I chose to do a PhD to obtain relevant knowledge and skills so that I can contribute meaningfully to public policies and strategies through evidence-based recommendations.

NUS is known to be one of the leading universities regionally and globally, making degrees conferred by NUS recognised worldwide. In addition, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) at NUS offered a diverse range of topics one could explore in research-based programmes. Skills and knowledge one would acquire through coursework and research at SSHSPH were also highly relevant to the public health sector, locally and worldwide.

My thesis looks into validating a web-based, time-use application for collecting self-reported lifestyle information from children, investigating the co-relationships of children’s lifestyle patterns, and examining the association between children’s 24-hour time use and their health-related quality of life.

Validating the assessment tool aimed to provide confidence in the use of which for data collection and to facilitate regular surveillance of children’s lifestyles. This data could then be used to evaluate public health actions, inform goal-setting and support evidence-based decisions in health promotion. Findings from investigating children’s lifestyle patterns and time use sought to provide evidence, rationale and direction for strategies aimed at improving child outcomes.

I got to contribute directly to the students’ experience at SSHSPH as a Student Representative. With support from the school, we organised various events to bond students and to create a fun and engaging environment in an otherwise “serious” academic setting. These events include mindfulness workshops, hands-on activities (leather- and terrarium-making) and student-led conferences, to name a few.