Ellean Tsen

Hua Yi Secondary School alumna Ellean Tsen is the first Singaporean sent to Taiwan to specialise in respiratory therapy. Read about her remarkable journey from student to Healthcare Merit Award recipient.

Last updated 12 August 2026

Congratulations HYSS Alumna, Ellean!

A young woman receives a scholarship folder from a guest-of-honour on stage at the Healthcare Scholarships Award Ceremony.

A young woman in a white blouse holds a black folder while standing in front of a healthcare-themed backdrop.

Hua Yi Secondary School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumna, Ellean Tsen, whose inspiring journey into healthcare is driven by both personal experience and professional passion. Ellean was our student from Class of 18-4E.

Ellean’s interest in respiratory therapy began after witnessing her mother’s battle with a pneumothorax and the dedicated care provided by respiratory therapists. This encounter not only gave her a deeper appreciation of the profession but also strengthened her determination to pursue this meaningful path.

After graduating from Hua Yi in 2021, Ellean furthered her studies at Republic Polytechnic (RP), where she embraced opportunities such as attachments and job shadowing organised by MOH Holdings (MOHH). These experiences shaped her career aspirations and affirmed her calling in healthcare. With the encouragement of her mentor, Dr Ma Shao Kang, she continued to push her boundaries and believe in her potential.

Group photo of Hua Yi Secondary School Class 4 students in white and blue uniforms posing in front of cherry blossoms.

Today, Ellean is making history as the first Singaporean to be sent to Taiwan to specialise in respiratory therapy. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy at Chang Gung University, and was recently recognised at the Healthcare Scholarships Award Ceremony as one of five RP alumni to receive the prestigious Healthcare Merit Award (Full Term).

Ellean hopes to learn from Taiwan’s approach to caring for an ageing population and is eager to contribute new perspectives and innovative practices to Singapore’s public healthcare sector.

Her journey reflects the spirit of resilience, excellence, and service that Hua Yi nurtures in our students. We celebrate Ellean’s success and look forward to the impact she will make in the healthcare profession.

Acknowledgements:

1) Award ceremony photos and scholarship caption from Republic Polytechnic’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNpG6AizzNM/?igsh=MXFhcnN2d3M5Zzg5OA==

2) HYSS Class photo from former Form Teacher of Class 18-4E: Mrs Shernice Chia (Senior Teacher/ Geography)