Curiosity often ignites the brightest minds, and for Lisa Ng, Executive Director of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)’s Biomedical Research Council and A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL), it was the driving force behind her remarkable journey in biomedical research. From a young girl captivated by science programs to a leader shaping the future of infectious disease research, Lisa’s story is one of relentless pursuit, evolution, and impact.
Selected by CIO Views magazine for their special feature on International Women’s Day, Lisa’s journey celebrates inspiring female leaders making significant impacts in their fields. Her story is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and a genuine commitment to advancing science for the greater good.
A Childhood Fueled by Curiosity
Lisa’s path into science was a natural progression of her inquisitive nature. “Since young, I’ve always been a very curious child,” she recalls. “I was always asking, ‘Why this? Why that?’” Growing up in the 1970s-80s, she found inspiration in TV programs like The Electric Company, which piqued her interest in science. School trips to the Science Centre further cemented her fascination. Lisa excelled in mathematics and science, though not all topics came easily to her. Biology, however, became a favorite. “I loved reading biology textbooks. That’s when I realized my passion lay in understanding life at a deeper level,” she explains.
Her academic journey led her to pursue biochemistry at university, but she soon realized her true interest was in disease research. By her second and third year, Lisa became captivated by the intricate ways the body responds to disease. This passion steered her towards a PhD in infectious diseases, setting the stage for a career dedicated to scientific discovery and public health.
Embracing Serendipity and Finding Purpose
Lisa’s entry into infectious disease research was serendipitous. “In the mid-90s, cancer research was a major focus, and I initially wanted to pursue that. But I didn’t get selected into a cancer lab—instead, I ended up in infectious diseases. It turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened,” she says. As new technologies and concepts emerged, Lisa’s perspective evolved. “You need to focus and sharpen first, master what you do, and then broaden your field of knowledge. That’s how growth happens,” she asserts.
This approach strengthened her expertise and opened doors for leadership roles. Driven by the question, “What impact do I want to make?”, Lisa aimed to make a difference in people’s lives. “It could be a small impact or a big one, but the motivation should always be to help others,” she says. “It’s not about seeking validation but about knowing that your work has made a meaningful difference.”
Leadership as a Journey, Not a Destination
For Lisa, leadership was never about ambition—it was about responsibility. “No one wakes up one day and says, ‘I want to be a leader.’ It’s a progressive journey,” she explains. Early in her career, she focused on how she could contribute as a researcher. Over time, her role expanded as she guided younger scientists and administrators, and took on leadership positions. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in generosity and sincerity. “A leader should never have a secret agenda,” she asserts. “People can tell when someone is being insincere. If you genuinely want to help others grow, they will reciprocate with trust and commitment.”
She also believes in continuous learning. “You don’t have to know everything. Leadership is about being brave enough to take on challenges, even when you’re uncertain. You take baby steps, troubleshoot along the way, and eventually, you grow into the role,” she explains.
Success Beyond Accolades
For Lisa, success is about making an impact, not titles or financial rewards. “Success is when you know you have given your best, not just for yourself, but for others,” she says. At A*STAR, she focuses on building strong research teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring her researchers have the resources to excel. “If I bring in the right team—people who are passionate, competent, and driven—then through their work, they will continue making a difference. That’s the true measure of success,” she asserts.
Lisa has significantly contributed to biomedical research, including shaping Singapore’s response to SARS and COVID-19. Her work in immunology and virology has led to groundbreaking discoveries, enhancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and pandemic preparedness. Under her leadership, A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs has become a hub of scientific excellence, fostering international collaborations and advancing cutting-edge research. She has also mentored the next generation of scientists, ensuring knowledge and expertise are passed on.
Lisa sits on various international advisory boards, panels and executive committees. Her efforts have been recognized with multiple awards, including being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate and one of the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University. However, for Lisa, the greatest achievement is the lasting impact her research has on improving lives and safeguarding global health.
Nurturing Future Pioneers
Lisa is committed to shaping the next generation of researchers. She hopes her team will push scientific boundaries while fostering a culture of generosity. “Giving isn’t about self-sacrifice. It’s about knowing that by helping others, you’re also contributing to something bigger,” she explains. She advises young scientists to be patient and clear about their goals. “Many people want everything at once—a great career, a fulfilling personal life—but it doesn’t happen simultaneously. You must prioritize at different stages. Once you accept that, decision-making becomes clearer,” she advises.
Lisa acknowledges that women in leadership face unique challenges, especially in balancing career and personal aspirations. “The truth is, you can have it all—but not all at the same time,” she says candidly. She advises women to be strategic in their decision-making. “At every stage of your life, you have to decide what’s most important at that moment. If you’re focused on building a family, don’t expect your career to skyrocket simultaneously. And if your career is your priority, understand that other aspects may have to wait,” she explains.
Lisa also emphasizes recognizing subconscious decisions. “Many people struggle because they haven’t come to terms with their own choices. Once you acknowledge what you truly want, you can move forward with clarity,” she asserts.
A Legacy of Impact
As Lisa looks to the future, she hopes that the culture she has built will extend beyond her own leadership. “I want my team to continue making a difference, to keep pushing boundaries, and to pass on the same values to future generations,” she says. Her journey—from a curious child to a pioneering leader in biomedical research and health innovation—stands as an inspiration to all who aspire to make an impact. “At the end of the day, it’s not about individual success. It’s about creating a ripple effect that benefits science, society, and the world,” she explains.
Lisa Ng’s story is a powerful reminder that with curiosity, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, one can achieve remarkable things. Her leadership and contributions to biomedical research continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of scientists and leaders.
