News
13 May, 2025
Launch of New MSc in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Programme
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐌𝐒𝐜) 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore!
19 March, 2025
Short Sleep and Snoring May Double Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication, affecting up to 30% of pregnancies worldwide. Women with a history of GDM face a nearly tenfold increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) later in life. While diet and exercise are well-known preventive measures, our latest research highlights the critical but often-overlooked role of sleep health in mitigating diabetes risk.
13 March, 2025
🤝🌎 Strengthening Women’s Health through Evidence-Based Data & Global Collaboration
Another milestone for women’s health! On 13th March, @NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and @Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health formalized a strategic partnership – the NUS MED-Harvard Chan Women’s Health Initiative – to advance research, training, and advocacy in women’s health, with a particular focus on Asian populations.
21 February, 2025
Research
A+ MEAL Study Pop-Up Event Recap
What an exciting day it was to showcase the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist and introduce everyone to the delicious, healthy meals from our A+MEAL Study! Connecting with both new and familiar faces made the event more special. As always, a heartfelt thank you to our trial team for making the event a success. We look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to explore new horizons in health together!
10 February, 2025
Research
Our A+ Meal Study has begun – Be a part of it!
Introducing the A+ Meal Study! We’re thrilled to launch our research trial, a dietary intervention exploring how a Mediterranean-inspired, localized diet impacts heart, metabolic, gut, and brain health in Asian women. Over the course of 5 months, participants will enjoy nutritious meals, personalized health insights, and fitness tracking, all while contributing to vital women’s health research.
Interested in joining us? Register your interest today (link below) and be and embark on a journey with us towards better health!
14 November, 2024
Announcements
Introducing our New Healthy Lifestyle Blog!
We’re excited to launch our new blog, dedicated to empowering you with tips, insights, and inspiration for living a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. From fitness and nutrition to mental well-being, our blog offers practical advice to help you thrive every day. Stay tuned for expert guidance and tips to support your wellness transformation!
24 – 26 October, 2024
Announcements
Women’s Health Conference 2024: Shaping the Future of Women’s Health
From the opening keynote to the final panel discussion, the Women’s Health Conference 2024 was a powerful exploration of the most pressing issues in women’s health today. Hosted by the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW), the event brought together global experts to spark transformative conversations on cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, maternal care, nutrition, and the role of technology in shaping the future of healthcare. Further discussions explored the impact of social inequalities, aging, and global health disparities, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration. A key highlight was the announcement of a new international partnership, reinforcing a global commitment to advancing women’s health.
21 June, 2024
Announcements
GloW Breaking New Grounds at the ADA 84 th Scientific Sessions
Amidst the scholarly discourse of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 84th Scientific Session in Orlando, Florida, held from June 21-24, members of the GloW team showcased their latest research. Highlights featured Prof. Cuilin Zhang’s insightful plenary on exercise and women's health in diabetes, and Dr. Guoqi Yu's presentation on the Mediterranean diet's impact on gestational diabetes (GDM), recognized with the Young Investigator Award! Other notable presentations delved into early detection of gestational diabetes, novel biomarkers, and the intricate relationship between sleep and diabetes progression, reflecting GloW's commitment to enhancing health outcomes and well-being in women.
14 March, 2024
Announcements
Mindfulness & Wellness: A visit by Dr. Lilian Cheung
On March 14 th 2024, the GloW had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Lilian Cheung, Director of Mindfulness Research and Practice of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The session was warmly received by the Dean of NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Prof. Yap-Seng Chong, GloW’s Director, Prof. Cuilin Zhang, and GloW’s team members. Led by Prof. Zhang, the session showcased GloW’s mission, origins, cross-cutting domains and ongoing research. Dr. Cheung’s visit prompted discussions on potential collaborations, especially in the realm of women’s mental health and wellness, reflecting a shared enthusiasm to empower Asian women’s health needs.
8 March, 2024
Announcements
In celebration of International Women’s Day
In a week-long campaign leading up to International Women’s Day, GloW’s International Women’s Day initiative has drawn attention to critical health issues impacting women globally. Covering topics such as nutrition, lactation, intergenerational impacts, and bone health, the campaign aimed to raise awareness and foster discussions on women’s health. Through advocacy and education, GloW aims to pave the way for equitable access to healthcare for women of all backgrounds and reaffirms its commitment to championing women’s rights and well-being in future generations.
