Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases
Despite global strides in medicine, Asia continues to face rising rates of cancer and diabetes – diseases that are biologically and clinically distinct in Asian populations but remain under-researched due to a lack of region-specific data. The two research projects, from National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, will focus on filling these gaps through deep genomic studies and innovative risk-prediction models.
Imelda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation said: 'Singapore is well-positioned to lead in medical science. It has strong research institutions and a population that reflects the diversity of Asia. By supporting researchers here who are focused on health issues that affect Asians, we hope to help drive discoveries that make a real difference to people's lives — both in Singapore and across the region.'
Tackling Asian-Prevalent Cancers
Led by Dr Jason Chan, Medical Oncologist, National Cancer Centre Singapore, the research will investigate four types of cancers with high prevalence and poor outcomes in Asia:
• Breast Cancer in Asian Women, marked by earlier onset and biological differences compared to Western populations
• T/NK-Cell Lymphomas, an aggressive blood cancer dominant in East Asians with limited treatment options
• Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma), increasingly linked to environmental exposures specific to Asia
• Rare Asian Cancers, collectively neglected but accounting for up to 25% of all cases in the region
These cancers are devastating but remain poorly understood because most research has focused on Western populations,' said Dr Chan. 'By decoding their molecular and genomic landscapes in Asian patients, we want to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities to benefit patients.'
A key feature of the project is its open-access commitment: anonymised data will be freely available to the broader research community to accelerate further discovery and collaboration.
Unmasking Diabetes Risk in Young Singaporeans
The second research project, led by Dr Daphne Gardner, Endocrinologist, Singapore General Hospital, will address the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in young adults, particularly prevalent in Singapore, where 1 in 5 young adults have prediabetes or diabetes, despite being of normal weight.
Unlike traditional assessments that rely heavily on BMI and family history, this project will develop a next-generation risk prediction tool by incorporating non-traditional indicators such as body fat distribution, continuous glucose monitoring, and health-seeking behaviour.
'Many young Asians with diabetes don't fit the usual risk profile. They're lean, may not have hypertension, and are therefore often overlooked by current screening models,' said Dr Gardner. 'We want to change that by identifying new risk signals and developing tools that are tailored to Singapore's population and the region.'
Findings from the study aim to inform national diabetes screening guidelines and lead to earlier interventions that can curb long-term complications.
Singapore as a Hub for Medical Research Advancement
In addition to previously supported research projects, these two initiatives reflect a growing recognition of Singapore's role in advancing precision medicine for Asian populations, driven by strong clinical infrastructure, genomic capabilities, and public-private partnerships.
Imelda Tanoto added: 'We believe precision health can change how we treat and prevent diseases. We're supporting researchers who are not only breaking new ground, but also making sure their work reaches people and communities across Asia. This is something deeply personal to us — it's about improving lives in a way that's inclusive, meaningful, and lasting.'
This announcement marks a key milestone in Tanoto Foundation's continuing effort to improve the quality of healthcare and health standards, leading to longer and better healthspans.
Hashtag: #TanotoFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai fitted with heart monitor as marathon trial nears end
HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai was provided with medication and a heart monitor for the start of his final submissions in a landmark national security trial, following health concerns over heart palpitations. Lai, 77, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper that was forced to close after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai's lawyer Robert Pang told the court last Friday that Lai had some episodes where he felt that he was collapsing and had heart "palpitations", prompting the court to adjourn proceedings and order that he be provided with a heart monitor and medication. Prosecutor Anthony Chau confirmed that Lai had been provided with these items on Friday and that he was now fit for court. Lai, noticeably thinner than when the trial began in late 2023, was dressed in a white jacket in the glass dock and pressed his palms together in a prayer gesture several times to his family and supporters. One of the judges, Esther Toh, said additional breaks could be provided for Lai if need be, while also acknowledging the opinion of a medical expert who examined Lai that he was "physically and mentally fit for court." "I'm worried for him. He's already in his 70s and has diabetes, and now palpitations," said Lucille, a supporter who queued for hours to get into the packed courtroom. Lai, a British citizen, has been held in solitary confinement for around 1,700 days. His son and some rights groups have expressed fear over his deteriorating health. Some Western governments have called for Lai's immediate release and raised concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in the financial hub under China-imposed national security laws. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have said Lai is being given a fair trial and have warned against such interference in the city's internal affairs. US President Donald Trump said in a media interview last week that he would "do everything I can to save him."
