A/Prof. John Wong CM
Chair of SMAC
A/Prof John Wong Chee Meng
Senior Consultant, Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital
Dr. John Wong serves as Chair of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) at Unlocking ADHD, bringing over three decades of clinical and academic leadership in mental health. A senior psychiatrist and trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr. Wong holds the Lin Jo Yan and Yeo Boon Khim Professorship in Mental Health and Neuroscience at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is also Director of the NUS Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre, and the Programme Director of REACH (West) at the National University Hospital.
Dr. Wong’s career spans neurodevelopmental psychiatry, trauma mental health, military mental wellness, and medical education. Internationally trained and elected as the International Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He has played a key role in developing psychological trauma management protocols and advancing youth mental health in Singapore. His leadership of SMAC ensures that UA’s clinical direction is guided by scientific excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with ADHD.
Prof. Kenneth Poon
SMAC Member
Dean, Research and Centre Director, Centre for Research in Child Development
Lien Foundation Chair Prof in Education
Prof. National Institute of Education - Psychology and Child & Human Development
Prof Kenneth Poon brings deep expertise in child development and neurodevelopmental disabilities to the Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC). He is the Lien Foundation Chair Prof of Education at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, where he also serves as Dean of Education Research and Director of the Centre for Research in Child Development. Trained as a clinical psychologist and early interventionist, Prof Poon has over 25 years of experience working with children with neurodevelopmental needs.
He leads major national research initiatives, including DREAMS, a longitudinal study of over 7,000 adolescents, and has developed locally normed assessment tools like the Singapore Ability Scales. His work has shaped inclusive education practices in Singapore and beyond. A strong advocate for children with special needs, Prof Poon also contributes to national and regional policy as Singapore’s Representative to the ASEAN Commission on the Rights of Women and Children, and serves on multiple advisory and community boards. His contributions ensure SMAC’s advice is informed by leading-edge research and grounded in practical impact for children and families.
Prof. Alina Rodriguez
SMAC Member
Senior Principal Scientist III
A*STAR
Prof. Alina Rodriguez is a globally respected psychological scientist and educator with over 20 years of experience across research, clinical, and academic settings. She serves as Senior Principal Scientist III at A*STAR’s Institute of Human Development and Potential (IHDP), Prof of Psychological Medicine at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Prof. of Allied Health at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. She is visiting prof at Imperial College London, School of Public Health, UK.
Her research spans maternal and child health, neurodevelopment, adolescent mental health, and the intersection of mental and physical health. At A*STAR, she co-leads the Integrative Adolescence Research Programme (IARP), focused on identifying early risk factors and designing evidence-based interventions. A chartered member of the British Psychological Society and recipient of multiple international fellowships, Prof Rodriguez brings deep interdisciplinary insight to SMAC. Her involvement strengthens Unlocking ADHD’s commitment to advancing rigorous, impactful approaches to ADHD care across the lifespan.
Dr. Choi Pui Meng
SMAC Member
Master Educational Psychologist
Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE)
Dr Choi Pui Meng is an educator, practitioner and researcher in educational psychology. At MOE’s Psychological Services Branch, he supports school-based assessment and intervention, contributes to policy development and engages in applied research to meet diverse learning needs across mainstream schools.
An educator at heart, an educational psychologist in practice and an educationist in research, Dr Choi combines compassion with evidence-based practice to promote inclusive learning environments. His work continues to shape how schools in Singapore support students with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences.
His publications and community talks include evidence-based supports for students with ADHD, such as a peer-reviewed study on cognitive-behavioural interventions in Singapore schools and doctoral research exploring student, parent and teacher perspectives in mainstream settings. His work informs practical strategies that strengthen inclusive classroom practice.
Tan Jia Xuan
SMAC Member
Principal Occupational Therapist
National University Hospital
Jiaxuan is our principal Occupational therapist practicing in the National University Children Medical Institute, National University Hospital. She focuses greatly on the parent-therapist collaboration as parental involvement is vital in the child's progress for rehabilitation.
She has a keen interest in child and adolescent mental health as well as advocating for the role of neonatal therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Jiaxuan has presented at various conferences, including the Perinatal Mental Health Conference (Marce Society).
Jiaxuan completed her MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at King's College London, further enhancing her expertise in this field. Her involvement strengthens Unlocking ADHD's commitment to clinical practice and evidence-based therapy approaches for the ADHD community.