15 February, 2024
Achievements
Dr. Claire Guivarch – N&G Best Research Award
Dr. Claire Guivarch, a research fellow at the GloW, has been awarded the prestigious N&G Best Research Award in the Neonatal & Prematurity category for her study on maternal amino acids and fetal growth trajectories. Titled “Plasma Amino Acids in Early Pregnancy and Longitudinal Fetal Growth Trajectories Across Pregnancy,” her research delves into the crucial role of maternal amino acids (AAs) in optimizing fetal growth and underscores the importance of maternal AAs and timing in fetal development. Her research was presented at the 11th International Conference on Nutrition & Growth (N&G 2024) in Portugal and contributes significantly to our understanding of maternal and child health. Warm congratulations to Dr. Guivarch on her achievement!
24 October, 2023
Announcements
Advancing Women’s Health in Asia: A Unified Partnership between GloW and the Université Paris Cité
In a pioneering effort, the GloW of the National University of Singapore and the Faculty of Health of the Université Paris Cité confederated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dedicated to conducting research and educational programs addressing women’s health concerns across their lifespan, with particular prominence on Asian populations. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Heng Swee Keat, and France’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau.
24 October, 2023
Achievements
Prof. Cuilin Zhang, Director of GloW, appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Journal in China
Prof. Cuilin Zhang’s appointment as Co-Editor-in-Chief marks a momentous milestone at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Journal, supported by the esteemed backing of the Chinese Medical Association (中华医学会). This coincided with the selection of new board members, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Ling-Jun Li, and the 4th China Maternal-Fetal Medicine Forum, where they accentuated the enduring influence of reproductive health on women’s well-being as well as the pivotal role of retinal imaging in female reproductive health.
17 October, 2023
Announcements
Nourishing Insights on Diet and Health with The Law Society of Singapore
In an engaging session with The Law Society of Singapore, GloW members illuminated the vital link between women’s health and diet. While Dr. Ling Jun Li, Assistant Director, introduced the organization and its ongoing initiatives, Dr. Jiaxi Yang, Nutrition & Lifestyle Working Group Lead, highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for women’s reproductive health and tackled misconceptions about dietary choices. The discourse underscored the multifaceted nature of women’s health, emphasizing the need for collaborative, multisectoral efforts to nurture a healthier society for women.
21 September, 2023
Announcements
Inaugural GloW NUS-UP Cité Joint Conference
Prof. Cuilin Zhang, Director of GloW, and Prof. Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, attended the inaugural joint conference hosted by GloW and the Université Paris Cité in Djerba, Tunisia, from September 21st to 23rd, 2023. The core of the conference centered on significatory discussions on the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases, particularly in the context of women’s health.
21 March, 2023
Announcements
Charting Long-Term Maternal Health: Dual Perspectives from a Comprehensive Decades-Long Study
On a compelling exploration of long-term maternal health outcomes, our centre’s research —prominently featured in The Lancet and Circulation — emerges from an extended 50-year follow-up study involving 48, 197 diverse women in the US, as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) from the 1950s and 1960s.
Published in The Lancet, our study pinned down a critical association between excessive gestational weight gain and an elevated risk of premature mortality, notably among women with varying pre-pregnancy BMIs. Meanwhile, the paper on Circulation unveils heightened mortality risks tied to pregnancy complications: preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. Collectively, these revelations underscore the need for prioritizing maternal health and healthy weight gain during pregnancy for long-term well-being and healthy longevity.
30 January, 2023
Announcements
Invest in women’s health. Women’s health is wealth.
At Davos 2023, global leaders discuss why ‘when we invest in women’s health, we’re not only investing in individual women, but their families and their communities, as well as their country’s economy and future’.
Speakers: Helen E. Clark, Kevin Ali, Natalia Kanem, Smriti Zubin Irani, Mark Suzman, Shyam Bishen
14 November, 2022
Research
Long-term regular coffee consumption and replacement of sweetened beverage with coffee may lower type 2 diabetes
Coffee is a popular beverage worldwide, and coffee consumption is an important lifestyle factor. Professor Zhang Cuilin and her team at the GloW, together with collaborators from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), examined the roles of long-term coffee consumption and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. The team further examined coffee consumption with type 2 diabetes by replacing commonly consumed sugary drinks with coffee. Findings from this study was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
1 October, 2022
Research
There’s an Alarming Rise in Diabetes during Pregnancy
A spike in diabetes during pregnancy, worsened by the pandemic, raises the risk of chronic diabetes, heart disease and birth complications.
22 September, 2022
Research
Encouraging and Hopeful Message for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Among Women at Risk
A new study has found that eating healthily and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by up to 90 per cent. Researchers in Singapore and the US followed up with more than 4,200 women. Professor Zhang Cuilin, Director of the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, shared more details.
22 September, 2022
Achievements
Picked as Editor’s Choice for BMJ!
