SINGAPORE, May 7 – In support of Singapore’s National Infertility Awareness Week, Thomson Medical Group (TMG) recenlty hosted a landmark full-day programme on April 26, 2025, comprising two keystone events: the Thomson Fertility Forum 2025 for consumers, and the Thomson Fertility Conference 2025 for regional fertility professionals.
Held at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, the back-to-back events reflect Thomson’s long-standing heritage of more than 45 years in fertility and maternity care, and its growing commitment to both clinical excellence and public education at a time when fertility rates across Southeast Asia have reached historic lows.
“At Thomson, our purpose has always been to empower life journeys. For many families, that journey begins with fertility care,” said Dr Melvin Heng, Group CEO, Thomson Medical Group.
“We’re seeing rising awareness, policy shifts, and major advances in assisted reproductive technology, but we’re also racing against time. This is why we’re investing in both the science and the advocacy so we can meet patients at every stage of their journey, with empathy and expertise.”
Kicking off the morning was the Thomson Fertility Forum 2025, an open and candid platform designed for couples exploring or undergoing fertility treatment.
With sessions covering IVF decision points, emotional well-being, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) integration, and the science behind egg quality and poor ovarian reserve, the forum featured a uniquely East-meets-West approach, reflecting Thomson’s holistic model that blends clinical precision with alternative care based on patients’ unique fertility needs.
Notably, the forum also featured deeply personal patient stories from mothers who have gone through multiple rounds of IVF, miscarriages, egg freezing, and the emotional toll of fertility treatment. These stories aimed to destigmatise IVF and provide reassurance for others just beginning their journey.
“Each patient’s fertility story is deeply personal, often filled with hidden heartbreak and resilience,” said Dr Loh Seong Feei, Medical Director and IVF specialist at Thomson Fertility Singapore (Paragon).
“This forum offers a valuable opportunity to connect with our patients in person. It allows us to engage them more meaningfully and provide additional support at every step of their fertility journey,” said Dr Tan Heng Hao, Medical Director and IVF specialist at Thomson Fertility Singapore (Novena), the second Thomson Fertility Centre in Singapore set to open in Q3 of 2025.
Also present were Thomson TCM physician Lee Hui Min, Thomson fertility (Paragon) chief embryologist Dr Ethiraj Balaji Prasath, and Thomson fertility IVF specialist Dr Janice Tung, all sharing insights into the science, techniques, and complementary approaches that can improve IVF outcomes.
The focus then shifted to the medical community with the second Thomson Fertility Conference, drawing over 100 from Singapore, Malaysia, Spain, and Japan.
Anchored by global thought leaders such as Prof JosĂ© RemohĂ of Spain’s Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI) and Prof Dr Kazuhiro Kawamura of Juntendo University in Tokyo, the conference featured presentations and panels exploring the latest science in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), from pre-implantation genetic testing to egg freezing success metrics and ovarian rejuvenation.
“This conference brings together minds from across the region and across public and private healthcare. We’re united by a sense of urgency – to innovate faster, to collaborate deeper, and to improve outcomes for every patient,” said Dr Heng.
“Fertility is one of the cornerstones of our Thomson heritage. And with this effort, we’re building on our heritage to create what’s next.”
As part of the event, Thomson Fertility also previewed its plans for a second Thomson Fertility Centre in Singapore, which will integrate AI-driven technologies, personalised protocols, and expanded capabilities to further improve IVF outcomes and patient experience.
Fertility rates in Southeast Asia continue to fall, with Singapore’s total fertility rate hitting an all-time low of 0.97 in 2023. However, consumer attitudes are shifting: interest in elective egg freezing and ART is growing, more patients are seeking information proactively, and governments across the region are implementing supportive policies.
Thomson Fertility, with six fertility centres across Singapore and Malaysia, and upcoming plans in Vietnam, is well-positioned to lead in both innovation and access.
“We are seeing strong momentum from consumers, from policymakers, and from science itself,” said Dr Heng. “This is our moment to act together. Because every hopeful parent deserves a fair shot at starting their family.”
