Professor Wan,  PSS Fellow, an illustrious pharmaceutical scientist, academic visionary, and inspiring pharmacy role model, passed away peacefully on 1st October 2017. 
 

Professor Lucy Wan's long and illustrious academic career boasts many pioneering achievements. She was the first to obtain a doctorate in pharmacy at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the first local graduate to be appointed Professor of Pharmacy, and the first woman to be awarded the Doctor of Science degree by NUS.

Her standing as an eminent scientist was further affirmed when she was awarded the DPharm (honoris causa) by the Albert Einstein International Academic Foundation, and honoured at the NUS Distinguished Science Alumni Awards in 2005.

Professor Lucy Wan graduated from the University of Singapore with a BPharm in 1958.  She first worked as a pharmaceutical chemist for Malaysia's Ministry of Health before embarking on her teaching and research career at NUS. For almost 40 years, Professor Lucy Wan taught pharmaceutics at the university's Department of Pharmacy, playing teacher and mentor to generations of local pharmacists and laying the foundations for the development of the field of pharmacy in Singapore.  

As head of the Pharmacy department from 1988 to 1994, she played an important role in the growth of its pharmaceutics unit from a tiny laboratory with basic equipment into the high-tech research centre it is today. Professor Lucy Wan undertook much research work in the field of pharmaceutical technology, resulting in more than 200 publications.

In recognition of her contributions to the field, the Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award was established by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore in 1995. It is the highest award given by the society to pharmacists who have excelled in their area of practice. At the NUS’ Pharmacy Department, the Lucy and Alfred Wan Pharmacy Fund was established in recognition of the pioneering work of Lucy and her husband, Dr Alfred Wan.

Professor Lucy Wan also sat on numerous committees and boards during her career, such as the Singapore Health Ministry’s Quality Control Assurance Committee and Medicines Advisory Committee, as well as the Singapore Pharmacy Board. Recognised for her contributions to science and technology and a trail blazer in the field of Pharmacy, she was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014. A fitting tribute to a pioneering pharmaceutical scientist, visionary academician and leader.   

After her retirement, Professor Lucy Wan turned her attention to writing poetry and developing her own style of calligraphy which she calls ‘OOS’ – Occidentally Oriental Stroke, many copies of which were distributed to her friends, pharmacy students, alumni and professional colleagues.

The greatest achievement Professor Lucy Wan has left us with is her legacy of pursuit of excellence, dedication, determination and non-compromising devotion to research to contribute effective medicines for  mankind. A call that current and future generations of NUS Pharmacy Department undergraduates and post graduates are taking on with good results.      

The Singapore Pharmacy profession and fraternity have lost a precious daughter that cannot be replaced; but we have gained from Professor Lucy Wan’s legacy and contributions which will remain in our memory and the vibrant research in pharmaceutics at NUS Pharmacy Department which stand testimony of this.  

I have lost a friend and a valuable advisor.  I remember the encouragement and numerous pieces of advice she gave me about the importance of being the best and giving our best and not worry too much about what others think, so long as we know what we do is good for the pharmacy profession.     

Thank you Professor Lucy Wan, may you rest in peace.  

Mr Wu Tuck Seng
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 1995
 

Prof Lucy Wan was a lady of distinction. She was a distinguished student, lecturer, researcher, and professor in Pharmacy. She took a special interest in her students and still remembered them long after they graduated, which I personally encountered. I am proud to be a recipient of the PSS that honours her name. The pharmacy profession will miss a distinguished member but she lives on in the memories of her students. May she rest in peace.

Mr Eng Tong Seng
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 1996
 

When I received my award from Prof Lucy Wan, she teased me ‘You are one of a kind.’ I smiled and said ‘You too!’

Farewell to Prof, you were unique and “One of a Kind”!

Dr Ang Hui Gek
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 1997
 

Prof Lucy Wan – the teacher, mentor and friend

All the Pharmacy students at NUS called her “Prof” as she was the first female full professor in Pharmacy and she was also conferred D.Sc. during her tenure as a faculty member. “Prof” was also a term of endearment, many of her students whom she taught would know who the “Prof” was.  She was an eminent scientist and professor in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology. As student, we remembered her as the “Prof” who dictated her lectures but we realized that the notes were so rich in details and relevant information that till today we cannot forget the importance of pharmaceutics in the practice of Pharmacy. Of course, her classes were coloured with lots of interesting stories and experiences, which many of us could still remember till today.

