Trailblazing advocate of diversity
Dr Shuwen Koh, Director, Technology Transfer and Innovation, NUS Enterprise
Dr Shuwen Koh stands at the intersection of technology, innovation, and healthcare, wielding her expertise to revolutionise the landscape of biomedical sciences. With over 15 years of experience in technology commercialisation roles, Dr Shuwen is a trailblazer in fostering collaboration, driving breakthroughs, and advocating for diversity within the industry. As the Deputy Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation at the National University Health System (NUHS), Dr Shuwen is instrumental in propelling Singapore's innovation and startup ecosystem forward.
In an Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) grant review, a project on pre-eclampsia faced scepticism from male reviewers unfamiliar with the condition's implications. Women on the panel challenged this oversight, emphasising the urgency: ‘Why has this condition been overlooked for so long?’ Their advocacy shifted the discussion, focusing on the project's scientific merit and clinical importance.
“That moment brought home the point that diversity and inclusivity, at every step of healthcare innovation, is key to the long road ahead for equitable access to healthcare. I was struck by the privilege of having a seat at the table. The power and concomitant responsibility reinforced my resolve to speak up on issues which matter to me, as well as being a voice for others who are under-represented,” she said.
At NUS Enterprise, Dr Shuwen's strategic initiatives focus on fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions. Through public-private partnerships and patient capital investment approaches, she paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries to reach fruition.
Giving young entrepreneurs a heads-up and an important piece of advice, she says, “I believe in ‘we for she’. Find your voice, tribe, cheerleaders, and sponsors. Know and engage your key stakeholders. There are different seasons in life, there will be tradeoffs, so know your non-negotiables. And enjoy the ride!”