Page 22 - NYAA GAHA 30th Anniversary "Service Beyond Gold"

Brandon Chia Zheng Da

Nurse Educator

Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand
NYAA Gold Award Holder (2015 Cohort)

Brandon Chia Zheng Da’s journey embodies the contributed wildlife photos to multiple publications
GAHA spirit of ‘Service Beyond Gold’ - a life defined as a conservation volunteer at Sungei Buloh Wetland
by lifelong learning, leadership, and compassion. A Reserve. He later documented Singapore’s collective
dedicated healthcare professional and passionate grief during the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew,
educator, Brandon has built a distinguished career in producing powerful images published in the NYAA
critical care nursing and nursing education, making tribute book ‘Tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew’, widely
significant contributions to healthcare in Singapore celebrated by Singaporeans. Brandon’s photography
and abroad. also supported a Northeast Community Council
fundraising initiative in 2018, raising more than
Currently serving as a Nurse Educator at Christchurch S$100,000 to help people with disabilities.
Hospital, New Zealand, Brandon provides senior
nursing leadership by mentoring and coaching Brandon is passionate about giving back to the
staff, driving quality improvement initiatives, Singaporean community. Through his Instagram
and championing evidence-based practices. He page (@chiaseed.nz), where he documents his family’s
established a journal club to foster continuous journey in New Zealand, he connects with fellow
learning and spearheaded educational programmes Singaporeans, helps foster community networks,
that strengthened clinical competency among and supports those who have recently relocated. He
nursing professionals. enjoys building friendships, celebrating occasions
such as the Chinese New Year and National Day,
Previously, as a Registered Nurse in the Surgical and keeping cultural ties alive. Brandon also opens
Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, his home to youths on working holidays, taking the
Brandon played a pivotal role in nursing quality time to reconnect with them, share advice, and show
improvement and clinical research. He led initiatives to them around New Zealand.
enhance patient safety, promoted palliative care, and
introduced innovations to reduce pressure injuries. His academic achievements mirror his passion for
Beyond clinical excellence, Brandon coordinated ICU excellence. Brandon graduated as a top student
staffing, facilitated interdepartmental collaboration, in Nursing from ITE College East. Subsequently,
and mentored junior nurses, shaping the next he graduated as a Valedictorian from Ngee
generation of healthcare professionals. Ann Polytechnic, earned Honours with Highest
Distinction in Nursing, and completed a Master of
Brandon’s dedication extends beyond hospitals Clinical Research at the University of Manchester.
to community service and humanitarian relief. He He is a recipient of numerous accolades, including
has volunteered on international medical missions, the Lee Kuan Yew Award and the MOHH Healthcare
including post-earthquake relief efforts in Nepal Merit Award, demonstrating his unwavering pursuit
and flood response operations in Myanmar, where of knowledge and commitment to improving lives.
he provided essential medical aid and supported
underserved communities. Today, Brandon continues to inspire through his
work in nursing education, combining his clinical
Beyond healthcare, Brandon’s artistic talent has also expertise, research experience, and leadership to
left a lasting impact. A skilled nature photographer, he uplift others, improve patient outcomes, and build
stronger, more resilient communities.

20 30 Years of Service and Leadership