In the second of our three-part interview series to mark International Women’s Day, we chat with three extraordinary women, who share their journeys of self-discovery—and their impact on others along the way
A conversation with Dr Chua Yang restores one’s faith in the medical profession. At a time when patients grapple with rising treatment costs and increasingly impersonal care, the soft-spoken yet forthright obstetrician and gynaecologist remains unwavering in her conviction that healthcare is, at its core, a privilege to love and care for people.
Yet, Dr Chua’s path to obstetrics and gynaecology—and the founding of her private practice, A Clinic For Women, in 2002—was not born from an inherent calling to women’s health alone. Instead, it was shaped by a confluence of factors: a preference for working with adults, a desire to pursue a surgical discipline, and a passion for forging meaningful patient connections. Her perspective was further honed by transformative medical missions to underprivileged communities in places such as Niger and Bangalore, which deepened her understanding of medicine as a vocation of service.
At the heart of her ethos is family. Dr Chua credits her parents—renowned artists Lee Boon Ngan and Cultural Medallion recipient Chua Mia Tee—for instilling in her an innate logic, dexterity, and an enduring empathy for others.
One might also surmise that her upbringing nurtured her deep appreciation for the arts. A passionate street photographer, Dr Chua has released two strikingly poignant photo books: Women Inspiring Women—The Home Edition: Mothers and Daughters in Healthcare (May 2023) and Women Inspiring Women: The National Edition – Women in Singapore Holding Up the Sky (2024). The first book was published by Marshall Cavendish, which was funded by donations from Keith Wong (of Singapore fashion house, Charles and Keith), while second book was funded by a series of donors and published by The Private Museum.
Featuring more than 300 women whom she personally interviewed and photographed, they have raised over S$300,000 for the SMA Charity Fund, and other women-centric charities and initiatives—a testament to her belief in the power of storytelling and giving back.
What were your experiences like putting together the two photo books?
With the first book, I had wanted to honour mothers, to help me remember my own relationship with my mum. With the second book, I had a great time encountering different occupations and learning about different things. Just as I find The National Edition inspirational, I also hope that the book would inspire young girls as well.
Was it always your mission to use your art as a platform to amplify women’s voices?
I’m not sure if you can call it a mission. But I do feel that, in general, we read about men more than we read about women. And if we read about women, they’re always the ultra-successful or cool ones. We don’t really read about everyday women, and I wanted the book to mean something. That’s why I have a cleaner and the First Lady in the same book. If you read about how your everyday challenges can be overcome, and learn that we all can lead meaningful lives, that is something worth honouring.
How did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
I was exposed to illness and medical problems from a young age. I would tag along with my mum to accompany my grandmother on her medical appointments, and I remember how patients were always hanging on every word that gets told to them. I witnessed how doctors could make patients feel reassured or scared. These memories shaped me in the eventual medical career that I have.
And of course, that informs A Clinic For Women, which aims to be a safe, comfortable, and unhurried environment for women.
I wanted to have more time with my patients. Women health issues are multifaceted. It’s not just about a pregnancy review; discussions often extend to areas like mental health and dietary choices. These are important conversations because they are a captive audience, and if I can impress upon them to do better with their lifestyle choice, then possibly the entire family can do better.
What advice would you give women who are striving to have their voices heard?
I’m not an authority on this issue. I simply think everybody in their own corner can make a difference. You don’t have to create world peace to be celebrated. A voice that positively impacts your friends, child, or parents is just as important.
Read the interviews with Peggy Quek, CEO of AIA International Wealth here, and Uma Thana Balasingam, founder of The Elevate Group, here.
