From orchestrating intricate lab procedures to guiding hopeful parents through their most vulnerable moments, Ms Ng Lai Cheng’s work as an embryologist is both technically demanding and emotionally profound. With Singapore’s fertility challenges at an all-time high, her expertise and compassion are needed more than ever.
From restrictive population control policies of the 1970s to today’s pro-natalist initiatives and advanced reproductive technologies, Singapore’s approach to family planning has transformed dramatically to address shifting demographic needs. Yet, Singapore continues to struggle with low birth rates. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS), the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stayed at a historic low of 0.97 in 2024 – unchanged from the previous year. This figure underscores a pressing issue: Singapore citizens aren’t making enough children to maintain a steady population, which could lead to problems down the road.
According to MOH, the government has responded by introducing supportive measures such as IVF subsidies and the legalisation of elective egg freezing for women aged 21 to 37, regardless of marital status. While these policies provide broader reproductive options, the journey to parenthood remains complex, fraught with both hope and heartbreak.
Meet Ms Ng Lai Cheng, chief embryologist at Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre
At the heart of this landscape is Ms Ng Lai Cheng, a clinical embryologist whose work has touched countless lives. With 30 years of experience in embryology and over 23 years at Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre, she has performed more than 9,000 IVF procedures. For Lai Cheng, these numbers are more than statistics; they are lives changed, families created, dreams realised.
“When I began my career in medical research, I quickly realised it wasn’t the right path for me. It felt too detached, too removed from real impact. Embryology, on the other hand, had a clear and meaningful purpose – it was not just about running tests but more about helping couples conceive. That certainly drew me in,” she shares.
A day in the life of an embryologist
Lai Cheng’s daily work is marked by precision and delicate procedures. Her mornings are devoted to tasks like thawing embryos, conducting egg retrieval procedures, processing sperm, and monitoring embryo development. Techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – where a single sperm is carefully injected into an egg under a high-powered microscope – demand absolute focus.
“The most delicate part of the job is handling the eggs. They are microscopic, about 120 microns in size – roughly one-tenth the size of a full stop on a printed page – and extremely fragile. A small mistake, like applying too much pressure during injection, can destroy the egg.”
Afternoons are no less demanding. Lai Cheng and her team handle embryo transfers, further lab work, and cryopreservation. The intensity of the job requires not only technical skill but also emotional resilience.
Navigating uncertainty and finding fulfilment
“Lab work is structured, time-sensitive and requires intense precision. The unpredictability of outcomes is a constant reminder that while embryology is highly technical and skills-dependent, there are other factors beyond human control,” explains Lai Cheng.
Yet, passion for her work has only grown over time. Despite the challenges, she remains motivated by the lives she helps create. For her, the most fulfilling part of her work is witnessing the joy of patients who achieve successful pregnancies.
“It’s been wonderful to see more women come forward. But at the same time, I feel a personal responsibility to educate them on their fertility timelines. From my experience, women who struggle with infertility regret not trying earlier. I see part of my role as an embryologist here is to educate patients on their fertility timelines, the opportunities and limitations of fertility treatments, so they may make informed decisions rather than rely solely on medical interventions later.”
Reflecting on her career as an embryologist
Lai Cheng’s role extends beyond clinical procedures. As someone deeply invested in educating her patients, she emphasises the importance of making informed decisions. With policies now more inclusive, she hopes more women will seek the help they need without hesitation.
She shares that the impact of her work goes beyond lab results and statistics. “I remember a Christmas gathering a few years ago when I had a moment of reflection. I realised the number of families I have helped create over the years. That really brought me tears of joy and affirmed my career choice as an embryologist.”
She also adds that her work can be summed up in one word: Meaningful. “My journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration for aspiring embryologists and a testament to the impact one individual can have on countless lives.”
Imparting wisdom for aspiring women in STEM
Her advice for aspiring women in STEM, particularly those considering embryology, is practical yet heartfelt. “Embryology is for those who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and making a real difference in people’s lives. It requires technical precision, resilience, and emotional strength. The reward of helping people conceive makes it all worthwhile.”
