Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Tanoto Foundation today announced the funding of two transformative, Singapore-based medical research projects focused on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations: prevalent and aggressive cancers, and young-onset Type 2 diabetes. The multi-year initiatives aim to generate data-driven insights that can accelerate diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and guide public health policy.
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.
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The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Tanoto Foundation today announced the funding of two transformative, Singapore-based medical research projects focused on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations: prevalent and aggressive cancers, and young-onset Type 2 diabetes. The multi-year initiatives aim to generate data-driven insights that can accelerate diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and guide public health policy. 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.
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Tanoto Foundation Backs Landmark Research to Unlock the Code of Asian Prevalent Diseases
Understanding Asian Cancers and Diabetes Through an Asian Lens NCCS and SGH secure research funding from Tanoto Foundation for projects tackling Asian-prevalent cancers and young-onset diabetes to drive breakthroughs in regional health 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 SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 -Tanoto Foundation today announced the funding of two transformative, Singapore-based medical research projects focused on diseases that disproportionately affect Asian populations: prevalent and aggressive cancers, and young-onset Type 2 diabetes. The multi-year initiatives aim to generate data-driven insights that can accelerate diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and guide public health 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 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."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: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 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 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, active, and 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 beyond."Findings from the study aim to inform national diabetes screening guidelines and lead to earlier interventions that can curb long-term 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 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 #TanotoFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Tanoto Foundation At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyse systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes. More information is available at
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Rethinking Obesity: Novo Nordisk's Latest Initiative Urges Singaporeans to Treat, Not Blame
'Beyond the Scale' focuses on obesity as a chronic disease — urging empathy, early intervention, and evidence-based care. Novo Nordisk's 'Beyond the Scale' initiative Raise awareness of obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease. Reduce stigma and myths that hinder early care. Encourage timely, evidence-based conversations with healthcare professionals. Promote empathy and science within the medical community. Support patients with tools to take charge of their health. Visiting [ for factual resources, use a BMI measurement tool, and locate a nearest weight management healthcare professional. Starting honest conversations with GPs, nurses, and pharmacists. Sharing content to help dismantle myths and support loved ones on their health journeys. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 -Imagine a chronic disease affecting more than 600,000 peoplein Singapore — yet often misunderstood, overlooked, or surrounded by stigma. This is the reality of obesity today. For many, outdated perceptions and delays in care have created barriers to support and treatment. Today, a new initiative is calling for a shift — to change how we think, talk about, and respond to obesity, through a lens of science, empathy, and early intervention."Just eat less." "Try harder." "It's a lifestyle choice." These are more than just phrases — they reflect a deeper misunderstanding of obesity. Today, a bold new initiative, seeks to challenge those misconceptions and open the door to a more compassionate, evidence-based across Singapore with a clear and urgent call to focus on obesity as not a failure of willpower, but as a complex, chronic disease. The initiative invites the public to go beyond — beyond stigma, beyond myths, beyond labels — and recognise obesity for what science confirms it to be: a multifactorial health condition that deserves understanding, early intervention, and clinical by global healthcare companyin collaboration with local healthcare professionals and patient advocates, "Beyond the Scale" is a disease awareness initiative aimed at driving a shift in how individuals, communities, and healthcare providers approach obesity management."We believe it's time to shift from blame to understanding," said. "Obesity affects 1 out of 9 people in Singapore, yet it's still too often seen as a matter of willpower. The reality is that obesity is a complex, chronic disease driven