Meet Our People:  Ng Lai Cheng, Chief Embryologist 

With nearly 30 years of experience in clinical embryology, including over 23 years at Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre (MEFC), Ms Ng Lai Cheng is a specialist in IVF laboratory procedures and embryology. She has performed more than 10,000 IVF treatments, contributing to the birth of over 3,500 babies in Singapore and beyond.  

Her journey into embryology began in the early 1990s, at a time when the field was still evolving rapidly. She holds a master's degree in reproductive endocrinology from the National University of Singapore, and has been a Ministry of Health (MOH)-authorised clinical embryologist since 1994. 

In addition to her clinical work, Ms Ng has also trained over 60 embryologists in the region through the NUS Master of Clinical Embryology Programme and has been culturing blastocysts (growing the embryos in the laboratory till it reaches a more advanced stage) since 1993. 

What drew you to embryology, and how would you describe the importance of your role in the fertility journey? 

I started out in medical research, but I found myself wanting more than just lab results — I wanted to make a direct, visible difference in people’s lives. Embryology gave me that. It combined science with something deeply human: the hope of creating life. Helping someone become a parent is incredibly meaningful, and knowing that I play a part in that journey is what drew me to this field — and what has kept me here ever since. 

Embryologists work quietly behind the scenes, but we are entrusted with life at its most fragile stage. Our work involves fertilising eggs, monitoring embryos as they develop, freezing and thawing them, and preparing for embryo transfers. Every step requires intense precision. One small mistake — a fluctuation in temperature, a slight miscalculation — can compromise an embryo. That is why perseverance and attention to detail are so essential. You need steady hands, a calm mind, and the resilience to keep going, especially when outcomes are uncertain. It is a role that demands technical skill, but also heart and dedication — and to me, that’s what makes it so fulfilling. 

What does a typical day in the life of an embryologist look like? 

My day usually starts early, around 8:30am, and the lab is already a flurry of activity. One of the first things I do is prepare for egg retrievals — these are time-sensitive procedures where we collect eggs from patients under anaesthesia. At the same time, we may be freezing or thawing eggs or embryos. Thawing alone can take up to 3 hours, and it has to be done with absolute precision. 

There is a lot of routine, but it never feels repetitive — every case is different, and every patient brings a different story. I also prepare sperm samples for IVF and later in the day, I carry out a delicate procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). That is when we inject a single sperm into each egg under a high-powered microscope. It may sound quick, but depending on the number of eggs and the quality of the sperm, I could be at the microscope for anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 or even 8 hours. You need a steady hand, a sharp eye, and a lot of patience. 

Afternoons are typically filled with embryo transfers — when we place healthy embryos back into the uterus — and more lab work, such as freezing embryos or preparing eggs for future use. It is detailed, focused work, and even the tiniest step matters. 

The most delicate part of my job is handling the eggs. The eggs themselves are incredibly fragile — about 10 microns in size, which is roughly one-tenth the size of a full stop on this page. A bit too much pressure during an injection, or the slightest misstep, and the egg could be lost. That level of fragility stays with you — it makes you careful, respectful of the process. 

What continues to surprise me is how unpredictable the outcomes can be. There are times when everything seems stacked against a patient — poor embryo quality, health concerns — and yet they conceive. Then there are cases where all the conditions are perfect, and it doesn’t happen. It’s a humbling reminder that even with all our science and skill, we are still working with life, and some things remain beyond our control. 

In your view, what distinguishes MEFC from other fertility centres in Singapore? 

MEFC has been helping local and international patients start families since 1988, and what sets us apart is our consistency, experience and personal approach. Many of us have worked together for decades, which creates a strong foundation of trust and teamwork. That close collaboration allows us to provide truly attentive, individualised care. 

Behind every procedure is a dedicated team working with precision and quiet focus. From the embryologists to the doctors and nurses, each of us is committed to ensuring every step is done safely and skillfully. Our IVF technologies — including advanced blastocyst culture and transfer, the double stimulation protocol, and blastocyst vitrification (freeze-all IVF) — have been part of our routine practice since 2002 and have contributed to improved live birth rates per cycle. But it is not just about having the latest techniques — it is how carefully and consistently we apply them that makes the difference. 

From 2020 to 2022, we saw pregnancy rates of 73% for women under 30, 59% for those in their 30s, and 34% for women over 40. What is just as important is that we have maintained a 100% embryo survival rate with vitrification since 2007, which really speaks to the consistency and care of our lab team. 

A big milestone for us was our move in March 2024 to a new, purpose-built space at The Heeren. At 5,264 square feet, it is more than 50% larger than our previous location at Mount Elizabeth Hospital — and for the first time, everything is under one roof. From the operating theatre and andrology lab to private counselling rooms and recovery suites, the entire care journey now happens in one thoughtfully designed space.   

The new environment has made a real difference. It is calmer, more private, and much more comfortable for our patients. Many have shared how much smoother and more reassuring the experience feels.