Dr. Jiaxi Yang’s paper titled “Modifiable risk factors and long term risk of type 2 diabetes among individuals with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: prospective cohort study” was featured as BMJ editor’s choice.
6 December, 2021
Achievements
National Medical Research Council Award Winners
A huge congratulations to Dr. Queenie Ling-Jun Li, our programme head at the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, who was awarded Clinician-Scientist Award Investigator (CSA-INV) at the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Awards 2021.
14 November, 2024
Announcements
Introducing our New Healthy Lifestyle Blog!
We’re excited to launch our new blog, dedicated to empowering you with tips, insights, and inspiration for living a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. From fitness and nutrition to mental well-being, our blog offers practical advice to help you thrive every day. Stay tuned for expert guidance and tips to support your wellness transformation!
24 – 26 October, 2024
Announcements
Women’s Health Conference 2024: Shaping the Future of Women’s Health
From the opening keynote to the final panel discussion, the Women’s Health Conference 2024 was a powerful exploration of the most pressing issues in women’s health today. Hosted by the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW), the event brought together global experts to spark transformative conversations on cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, maternal care, nutrition, and the role of technology in shaping the future of healthcare. Further discussions explored the impact of social inequalities, aging, and global health disparities, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration. A key highlight was the announcement of a new international partnership, reinforcing a global commitment to advancing women’s health.
21 June, 2024
Announcements
GloW Breaking New Grounds at the ADA 84 th Scientific Sessions
Amidst the scholarly discourse of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 84th Scientific Session in Orlando, Florida, held from June 21-24, members of the GloW team showcased their latest research. Highlights featured Prof. Cuilin Zhang’s insightful plenary on exercise and women's health in diabetes, and Dr. Guoqi Yu's presentation on the Mediterranean diet's impact on gestational diabetes (GDM), recognized with the Young Investigator Award! Other notable presentations delved into early detection of gestational diabetes, novel biomarkers, and the intricate relationship between sleep and diabetes progression, reflecting GloW's commitment to enhancing health outcomes and well-being in women.
March 14, 2024
Announcements
Mindfulness & Wellness: A visit by Dr. Lilian Cheung
On March 14 th 2024, the GloW had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Lilian Cheung, Director of Mindfulness Research and Practice of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The session was warmly received by the Dean of NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Prof. Yap-Seng Chong, GloW’s Director, Prof. Cuilin Zhang, and GloW’s team members. Led by Prof. Zhang, the session showcased GloW’s mission, origins, cross-cutting domains and ongoing research. Dr. Cheung’s visit prompted discussions on potential collaborations, especially in the realm of women’s mental health and wellness, reflecting a shared enthusiasm to empower Asian women’s health needs.
March 8, 2024
Announcements
In celebration of International Women’s Day
In a week-long campaign leading up to International Women’s Day, GloW’s International Women’s Day initiative has drawn attention to critical health issues impacting women globally. Covering topics such as nutrition, lactation, intergenerational impacts, and bone health, the campaign aimed to raise awareness and foster discussions on women’s health. Through advocacy and education, GloW aims to pave the way for equitable access to healthcare for women of all backgrounds and reaffirms its commitment to championing women’s rights and well-being in future generations.
24 October, 2023
Announcements
Advancing Women’s Health in Asia: A Unified Partnership between Glow and the Université Paris Cité
In a pioneering effort, the Glow of the National University of Singapore and the Faculty of Health of the Université Paris Cité confederated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dedicated to conducting research and educational programs addressing women’s health concerns across their lifespan, with particular prominence on Asian populations. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Heng Swee Keat, and France’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau. Paris Cite derstanding
17 October, 2023
Announcements
Nourishing Insights on Diet and Health with The Law Society of Singapore
In an engaging session with The Law Society of Singapore, GloW members illuminated the vital link between women’s health and diet. While Dr. Ling Jun Li, Assistant Director, introduced the organization and its ongoing initiatives, Dr. Jiaxi Yang, Nutrition & Lifestyle Working Group Lead, highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for women’s reproductive health and tackled misconceptions about dietary choices. The discourse underscored the multifaceted nature of women’s health, emphasizing the need for collaborative, multisectoral efforts to nurture a healthier society for women.
21 September, 2023
Announcements
Inaugural GloW NUS-UP Cité Joint Conference
Prof. Cuilin Zhang, Director of GloW, and Prof. Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, attended the inaugural joint conference hosted by GloW and the Université Paris Cité in Djerba, Tunisia, from September 21st to 23rd, 2023. The core of the conference centered on significatory discussions on the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases, particularly in the context of women’s health.
