots and see the bigger picture. This perspective has been crucial in his leadership roles, allowing him to guide the various teams with a holistic approach.
Dr Ng (far right) and Ms Stephanie Teo, Chief Nurse, SingHealth Polyclinics (far left)
celebrating nurses' achievements with the Nurses Merit Award winners.
A Vision for Healthcare
Dr Ng holds a clear direction for the future of SHP. “We are at the cusp of a major healthcare reform here in Singapore with the launch of Healthier SG enrolment.” As the nation focuses on preventive care, SHP, as a key member of primary care will play a critical and foundational role in building strong relationships with patients, activating them to be part of the care team and anchoring care in the community.” Under Dr Ng’s leadership, SHP adopts new care models and technological advancements, ensuring that the polyclinics remain agile and continue to deliver excellence. He encourages staff to be courageous and to constantly innovate.
Balancing Work and Fatherhood
At home, Dr Ng is a dedicated father to his daughter, who is currently studying in a local secondary school. He embraces the “sense of awesomeness and responsibility” that fatherhood has given him. While he acknowledges that juggling work as a CEO and fatherhood is not easy, especially with the multiple demands on his time and attention, Dr Ng credits his wife for taking on the role to become a full-time homemaker, holding the fort at home.
Despite his demanding schedule, he ensures that he sets aside Sundays for his family and make time for family vacations, whenever possible. Some of the activities he enjoys doing with his daughter include running, as well as taking rollercoasters and fast rides, as these are the activities that his daughter loves.
When asked about how he navigates through the ups and downs of life, Dr Ng shared the quote that he lives by, “To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.” With these words in mind, everyday is a reminder to Dr Ng that life is a beautiful journey that is meant to be embraced to the fullest; to wake up every morning, ready to seize the day.
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