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Beloved doctor leaves behind legacy
A bond across continents: (Left) Dr Khaw seen in one of her last pictures at the Dolomites mountain range in Italy. PETALING JAYA: The morning of July 18 would be etched in sorrow for Melissa Koe Shu Fen. That was the day she learned her mother – a beloved doctor in Kedah – had died after a fall while hiking in Italy. Dr Khaw Bee Ling, 60, an internal medicine specialist in Sungai Petani was climbing Mount Croda del Becco in Italy's Dolomites mountain range. She was an avid hiker who had summited many peaks around the world, such as Mount Kinabalu in Sabah and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 'I was in shock. I felt like a robot, writing down details on a hotel notepad, figuring out who to call first – my husband, my aunt, the embassy or my mum's friends. 'It felt like the feeling of safety and security of having her around was suddenly taken from me. I'm still her kid,' said the US-based Koe, who was in Atlanta, Georgia, for work at the time. She said the news was especially devastating as her mother had made painstaking preparations for her Italy trip since last year. From Dolomites hiking guide books to detailed research on the mountain, she said Dr Khaw had even prepared tents and sleeping bags since booking flight tickets last year. Her death broke the hearts of those who knew her. The hospital where she worked put out an obituary, describing her as 'a physician whose life was a testament to healing, kindness and unwavering dedication'. 'Though she may be gone, her light endures in the lives she healed and the love she shared.' Dr Khaw with Koe at a family get-together. But for her only daughter Koe, 28, Khaw was a single mother determined to give her only child every opportunity to thrive. She grew up watching her mother pour her energy into both family and work. 'My mum was the first generation of college graduates in our family and her determination to rewrite our family story is why I am here today,' said Koe, who is a community organising specialist in Minnesota, where she spends her days pushing for social change to improve the livelihoods of the community. 'She was goofy, hardworking but determined to give me a better life and her empathy for others really showed as she frequently donated to charitable causes while I was young,' Koe said. 'She taught me that dreams should not just be for ourselves but for our community. She shaped my activism and will now be the greatest gift she has left for me as I hope to inspire others just like how she did for me,' she said. Koe said she has found solace in her final memories with her mother from when they met face-to-face in September last year when they shared heart-to-heart chats. 'I will forever be grateful that we were able to reignite our close relationship as not just mother and daughter but also as friends since we have been calling each other more frequently since,' she added. Koe said there had been many heartwarming stories told to her by Dr Khaw's friends and colleagues. 'It gave me a new perspective on my mother as I always knew she helped people, but I didn't realise how much until after her passing. 'There were so many stories of her donating to many causes, caring for people diligently at work and while hiking. 'But the thing that really touched my heart was the way she spoke so proudly of me to everyone she met. Hearing these stories made me proud to be her daughter,' Koe said.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Call to boost retirement appeal
PETALING JAYA: The verdict is out. Surveys and commentaries from abroad have often listed Malaysia as one of the top places for retirement. One of the more recent reports, titled 'The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2025', came out in the established American business magazine Forbes last month. Based on costs, amenities, healthcare, language, crime rates and climate risk, the report described Malaysia as a place that offers 'Asian culture at a discount'. Undoubtedly, Malaysia's profile is rising as a premier retirement destination. But experts in the country have pointed out a number of areas that needed improvement to ensure the country's long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the global retirement market. Malaysian Coalition on Ageing (MCOA) chairman Cheah Tuck Wing said Malaysia's healthcare system is widely praised for its facilities, skilled professionals and relatively low costs. 'We have excellent private hospitals serving both medical tourists and expatriates, while public healthcare remains affordable for locals. However, the growing demand is exerting pressure on the public system, with only around 65 geriatricians serving the entire nation.' Cheah highlighted a critical shortage of trained caregivers and nurses, which is exacerbated by the brain drain of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. 