by biology, environment, and unequal access to time we treat it with the seriousness it deserves — and we are proud to lead that conversation and drive meaningful change through the "Beyond the Scale" 2021–2022 National Population Health Survey reveals the highest obesity rate (15%) among adults aged 40 to 49, while 43.3% of residents aged 18 to 74 had abdominal obesity, which increases with age and peaks between 50 to 74 is compounded by the fact that perceptions persist about obesity being a personal failing, discouraging individuals from seeking help, delaying diagnosis, and compounding the health burden on families and the healthcare significantly increases the risk of, all of which already place a growing strain on Singapore's healthcare infrastructure. The economic impact is substantial: in 2019, metabolic-risk related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, and cardiovascular conditions, cost Singapore S$2.20 this, S$642 million were healthcare expenditures, and excess weight alone accounted for an estimated S$261 million in annual medical and absenteeism decisive public health action, these obesity-related comorbidities are poised to escalate into a major societal and economic burden."This is not just a personal issue — it's a public health priority," said"We know obesity changes how the body regulates appetite, energy storage, and metabolism. It's a disease, not a choice. Science supports this — and our response should reflect it."Obesity is not simply about calories in and out. Research confirms it involves neuroendocrine (hormonal), genetic, and psychosocial factors, making it both preventable and treatableStudies show that in Singapore, weight stigma is often driven by the belief that obesity is a personal failing, lack of willpower, or lifestyle choice leading to delayed treatment, reduced care-seeking, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and kidney disease."Beyond the Scale" is more than a slogan — it is a call toTo move away from blame, appearance-based judgments, and oversimplified narratives, toward empathy, science, and sustained health. It is an urgent appeal to rethink, retrain, and rehumanise the way we support individuals living with obesity."The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes," said"Obesity is not a character flaw. It's a disease. And it's time we responded with the same respect, science, and care we give every other chronic condition.""Beyond the Scale" aims to:Singaporeans can participate by:1. Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Jun 9;59(6):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina59061119. PMID: 37374323; PMCID: PMC10304508.2. World Obesity. Retrieved from 3. World Obesity. Retrieved from 4. Lee, Y. V., & Tan, N. C. (2014). Obesity in Singapore: An update. The Singapore Family Physician, 40(2), 11–16. 5. World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and As accessed on 22nd May 2025.6. Ministry of Health, Singapore. (2022). National Population Health Survey 2022 Report. 7. Cohen JB, Cohen DL. Cardiovascular and renal effects of weight reduction in obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2015 May;17(5):34. doi: 10.1007/s11906-015-0544-2. PMID: 25833456; PMCID: PMC4427189.8. Tan, V., Lim, J., Akksilp, societal cost of modifiable risk factors in Singapore.23, 1285 (2023). (2.2 Billion)9. Junxing C, Huynh VA, Lamoureux E, Tham KW, Finkelstein EA. Economic burden of excess weight among older adults in Singapore: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 16;12(9):e064357. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064357. PMID: 36113947; PMCID: PMC9486358.10. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev. 2017 Jul;18(7):715-723. doi: 10.1111/obr.12551. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28489290.11. Goff AJ, Lee Y, Tham KW. Weight bias and stigma in healthcare professionals: a narrative review with a Singapore lens. Singapore Med J. 2023 Mar;64(3):155-162. doi: 10.4103/ PMID: 36876621; PMCID: #NovoNordisk The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs around 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. In Singapore, Novo Nordisk has been present since 1997 and has approximately 100 employees. "Beyond the Scale" campaign builds on Novo Nordisk's long-standing commitment to tackling chronic diseases. With over 100 years of experience advancing care for diabetes and more than 25 years of focused obesity research, Novo Nordisk is pioneering the medical management of obesity and the science of the GLP-1 hormone — a naturally occurring signal that regulates appetite and plays a key role in achieving sustained weight loss. As part of its mission to drive long-term health outcomes, Novo Nordisk is also investing in scalable prevention efforts. Through the Cities for Better Health initiative — a global public-private partnership spanning over 50 cities — Novo Nordisk is working to reduce chronic disease risk in vulnerable urban communities. Its latest programme, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI), delivers targeted interventions to promote healthier diets and physical activity among children aged 6–13 in underserved areas. In Singapore and beyond, these initiatives reinforce Novo Nordisk's holistic approach: treating obesity with medicine and empathy today, while building healthier environments for the next generation. For more information, visit