When I became a young faculty member, “Prof” took me under her wings and provided the much needed (and welcomed) mentorship. We spent a lot of time talking about how to introduce new topics to the curriculum, one of my first tasks was to introduce “macromolecules” in the syllabus and that was how short courses on biotechnology and peptide chemistry were started in the Honours class in the early 1990s. These were topics completely new to me but I realized quickly that my training in research was the foundation for making changes to the Pharmacy curriculum so that we could keep up with the advent in science and technology. Out of interest, I began to focus on teaching and curriculum development in Pharmacy education. “Prof” offered to co-supervise my first few Honours year students’ projects and through that we published manuscripts together.

“Prof” took much interest in developing her students and she was very close to her students, giving advice on everything and anything. When she was head of Department, she would go to all the student-organized activities. We always go together and enjoyed the students’ creative performances and had a good laugh.

Over the years, “Prof” and I developed our relationship from student-teacher, to being colleagues and eventually we were good friends. “Prof” was always just a phone call away. She would call and we would talk and catch up. Occasionally, we would go for high tea at the Shangri-La and the Ritz Carlton; the food and, particularly, her company were always the highlight of the meeting.

It’s sad that “Prof” has passed on, however, she will always have a special place in our hearts. I have lost an inspirational teacher, a self-less mentor and a dear friend. Prof Lucy, may you rest in peace.

A/Prof Chui Wai Keung
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 1999
 

Prof Wan will always have a special place in my life. Prof Wan is my beloved lecturer (professor) who liked to “pick” on me during classes and started to tell stories... (could be stressful to be picked at times but in most occasions, pretty relaxing listening to stories rather than lecture!! haha...). She is the VVIP guest at my wedding dinner, who shared many words of advice and wisdom at the dinner. After she retired, she would occasionally call me to chat and to find out how I was doing in my work, plus some “gossiping” too, haha… At SPC, she would always look for me to chat a few things too.

Missed you, Prof!

Mr Png Yong Koh
Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2000
 

I still remember vividly Prof Lucy Wan’s Pharmaceutics lessons in NUS Pharmacy 20 years ago and am always amazed how she could transform the “dry and boring” topic into a fascinating one. The way she describe the tablets “happy” being coated and “dancing” in the mixer…there is just so much passion in her teaching! In 2002, Prof Lucy Wan presented me with the prestigious Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS)-Prof Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist award. At that time, being the youngest recipient of this award, Prof Wan’s encouraging and nurturing words, after the award ceremony, made me feel like I am not any less worthy compared to my seniors (past winners). I am indeed inspired by her and that has steered me in believing that everyone can do it if they are passionate in what they are doing. Every pharmacist, regardless of their area of practice, can contribute to the overall good of healthcare. We can only be great, standing on the shoulders of our great leaders!

A passionate educator, nurturing mentor and inspiring leader, Prof Lucy Wan. You will always remain in our heart and continue to inspire our next generation of pharmacists. Rest in Peace.

Ms Irene Quay
PSS 111^th Council Vice President, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2002
 

Prof Lucy Wan was an inspiring teacher and role model, brilliant and intuitive... a towering figure in Pharmacy Department and Faculty of Science NUS. She was always generous and gracious to her students, treating us as members of an extended family.

With Prof Lucy Wan, the relationship between teacher and student was a life-long bond. I often wondered how she remembered all our names and our hobbies too!

While I will surely miss my dearest teacher, I am comforted by the knowledge that her accomplishments and her intellect are enduring and will continue to live through the lives of her students whom she has touched.

We love and miss you Prof Wan, past, present and future...

A/Prof Lita Chew
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2001
 

Although I am one of the few who was not taught by Prof Lucy Wan, I heard so much about her from my colleagues and fellow pharmacists. They remember her fondly for her passion and stories.  When I had the occasion to meet the lady herself, I was struck by her ‘presence’ and probing eyes.  I had the sense that nothing much escaped her attention! It was truly an honour to receive the award from her personally many years ago. It felt like I was being passed a torch blazed by this lady with an indomitable spirit and I mustn’t let her down!