Since 1 July 2023, women in Singapore aged 21 to 37 have been allowed to freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons, regardless of marital status. What should women know about elective egg freezing, and how does embryo freezing work? 

With advancements in reproductive technology, egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly viable option for women who wish to delay childbearing for various reasons. 

For embryo freezing, we use vitrification — a fast-freeze process that transforms the liquid inside of eggs, embryos, and sperm into a glass-like state. It involves instant solidification without ice formation, ensuring high survival rates after thawing. This technique is more effective than the older slow-freezing method, as it minimises damage to cells from ice crystals. 

Once frozen, embryos are stored at minus 196ºC — a temperature so cold that all biological activity comes to a halt. In that state, embryos remain perfectly preserved until they’re ready to be used.

This is an EmbryoScope+ dish — used to grow embryos in the incubator during IVF. Chief embryologist Ms Ng uses it to monitor their development closely and choose the best one for transfer, all without disturbing their environment.

Our laboratory has consistently achieved a 100% survival rate during the freeze-thaw process, reflecting the precision of our vitrification techniques. 

Freezing spare embryos offers a valuable backup. If an IVF cycle doesn’t lead to pregnancy, or if you decide to have another child later, these frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus — without needing to go through the full IVF process again. 

What advice would you give to women in their 30s who are not yet ready to have children? 

It is a question I get asked often — and one I have even discussed with my own daughter. I told her: “If you are 30 and not planning to have a child anytime soon, egg freezing is something worth considering.” 

One of the most common reasons women delay motherhood is because they haven’t met the right partner yet. That is completely understandable as choosing who to start a family with is one of life's biggest decisions. Most women I speak to still want children eventually, but finding “Mr Right” often takes longer than expected. 

For women in this situation, I often suggest exploring egg freezing to keep their future options open. It is not about delaying motherhood just because you can — it is about making an informed choice that gives you more flexibility. Egg freezing offers a potential opportunity, not a guaranteed outcome. 

That said, I always advise my patients not to put off having children indefinitely if motherhood is something they deeply want. Egg freezing can buy time, but it doesn’t pause the biological clock entirely. It is a powerful tool — one that works best when used with a clear plan and good medical advice. 

Are there any patient stories or moments that stand out as especially memorable to you? 

Yes, there are quite a few, but some have stayed with me in a very personal way. 

I once cared for a Canadian patient during an IVF cycle that was especially difficult. Only one egg was retrieved — a situation with very low odds of success. She asked if she could place a small cross on the incubator where the egg was being cultured. I agreed without hesitation. Later, she sent me a heartfelt letter, thanking me not only for my skills but for showing empathy and kindness when she needed it most. 

Two years ago, she contacted me. She “Googled” me and found my email.

Her daughter — born from that very egg — was now 18 and planning to apply to medical school. She asked if I could guide her daughter in developing a research project on IVF. I was so moved. To see that one quiet moment of compassion come full circle, and possibly help shape the next generation of care providers, was incredibly meaningful.

Another moment that stayed with me involved a patient who believed deeply that every embryo represents life. During her IVF treatment, one of her embryos was no longer viable, meaning it couldn’t result in a pregnancy. But she asked if it could still be transferred into her uterus alongside a healthy embryo, not in the hope of success, but as a way to honour its existence. I listened, provided counselling, and since there was no medical risk involved, I supported her choice. It was a powerful reminder that our role goes beyond science and precision — it’s also about empathy, respect, and supporting patients in the values and meaning they bring to their fertility journey. 

I love it when families share photos of their children's growth. Watching these little ones transform creates a meaningful connection to the families I care for. It is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. 

What is a common misconception about IVF that people should be aware of? 

One common misconception about IVF is that it’s a guaranteed solution, but it is not quite as simple as that. Many people think they can delay starting a family and turn to IVF when the time feels right. However, IVF success is closely tied to egg quality, which naturally declines with age, especially after 35. It is important to understand that while IVF can be effective, it’s not a "magic bullet" and isn’t always the answer if fertility challenges arise later in life. 

If you had to sum up your work in one word, what would it be? 

If I had to sum up my work in one word, it would be: meaningful. Every patient, every journey — they all matter deeply. Even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, knowing I have walked alongside someone in their path to parenthood makes it all worthwhile. 

I have learned to stay positive and focus on what I can give, rather than dwell on what is beyond my control. Negativity drains you, and in this line of work, resilience is everything. If you fixate only on the setbacks, burnout is inevitable. You start thinking, “I can’t do this anymore.” That kind of emotional weight isn't sustainable — but when you choose to see the impact, however small, it becomes a source of strength. 

What do you enjoy outside of the lab? 

I love staying active. I also enjoy exploring new places, especially scenic hiking trails and mountain climbs that offer both adventure and stunning views. But nothing beats spending quality time with my family. I have two amazing kids in their 20s — my daughter is a doctor, and my son is studying finance in the United Kingdom. They certainly keep life interesting and full of surprises!