21 March, 2023
Announcements
Charting Long-Term Maternal Health: Dual Perspectives from a Comprehensive Decades-Long Study
On a compelling exploration of long-term maternal health outcomes, our centre’s research —prominently featured in The Lancet and Circulation — emerges from an extended 50-year follow-up study involving 48, 197 diverse women in the US, as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) from the 1950s and 1960s.
Published in The Lancet, our study pinned down a critical association between excessive gestational weight gain and an elevated risk of premature mortality, notably among women with varying pre-pregnancy BMIs. Meanwhile, the paper on Circulation unveils heightened mortality risks tied to pregnancy complications: preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. Collectively, these revelations underscore the need for prioritizing maternal health and healthy weight gain during pregnancy for long-term well-being and healthy longevity.
30 January, 2023
Announcements
Invest in women’s health. Women’s health is wealth.
At Davos 2023, global leaders discuss why ‘when we invest in women’s health, we’re not only investing in individual women, but their families and their communities, as well as their country’s economy and future’.
Speakers: Helen E. Clark, Kevin Ali, Natalia Kanem, Smriti Zubin Irani, Mark Suzman, Shyam Bishen
21 February, 2025
Research
A+ MEAL Study Pop-Up Event Recap
What an exciting day it was to showcase the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist and introduce everyone to the delicious, healthy meals from our A+MEAL Study! Connecting with both new and familiar faces made the event more special. As always, a heartfelt thank you to our trial team for making the event a success. We look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to explore new horizons in health together!
10 February, 2025
Research
Our A+ Meal Study has begun – Be a part of it!
Introducing the A+ Meal Study! We’re thrilled to launch our research trial, a dietary intervention exploring how a Mediterranean-inspired, localized diet impacts heart, metabolic, gut, and brain health in Asian women. Over the course of 5 months, participants will enjoy nutritious meals, personalized health insights, and fitness tracking, all while contributing to vital women’s health research.
Interested in joining us? Register your interest today (link below) and be and embark on a journey with us towards better health!
14 November, 2022
Research
Long-term regular coffee consumption and replacement of sweetened beverage with coffee may lower type 2 diabetes
Coffee is a popular beverage worldwide, and coffee consumption is an important lifestyle factor. Professor Zhang Cuilin and her team at the GloW, together with collaborators from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), examined the roles of long-term coffee consumption and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. The team further examined coffee consumption with type 2 diabetes by replacing commonly consumed sugary drinks with coffee. Findings from this study was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
1 October, 2022
Research
There’s an Alarming Rise in Diabetes during Pregnancy
A spike in diabetes during pregnancy, worsened by the pandemic, raises the risk of chronic diabetes, heart disease and birth complications.
22 September, 2022
Research
Encouraging and Hopeful Message for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Among Women at Risk
A new study has found that eating healthily and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by up to 90 per cent. Researchers in Singapore and the US followed up with more than 4,200 women. Professor Zhang Cuilin, Director of the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, shared more details.
15 February, 2024
Achievements
Dr. Claire Guivarch – N&G Best Research Award
Dr. Claire Guivarch, a research fellow at the GloW, has been awarded the prestigious N&G Best Research Award in the Neonatal & Prematurity category for her study on maternal amino acids and fetal growth trajectories. Titled “Plasma Amino Acids in Early Pregnancy and Longitudinal Fetal Growth Trajectories Across Pregnancy,” her research delves into the crucial role of maternal amino acids (AAs) in optimizing fetal growth and underscores the importance of maternal AAs and timing in fetal development. Her research was presented at the 11th International Conference on Nutrition & Growth (N&G 2024) in Portugal and contributes significantly to our understanding of maternal and child health. Warm congratulations to Dr. Guivarch on her achievement!
24 October, 2023
Achievements
Prof. Cuilin Zhang, Director of GloW, appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Journal in China
Prof. Cuilin Zhang’s appointment as Co-Editor-in-Chief marks a momentous milestone at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Journal, supported by the esteemed backing of the Chinese Medical Association (中华医学会). This coincided with the selection of new board members, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Ling-Jun Li, and the 4th China Maternal-Fetal Medicine Forum, where they accentuated the enduring influence of reproductive health on women’s well-being as well as the pivotal role of retinal imaging in female reproductive health.
22 September, 2022
Achievements
Picked as Editor’s Choice for BMJ!
Dr. Jiaxi Yang’s paper titled “Modifiable risk factors and long term risk of type 2 diabetes among individuals with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: prospective cohort study” was featured as BMJ editor’s choice.
6 December, 2021
Achievements
National Medical Research Council Award Winners
A huge congratulations to Dr. Queenie Ling-Jun Li, our programme head at the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, who was awarded Clinician-Scientist Award Investigator (CSA-INV) at the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Awards 2021.