Media — Press Features & Interviews

Minister Ong Ye Kung Interviews Dr Chong Kok Wee, KKH Head of Paediatric Allergy Service, on Childhood Allergies

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung interviews Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head of the Paediatric Allergy Service and Senior Consultant at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), on the management of childhood allergies. The feature highlights the role of paediatric allergy specialists in conducting oral food challenges, providing EpiPen training and guiding parents on keeping children with allergies safe.

Allergies in Children: KKH Reports Five-Fold Increase in Positive Allergy Tests

KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) has reported a five-fold increase in positive skin prick test results for common allergens among children between 2012 and 2025, highlighting the growing prevalence of childhood allergies in Singapore.

KKH Reports Four-Fold Increase in Positive Food Allergy Tests Among Children

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has reported a four-fold increase in positive allergy test results among children over the past 14 years. The report highlights the growing awareness of childhood food allergies, possible contributing factors, and the role of food allergy immunotherapy in helping children gradually build tolerance to certain allergens.

Singapore Sees More Than Four-Fold Increase in Positive Food Allergy Tests Among Children

Lianhe Zaobao reports a significant rise in positive food allergy skin prick test results among children at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), increasing from around 700 in 2012 to more than 3,600 in 2025. The article also highlights the challenges faced by children living with multiple food allergies and explores oral immunotherapy (OIT) as a treatment option to gradually build tolerance to specific food allergens under medical supervision.

Assoc Prof Elizabeth Tham and Dr Chong Kok Wee Discuss National Study on Childhood Food Allergies

Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham and Dr Chong Kok Wee share insights into Singapore’s first national study on childhood food allergies, involving 2,000 children. They discuss the prevalence of food allergies, the increasing number of cases seen in local hospitals, and the potential impact on children, families and society. Both specialists are researchers involved in the study.

New National Study to Examine Impact of Rising Food Allergies Among Children in Singapore

A four-year national study led by KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and National University Hospital (NUH) aims to investigate the prevalence of childhood food allergies in Singapore and their impact on children's nutrition, growth, metabolic and mental health. The study comes amid a rise in food allergy cases, with KKH reporting a three-fold increase in children testing positive for common food allergies between 2012 and 2022. It also aims to better understand the social and economic burden on affected families and inform future guidelines and support.

Food Allergies in Children: Hidden Risks in Everyday Sauces

Food allergens can sometimes be hidden in sauces and condiments. While some children may outgrow food allergies as they get older, desensitisation should only be done under medical supervision.

Singapore to Conduct First Large-Scale Study on Childhood Food Allergies

Singapore is launching its first large-scale study on childhood food allergies, led by National University Hospital (NUH) in collaboration with KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), National University Polyclinics and the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. The four-year study will involve more than 2,000 children and examine the prevalence of food allergies, as well as their impact on children's nutrition, growth and mental health. It will also investigate the psychological and social challenges faced by affected families.

Singapore Launches First Large-Scale Study to Investigate Rising Childhood Food Allergies

Singapore's first large-scale study on childhood food allergies brings together KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), National University Hospital (NUH), National University Polyclinics and two medical research institutions. The study aims to examine the prevalence of food allergies among young children and their impact on growth, nutrition and mental health. Researchers also highlight the increasing number of food allergy cases locally, with food allergy tests at KKH and NUH rising by 60% between 2022 and 2024. The findings will help inform future nutritional guidelines and provide better support for affected children and their families.

KKH Doctors Publish 12 Children's Storybooks to Raise Awareness of Childhood Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Doctors from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), led by Dr Chong Kok Wee, have developed The Baby Bear Paediatric Care Series, a collection of 12 storybooks designed for children aged three to eight. The books aim to help young readers understand childhood medical conditions, including food allergies, asthma, obesity and leukaemia, while encouraging empathy towards children living with these conditions. Dr Chong co-authored Milly And The Milk Disaster, which uses a story about a little monkey with a food allergy to help children understand food allergy awareness and safety.

Living with Allergies in Singapore: The Challenges of Food Allergies and Severe Allergic Reactions

CNA explores the experiences of individuals living with food allergies in Singapore, including those who develop new allergies in adulthood. Featuring insights from Dr Chong Kok Wee of KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and other allergy specialists, the article examines the rising number of allergy cases, possible contributing factors, and the physical, emotional and social challenges faced by people with allergies. It also highlights the importance of allergy awareness, accurate diagnosis and better understanding of food allergy management.

The Foodie’s Guide to Allergy-Friendly Dining in Singapore

The Straits Times explores the challenges faced by individuals living with food allergies when dining out in Singapore. The article highlights restaurants that make efforts to accommodate diners with food allergies, including their approaches to ingredient transparency, food preparation and allergen management. It also discusses the growing prevalence of food allergies in Singapore and the importance of greater awareness and understanding among food establishments to create safer dining experiences.

Rising Awareness of Food Allergies and the Challenges of Dining Safely in Singapore

The Lianhe Zaobao article highlights the challenges faced by individuals and families living with food allergies in Singapore. It explores the importance of food allergy awareness, the difficulties of identifying allergens when dining out, and the need for greater understanding among food establishments to prevent accidental exposure and severe allergic reactions.

5% of Children in Singapore Have Food Allergies, with Common Foods Such as Eggs, Milk and Peanuts Among the Main Triggers

The article highlights the rising number of childhood food allergy cases in Singapore, with eggs, milk, peanuts and shellfish identified as common food allergens among children under two. Featuring insights from Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head and Senior Consultant of the Paediatric Allergy Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), it discusses food allergy symptoms, the risk of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), allergy testing and oral immunotherapy (OIT). It also highlights KKH's egg allergy desensitisation programme, which uses gradually increasing amounts of egg in pancakes under medical supervision to help children build tolerance.

Dr Chong and a team of doctors from KKH

How do we educate our kids about serious conditions and childhood ilness? Dr Chong and a team of doctors from KKH came up with a refreshing way to do it! Tune in as Dr Chong shares more about The Baby Bear Paediatric Care Series! The Morning Drive with The Flying Dutchman & Carrie Chong

Childhood Food Allergies: A Growing Health Concern in Singapore | CNA938 Rewind

CNA938 speaks with Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head and Senior Consultant of the Allergy Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), about the rising prevalence of childhood food allergies in Singapore. The discussion explores the estimated 5% of children affected by food allergies, the significant increase in life-threatening anaphylaxis cases over the past decade, common allergy triggers, and what parents, teachers and caregivers should look out for. It also highlights the importance of building greater food allergy awareness and creating safer environments for affected children.

Understanding Food Allergies in Children: Common Triggers & What Parents Should Know

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among children, yet many parents still have misconceptions. Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head of Allergy Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, explains common food allergens and how parents should respond when a child shows signs of an allergic reaction.

Dr Chong Kok Wee Shares Tips on Recognising and Preventing Food Allergic Reactions in Children

Dr Chong Kok Wee, Head of the Allergy Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), shares practical advice for parents on recognising the signs of food allergic reactions in children and avoiding common food allergy triggers. The feature also introduces Milly and the Milk Disaster, a children's storybook created by the KKH team to help young children understand food allergies in a fun and engaging way.

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