Christine Ang, Director, Data Analytics & AI-Services Planning, Synapxe, Singapore
By Si Ying Thian
Meet the Women in GovTech 2024.
Christine Ang, Director, Data Analytics & AI-Services Planning, Synapxe, Singapore, shares her journey. Image: Christine Ang
1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.
As the Programme Director for Synapxe’s Data Analytics and AI (DNA) department, I lead the planning and implementation of initiatives that integrate advanced analytics and AI technologies to improve public healthcare outcomes.
My team and I collaborate closely with key stakeholders across Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and various public healthcare institutions, to spearhead transformative initiatives, engineer innovative solutions, and seamlessly implement AI powered solutions to improve the health of our citizens, drive efficiency and enable a future-ready health system for Singapore.
One standout project is the Active Surveillance System for Adverse Reactions to Medicines and Vaccines (ASAR). ASAR leverages AI to monitor and detect drug safety signals nation-wide, proactively safeguarding public health.
With the recent development of Generative AI (GenAI), I also oversee the implementation of GenAI programmes across public healthcare, formulating strategies and plans to enhance competency to redefine healthcare delivery.
Our platform, Synapxe Tandem, empowers public healthcare professionals with GenAI tools to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and enhance healthcare delivery.
By aligning innovation with policy and operational needs, my work ensures that these technologies translate into measurable, citizen-centric improvements.
This seamless integration of technology into public health infrastructure reflects our commitment to building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem for Singapore.
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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?
This year, I led the GenAIus Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at leveraging the power of GenAI across Singapore’s public healthcare system. The programme was designed to bridge the gap between technological potential and practical application.
Through the GenAI Awareness Week which took place in January this year, we engaged over 3,000 healthcare professionals, raising awareness about the safe and ethical use of AI to unlock its full potential. The GenAIus Challenge followed, offering hands-on workshops that guided participants in designing real-world use cases for GenAI tools in a secure environment.
Additionally, we launched the GenAIus Hub, Singapore’s first GenAI learning repository for public healthcare professionals. This hub serves as a central resource for continuous learning and skill enhancement, ensuring that GenAI adoption remains dynamic and impactful.
The true success of the GenAIus Programme lies in its ability to empower individuals to reimagine how technology can be harnessed for better patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and system-wide transformation.
3. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025?
In 2025, I am particularly intrigued by the possibilities of Agentic AI — a system where multiple AI agents, each specialising in distinct roles, collaborate to execute complex tasks autonomously.
This approach, with careful design, can potentially transform decision-making in healthcare by accelerating processes, enhancing coordination, and improving outcomes across large-scale systems.
It will be exciting to explore the convergence of Agentic AI and ethical AI tools and how it could redefine the balance between automation and human oversight, setting new benchmarks for responsible AI deployment.
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4. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.
I view AI as not merely a technological innovation; it is a strategic enabler that redefines how public services are delivered. Its potential in the public sector lies in its ability to enhance decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and improve citizen engagement.
However, the real power of AI is in its role as an augmenter of human capabilities, not a replacement. It can support healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases, planning treatments, and predicting public health trends. For instance, AI-driven insights allow us to pre-emptively address resource shortages or identify vulnerable populations for targeted interventions.
That said, the adoption of AI in the public sector must be guided by ethical principles. Without these safeguards, there’s a risk of eroding public trust. Striking a balance between innovation and responsibility is crucial for harnessing AI’s transformative potential in ways that genuinely benefit society.
5. What are your priorities for 2025?
In 2025, my team and I will be prioritising efforts to leverage various analytics and AI technologies to identify people at risk of health issues for early intervention and work with clinicians to improve patient’s health before they develop into more serious issues. This would enable more proactive approach in promoting health among our citizens in alignment with HealthierSG.
My team and I will also actively join the efforts on the ground with HealthierSG ambassadors and volunteers to identify ways to use data and AI to enhance community engagements.
6. What advice do you have for public sector innovators?
Technology should not be just part of the equation. True innovation begins with understanding people. To succeed, public sector innovators must design solutions that seamlessly integrate into the lives of the citizens they serve. This requires an empathetic approach—listening, observing, and aligning technology with human needs.
Moreover, innovation must be viewed holistically. Policies, operational processes, and user training are as vital as the technology itself. Focusing on these elements ensures that solutions are not only technologically sound but also practical, scalable, and impactful.
Finally, embrace a mindset of continuous iteration. Innovation is a journey, not a destination. By remaining curious and adaptable, we can ensure that technology evolves in step with societal needs.
7. Who inspires you today?
I draw inspiration from Steve Jobs, whose visionary approach to innovation transformed industries. His insistence on user-centric design resonates deeply with my belief that technology should solve real-world problems and enhance user experiences.
Jobs’ ability to challenge norms, think ahead of the curve, and push for excellence reminds me to aim high and approach challenges creatively. His philosophy of integrating technology and humanity serves as a guiding principle in my work, inspiring me to drive impactful innovation that addresses both technological and societal challenges.
This feature was made possible in partnership with Synapxe.