Cover Dean Ho, the cover star of Tatler Singapore’s June 2023 issue, shares his favourite spots in Singapore and the new wellness trend he’s trying
Dean Ho, the cover star of Tatler Singapore’s June 2023 issue, shares his favourite spots in Singapore and the new wellness trend he’s trying
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Get to know the scientist who fronts Tatler Singapore’s June 2023 issue
Every issue, Tatler Singapore’s cover star answers a round of quick‐fire questions to give a little more insight into their personality. This month, we turn the spotlight on Dean Ho, the director of the Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM) and the N.1 Institute for Health in Singapore.
Here, get to know Ho beyond his mission to transform healthcare with artificial intelligence. The scientist shares with us his bucket list destination, something new that he tried, and where he gets his carrot cake fix in Singapore.
Read more: How scientist Dean Ho is using artificial intelligence to save lives
Favourite place on earth?
I’m a huge Disney fan. I’ve been to all the parks around the world, except for Shanghai. When we lived in the US, I had an annual pass and would go often. I would sit out on Main Street to think about what I wanted to do. I’ve made life choices there.
Favourite place in Singapore?
As one can probably gather, I’m an amusement park fan. Universal Studios Singapore may be small but it’s a chance to be transported into another imaginative world. Even when they no longer had the annual pass, I would still go with my son just to hang out.
Favourite food?
I love carrot cake and there’s a place in Commonwealth that I go to pretty often. I also have a soft spot for those multi-layered rainbow kueh you peel off layer by layer.
Morning routine?
I’ll put my kids on their school bus just before 7 am, and work out for two hours after that before going into the office. I’ll typically do weights and some sprinting or running. I’ll even take meetings mid-exercise sometimes, just to make sure I get a workout in.
Bucket list destination?
I definitely want to go to the Maldives. We were booked to go in 2018, but 10 days before the trip, my wife was diagnosed with brain tumour. We were going to bring the kids; at the time they couldn’t swim but now they can. I’m very much an island or beach type of person.
Something new you did?
I’m so built into routine right now, but I recently started doing ice plunges. Some of its potential health benefits include improving focus and increasing attention span. The first time, I did two rounds of two minutes each in 6 C water. I’ve also been trying to work on my breathing, which really helps keep focus. Before I do anything specific, such as speaking in front of an audience, or before I do an interview, I’ll do some box breathing, and it helps.
Someone you admire?
My wife, for sure. What happened to her was unspeakable. It’s been almost five years. She has side effects, such as massive headaches, but she still carries on. She’s smiling and energetic, even if she’s in a lot of pain. She does yoga every day; and she’s just present and always there for the kids—it’s quite remarkable.
Life motto?
For me, it’s to try to do good in any way you know.
Credits
Photography: Darren Gabriel Leow
Styling: Tok Wei Lun
Grooming: Gin Tan using Keune Haircosmetics and YSL Beauty
Photography Assistant: Rex Teo
Stylist's Assistant: Crystal Lim
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As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
