Summary of the presentation by Andrew Tay, keynote speaker at the Faculty of Medicine Anniversary Thematic Conference

The Faculty of Medicine Anniversary Thematic Conference on 3 October will be opened by Andrew Epaphroditus Tay, Chief Wellbeing Officer at the National University of Singapore, who implements university-wide initiatives that promote the mental health and wellbeing of the university community.

Summary of Dr. Andrew Tay's presentation "Whole Campus Approach to Wellbeing – Does It Work Or Is It a Fad?":

Universities are often described as “mini cities”: complex ecosystems where academics, researchers, professional staff, and students intersect. In recent years, the “whole campus approach” to wellbeing has gained traction, promising to embed health and wellbeing into every part of university life. But is this approach genuinely transformative, or simply the latest wellbeing buzzword?

This session will explore global trends shaping the whole campus movement, from the Okanagan Charter in the Northern Hemisphere to Orygen Mental Health Framework in the South, and unpack what it truly means when we say “wellbeing is everyone’s business.” Participants will gain clarity on what whole campus approaches actually entail — not just programmes for students, but systemic strategies that engage leadership, embed wellbeing into policies, and recognise the role of every campus citizen, from cleaners to chancellors.

We will also examine how to move beyond traditional return-on-investment thinking, towards measuring impact in ways that reflect a university’s real mission: flourishing students, engaged staff, and vibrant communities. Drawing from practical experience at NUS, including the design of institution-wide frameworks and wellbeing business partner models, this session offers both inspiration and pragmatic tools.

By the end, participants will leave with a sharper sense of whether the whole campus approach is a passing fad or a genuine lever for cultural change — and how they themselves can play a role in shaping healthier, more resilient universities.

Dr. Andrew Tay, Chief Wellbeing Officer at the National University of Singapore, leads groundbreaking initiatives at the Health & Wellbeing unit, achieving unprecedented success since 2020. His leadership in innovative programs like "return-to-work case management" and destigmatization campaigns has significantly enhanced the university community's wellbeing. Pioneering the WellNUS framework, he revolutionizes mental health approaches. Recognized with prestigious awards like the WorkWell Leaders "Wellbeing Organisation of the Year" and the "Global Healthy Workplace Award," Andrew's impact is evident. With a medical background in tech and pharma, he has shaped employee benefits at Facebook and GSK.