On October 28th, 2024, MIDAS, HITAP Foundation, participated in the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Dr. Wang Yi, co-director of MIDAS, joined a panel of experts in a session titled “Empowering Health through Data – The Role of Precision Medicine”. During the session, Amanda Ang from Singapore's National Research Foundation moderated a discussion on advancements in precision medicine. She highlighted Singapore’s achievement in completing whole genome sequencing for 100,000 individuals, forming the largest multiethnic genomic database in Asia.
Dr. Astrid Iroanto, COO of NALA Genetics, emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics are key to scaling precision medicine, even in resource-limited Southeast Asian settings. Dr. Elaine Lo from National University Hospital provided insights into embedding big data in clinical practice, underscoring the importance of systems that guide clinicians at the point of care using genomic data. Professor Jo Slater Jeffries from National Biofilms Innovation Centre, UK, discussed translating research into innovative solutions, particularly in treating biofilm-related conditions, while advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Wang Yi provided insights from a health economist’s perspective and delved into implementation challenges of integrating precision medicine into clinical practice. He emphasized that strategic planning is crucial to balance the initial investment and long-term benefit of precision medicine.
The session also explored AI’s role in advancing bioinformatics, the influence of social determinants on health, and the transformative potential of precision medicine for preclinical care. There was strong agreement on the need for regional collaboration in Southeast Asia to advance precision medicine.
