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Joyce Teo

Senior Health Correspondent

Joyce is senior health correspondent at The Straits Times. She has been on the health beat for more than a decade, covering everything from mental health and population health to health policies and palliative care. She is also host of the ST Health Check podcast. Having written extensively about mental health, she believes that talking openly about it can help reduce stigma. She is a member of Singapore’s Bioethics Advisory Committee and a fellow of the Temasek Foundation-IPS Asia Journalism Fellowship. 

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IMH launches third nationwide survey to assess mental health in Singapore

For the first time, the survey will include younger teenagers and eating disorders, which have emerged as a concern among youth.
For the first time, the survey will include younger teenagers and eating disorders, which have emerged as a concern among youth.

Inside Toa Payoh, Singapore’s first Age Well Neighbourhood

Toa Payoh will have 16 Active Ageing Centres (AACs) and AAC touchpoints by March 2027.
Toa Payoh will have 16 Active Ageing Centres (AACs) and AAC touchpoints by March 2027.

Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Tiong Bahru-Redhill designated as Age Well Neighbourhoods. See what’s coming up

Roads near the neighbourhoods' key amenities will be transformed into "Friendly Streets" to make them safer for seniors.
Roads near the neighbourhoods' key amenities will be transformed into "Friendly Streets" to make them safer for seniors.

30% of second-hand smoke feedback cases in 2025 came from repeat complainants

ST20250415_202573400574/pixgenerics/Brian Teo/Generic of a smoker at block 120 Lor 2 Toa Payoh on April 15, 2025. Can be used for stories on smoking, smoke-free Singapore, tobacco products, cigarettes, health issues, second-hand smoke. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
ST20250415_202573400574/pixgenerics/Brian Teo/Generic of a smoker at block 120 Lor 2 Toa Payoh on April 15, 2025. Can be used for stories on smoking, smoke-free Singapore, tobacco products, cigarettes, health issues, second-hand smoke. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Lien Foundation gives $3.93m to TTSH, NUH to extend early palliative care to ICU patients who need it

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ward at Tan Tock Seng Hospital on May 5.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ward at Tan Tock Seng Hospital on May 5.

Singapore study to examine impact of parents’ sensitivity and responsiveness to kids’ needs

Ms Sarah lee, with her sons Asher Voon (age 6) and Judah Voon (age 3). She participated in a study on sensitive caregiving.
Ms Sarah lee, with her sons Asher Voon (age 6) and Judah Voon (age 3). She participated in a study on sensitive caregiving.

Polyclinic identifies oral frailty as early warning sign of physical decline, aims to prevent falls

Mr Thung Joo Seng having his stitches removed after a front tooth extraction at the dental clinic in NHG Serangoon Polyclinic on April 14.
Mr Thung Joo Seng having his stitches removed after a front tooth extraction at the dental clinic in NHG Serangoon Polyclinic on April 14.

MOH realigning resources with focus on mental health, tackling tech impact on youth

Guest of Honour Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies delivering his speech at WorkWell Leaders Awards 2026 at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, on Apr 24, 2026.
Guest of Honour Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies delivering his speech at WorkWell Leaders Awards 2026 at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, on Apr 24, 2026.

S’pore should aim to train 10,000 nurses, healthcare workers in palliative care by 2030: Ong Ye Kung

This comes as palliative care here evolves, extending from a niche specialty to a community service, particularly as Singapore became a super-aged society in 2026.
This comes as palliative care here evolves, extending from a niche specialty to a community service, particularly as Singapore became a super-aged society in 2026.

TTSH to extend care programme to all wards as patients benefit from power of touch

ST20260415-202640000187-Lim Yaohui-Joyce Teo-jtnamaste15/

Madam Wong Lai Quen, 68, part-time IT advisor and caregiver who attended the Namaste Care workshop and actively applies the skills - such as leg massage - for her husband, Mr Steven Lau, 69, who has dementia, at home on April 15, 2026. 

Namaste Care uses individualised activities such as gentle hand massage, aromatherapy, calming music, guided reminiscence and familiar tastes, tailored to each patient's cognitive and physical abilities. These interventions help bridge communication barriers, build trust between patients, healthcare teams and caregivers, and foster a calmer environment that supports recovery and daily care.


(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)
ST20260415-202640000187-Lim Yaohui-Joyce Teo-jtnamaste15/

Madam Wong Lai Quen, 68, part-time IT advisor and caregiver who attended the Namaste Care workshop and actively applies the skills - such as leg massage - for her husband, Mr Steven Lau, 69, who has dementia, at home on April 15, 2026. 

Namaste Care uses individualised activities such as gentle hand massage, aromatherapy, calming music, guided reminiscence and familiar tastes, tailored to each patient's cognitive and physical abilities. These interventions help bridge communication barriers, build trust between patients, healthcare teams and caregivers, and foster a calmer environment that supports recovery and daily care.


(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

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