Emeritus Professor Kua Ee Heok
Member, Management Board
Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre
Emeritus Consultant
National University Hospital
Consultant Psychiatrist, Mind Care Clinic
Farrer Park Medical Centre
Jade Life and Wellness Coaching Clinic
Camden Medical
MBBS (UM), FRCPsych (UK), MD (NUS), PBM, BBM
Emeritus Professor Kua Ee Heok
Emeritus Professor Kua Ee Heok is a distinguished psychiatrist and pioneering researcher in psychiatry and dementia care in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. He graduated as a doctor from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur in 1973, and received his specialist training in Psychiatry at Oxford University and Geriatric Psychiatry at Harvard University. His training in research was at the National Institute of Mental Health, USA.
A prolific researcher and author, Professor Kua has published over 470 research papers and 30 books, contributing significantly to the understanding of mental health in Asia and ageing in Singapore. In 1990, he was a member of the WHO team for the global study of dementia. He developed the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ), a culturally appropriate screening tool for cognitive decline, widely used in Asia.
His dedication to advancing psychiatry and mental health has earned him numerous accolades, including the Sandoz Research Award for Gerontology (1990), First Prize in ASEAN Psychiatry Research (1992), the Best Teacher Award at the Institute of Mental Health, and the prestigious National Day Awards: Public Service Medal (PBM) and Public Service Star (BBM). He was invited to speak at the United Nations World Forum on depression in 1999, reflecting his global standing in the field.
Beyond his academic and clinical contributions, Professor Kua is deeply committed to destigmatising mental health and promoting understanding of dementia and elder care.
Mental well-being is a shared responsibility that requires research, collaboration and strong community support
In 1984, he entered politics when he stood for, and won, the General Election to become a Member of Parliament. His 27-year political career saw him assume the offices of Deputy Speaker, Minister of State, Senior Minister of State and Cabinet Minister in the ministries of The Environment, Home Affairs and Community Development & Sports. In 2002 he became the Speaker of the Singapore Parliament until his retirement in 2011, at the age of 67.
Mr Abdullah continues to keep himself busy after retirement. Currently, he serves in several non-profit entities and initiatives, including being a Permanent Member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights and a member of the Mind Science Centre, Board of Advisors. A great believer in active ageing and mental wellness, he takes regular walks, meets friends and interesting people, listens to music and continues to struggle to master the cello – when he has the time.
1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 9, Singapore 119228
Career Highlights
- CEO and Medical Director, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore (1999-2002)
- Head of the Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore (1998 – 2009)
- Over 470 peer-reviewed research publications
- 30 books published on psychiatry, mental health, and ageing
- Editors-in-Chief (with Professor Norman Sartorius) for ‘Mental Health and Illness Worldwide’ published by Springer Nature in 2017
- Distinguished Service Award, Singapore Psychiatric Association
Highlights
Research Focus
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Dementia and cognitive disorders
- Alcoholism
- Cross-cultural psychiatry
- Psychotherapy and counselling
- Mental health advocacy and public education