Background & Training
Dr Lai Kah Weng is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with more than fourteen years of experience in treating knee injuries and conditions. He specialises in ACL reconstruction, knee replacement surgery, and sports-related injuries.
Dr Lai graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). He subsequently obtained his Master of Medicine (MMed) in Orthopaedic Surgery and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd) in Orthopaedic Surgery. In 2014, Dr Lai completed his fellowship training at the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute in Australia, where he trained under knee surgeons Dr Myles Coolican, Dr David Parker, and Dr Brett Fritsch. This fellowship focused on ACL reconstruction, knee arthroscopy, and joint replacement surgery.
An Athlete's Perspective
Dr Lai played rugby for Singapore and has 10 international caps, so he knows sports injuries and the demands placed on athletes at first hand. He uses that experience when talking patients through their recovery goals and return-to-sport timelines. From 2011 to 2021, Dr Lai was Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of the Singapore Rugby Union, where he oversaw injury prevention programmes and provided medical care for national team players.
Awards & Recognition
Stewart Memorial Prize (2002)
First Singaporean to receive this award, for graduating top of the Diploma in Aviation Medicine (UK) of King's College London.
In 2002, Dr Lai became the first Singaporean to receive the Stewart Memorial Prize, awarded for graduating top of the Diploma in Aviation Medicine (UK) of King's College London.
Professional Experience
Dr Lai was formerly a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the National University Hospital (NUH), an academic medical centre. He has served as Co-chairman of the Scientific Committee for the Singapore Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting. Dr Lai developed a patented diagnostic device for objective knee outcome assessment, initially funded by Enterprise Singapore.
Previous Positions
- Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, National University Hospital (NUH)
- Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director, Singapore Rugby Union (2011–2021)
- Co-chairman, Scientific Committee, Singapore Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting
Research & Innovation
- Patented diagnostic device for objective knee outcome assessment, initially funded by Enterprise Singapore
Professional Memberships
- Singapore Orthopaedic Association
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Medical Alumni Association
- APKASS
Treatment Philosophy
“Movement is life, life is movement.”
Dr Lai believes in a patient-centred approach to orthopaedic care. He takes time to thoroughly explain each condition, discuss all available treatment options, and develop individualised treatment plans that align with his patients' goals — whether that's returning to competitive sports or simply enjoying pain-free daily activities.