'This exodus must be addressed with urgency,' he said. On the housing front, Cheah noted that Malaysia offers a broad spectrum of accommodation – from upscale condominiums to retirement villages designed for both affluent Malaysians and expatriates. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, introduced to attract foreigners – particularly retirees and investors – to live and invest in the country, has received 3,019 applications since its revamped policy took effect in October 2024. As of June 30, the applications comprised 48 under the Platinum tier, 137 under Gold, 2,434 under Silver and 400 in the Special Economic or Financial Zone category. Of these, 1,294 have been approved, including 19 in Platinum, 61 in Gold, 1,020 in Silver and 194 in the special zone category. Cheah advocated greater support for Private Retirement Schemes and investment in geriatric care facilities such as nursing homes and home-based services. To cultivate a more holistic retirement ecosystem, he proposed the development of integrated retirement enclaves that combine healthcare, leisure and community support. One pressing concern, he said, is the lack of regulation covering retirement villages. 'Currently, only care homes registered under the Welfare Department are regulated. The enforcement of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act should be expanded to include retirement villages to build public trust – both locally and internationally,' he said. Cheah claimed that many care centres continue to operate without licences due to cumbersome and inconsistent approval processes across different states. Compounding the issue, he said many centres employ foreign workers under domestic maid visas, often without proper training. Another suggestion from him touched on the need for reliable transport options such as MRT, LRT and ride-hailing which are vital for seniors' mobility, and tourism-friendly infrastructure that would enhance quality of life. 'Basic provisions like wheelchair access and walkable pavements remain inadequate in many areas,' he added. Cheah emphasised the need to position Malaysia as a global retirement hub by promoting its low cost of living, accessible healthcare and appealing lifestyle. 'We must foster public-private partnerships to build secure, integrated retirement communities with healthcare and leisure offerings, while also expanding digital healthcare services such as telemedicine and mobile health,' he said. Senior lecturer Dr Nasrudin Sharkawi of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia said Malaysia has the necessary foundation to become a leading retirement destination, but more needs to be done to make urban areas truly age-inclusive. From an architectural and urban planning perspective, he said the country offers advantages such as affordable cost of living – a key draw for retirees on fixed incomes. Its healthcare system, with access to both public and private facilities, also provides quality medical care in major cities at a fraction of the price charged in many Western countries. The warm climate, diverse culture and peaceful environment in many towns and suburbs further enhance Malaysia's appeal, while the rise of retirement villages and age-focused housing projects reflects a growing awareness of age-sensitive design in the private sector. However, Dr Nasrudin noted that several improvements are still needed for Malaysia to be fully qualified as an ideal retirement destination. He said public infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways, public transport and urban accessibility must be strengthened, while long-term visa policies for foreign retirees and structured community care for locals require greater attention. He also emphasised the need for inclusivity in design, ensuring that all developments – not only specialised projects – follow universal design principles. 'Malaysia is progressing, but unless senior-friendly planning is adopted across both public and private sectors nationwide, retirement here will remain viable only for the privileged few,' he warned. Tan Kian Aun, immediate past president of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents said that in recent years, purpose-built retirement communities have emerged in areas such as the Klang Valley, Seremban, Ipoh and Kuching, offering secure, community-oriented environments. 'Foreign retirees are attracted by Malaysia's high quality of life and comfortable living conditions,' said Tan. However, he raised concerns over affordability, stating that high-end retirement homes with healthcare and recreational amenities are typically accessible only to wealthier retirees. He spoke on the need for regulation, noting the absence of a comprehensive national framework for retirement villages. Despite these challenges, Tan said such communities offer substantial benefits. 'They provide a sense of safety and reduce isolation, supporting mental well-being through social interaction. 'Feedback from foreign retirees has been overwhelmingly positive.'
