Singapore can aim for the stars in terms of healthcare advances that save and better the lives of patients, thanks to the fraternity of academic medicine such as that underpinned by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Medical Centre and its network of donors and partners. This institution and its community were feted at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Gala Dinner 2019 at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, with some 800 guests and guest-of-honour Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean in attendance. The theme of the biennial event this year was Odyssey of Stars. The stars, explained Professor Thomas Coffman, Dean of Duke-NUS Medical School, “are our generous donors and supporters, our talented teams of scientists, educators and administrators, and those who depend on us for their help”. He and Professor Ivy Ng, Group CEO of SingHealth, accepted a $12 million donation from the Goh Foundation that will go towards a new childhood cancer programme under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme. The Ngee Ann Development was also recognised for its generous $40 million gift towards academic medicine made earlier this year. The silent auction raised a further $62,000, from bids on fine wines, jewellery, artworks and luxury experiences.