Prof Lucy Wan, thank you for inspiring and touching our lives in ways which you may not even be aware of. May your soul rest in God’s Peace.

Ms Chan Soo Chung
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2004/2005
 

Prof Wan is a visionary individual with so much passion and drive for the pharmacy profession,  and she has such a heart for people. She will be missed.

Dr Camilla Wong
PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2006
 

Prof Lucy Wan was one of my few teachers who was able to inspire the best in her students and certainly in me. While it may seem cliche, she knew when to wave the stick (to give me the proverbial kick up the backside) and also give the carrot when necessary. I am certainly not the brightest student in my class but she knew how to get the best out of me. You saw me as mischievous although I tried to convince you that it was more of my creative streak you were seeing.

Receiving the Lucy Wan award was a high point of my professional life; I was and still am honoured to have received it. You have seen it fit for me to win it and I have tried to ”pay it forward” (as you mentioned in my interview) every day of my career and I am certainly saddened by your passing although also happy that you no longer have to suffer. Be joined with Prof Alfred Wan and continue to watch over us.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. RIP Prof Lucy Wan!

Mr Peter Yap
Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2011
 

My fondest memory of Prof Lucy Wan was during my interview for this very award, at the office of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. I walked into the office, facing Prof Wan who had that signature grin, smiling widely at me. The first thing she said to me was, “I looked through your whole application and CV. There are *paused dramatically* zero typos (she trailed off to let it sink for a bit), and I was pleasantly surprised *smiles widely again at me*. There are very few applications I have reviewed whose authors paid such painstaking attention to getting it so precise. It shows the attention to detail you have. Great job, Doreen!” It takes one to know one. She saw the pride I had in my work, patted me on the back, noting how I used to be the most mischievous and cheeky in class. And she remarked, “Oh, how you have grown.” Like a proud grand-aunty. Indeed, and not without tutelage from giants in Pharmacy like yourself, Prof!

Prof used to single me out in class (as did many other lecturers, not surprisingly) because yes, I was not one to be too attentive. I used to think her classes were a tremendous waste of time…. Hey, who needed to know how to tablet and what sort of fillers went into any formulations since machines made them? Boy, was I wrong. It was many years later, when in practice, that I began to understand how important pharmaceutics was. After all, it was a pharmacist who invited Coke™!

Prof was one to always take people in, studying every detail, her piercing, knowing eyes always searching the room keenly, piecing together what was really going on. She used to look upon me like some wayward grandniece, chiding me, glaring sternly…. yet always coupled with the knowing smile of loving grandaunt. I missed her the last couple of years when she didn’t turn up at the Pharmacy Congresses. Every year when we met at the congress, we would exchange big bear hugs. Incidentally, I had just enquired about her just last weekend at the 27^th Singapore Pharmacy Congress, and was told that she was “quite sick” and will not receive visitors. Alas, it is now too late to say my last goodbyes to her. She will stay etched forever in my memory, as the unforgettable Professor Lucy Wan. Her many expressions, her warm smile, her characteristic lilting speech patterns and her watchful eyes…. It is a lifetime honour to be one of the recipients of the Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist award. Thank you for bestowing that upon me.

Rest in Peace, Prof Wan. The Lord lay you to rest. The Pharmacy world will miss their trailblazer.

Dr Doreen Tan
Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2012
 

It was unforgettable to receive award from Prof Lucy Wan, the encouragement, guidance ….were memorable! Truly thankful for all the teaching, guidance and opportunity!

Thank you very much Prof Lucy Wan, may you rest in peace !

Mr Kong Ming Chai
Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2013
 

In Remembrance of Professor Lucy Wan 

A/Prof Chui Wai Keung PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 1999	Mr Png Yong Koh Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2000
A/Prof Lita Chew PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2001	Ms Irene Quay PSS 111th Council Vice President, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2002
Ms Chan Soo Chung PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2004/2005	Dr Camilla Wong PSS Fellow, Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2006
Mr Peter Yap Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2011	Dr Doreen Tan Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2012
Mr Kong Ming Chai Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award Recipient 2013