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MGI Tech Partners with Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative to Advance Pathogen Genomics for Public Health in Asia

MGI Tech Partners with Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative to Advance Pathogen Genomics for Public Health in Asia

SINGAPORE, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MGI Tech Co., Ltd. ('MGI'), a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, and Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative ('Asia PGI'), part of the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP), have recently announced collaboration aimed at enhancing pathogen genomics sequencing efforts across Asia. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting public health initiatives through advanced life science technology.
As part of this collaboration, MGI and Asia PGI will jointly democratize the pathogen genomics sequencing technology in Singapore and across Asia. The collaborative efforts will include hosting webinars to provide practical knowledge in pathogen genomics sequencing and delivering hands-on technical training to institutions and laboratories aimed at improving capacity development in pathogen detection.
In addition, MGI also announced the launch of the MGI APAC Pandemic Preparedness Program (PPP) to strengthen the capabilities of genomics institutions and laboratories in pathogen surveillance. In collaboration with Asia PGI, the PPP aims to broaden the scope of pathogen surveillance solutions available to partner countries. The program offers a differentiated and sustainable alternative, focusing on application-centric and workflow-driven solutions. For example, it supports the development of equitable, effective, relevant, and validated workflow solutions to address acute infectious diseases.
'At the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness, we believe that equitable access to pathogen genomic sequencing is fundamental to strengthening health security across South and Southeast Asia,' said Paul Pronyk, Director of COP. 'By collaborating with industry partners such as MGI, we are committed to ensuring that all communities in our region benefit from the latest advances in pathogen genomics – enabling early detection, informed response and ultimately, a healthier future for all.'
'We are proud to partner with Asia PGI to accelerate the application of cutting-edge sequencing technology in pathogen genomics,' said Roy Tan, General Manager of MGI Asia Pacific. 'Pathogen control is a pressing challenge for many countries in Asia. This partnership aims to improve the accessibility of pathogen genomics, empowering researchers and public health professionals in their fight against infectious diseases.'
In response to the growing demand for rapid and precise detection of infectious diseases, MGI has developed a diverse array of comprehensive products for various applications, including metagenomic sequencing, targeted sequencing, and whole genome sequencing of pathogenic microorganisms. Looking ahead, MGI is committed to continuing its innovation, providing automated, convenient, and efficient core tools for pathogen identification, drug resistance analysis, and traceability.
For more information of PPP, please visit: https://en.mgitech.cn/Home/Applications/index/id/23.html
About the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) and its Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI)
The Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) was established in 2022 to address the growing need for enhanced preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in the Asian region. With a mission to bridge the gap between research, training, policy and practice, COP aims to enhance regional health security across South and Southeast Asia.
The Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI) is a flagship initiative of COP, aiming to harness scientific and technical partnerships across Singapore and Asia to advance genomic sequencing for infectious disease elimination.
For more information, please visit https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/cop
About Duke-NUS Medical School
Duke-NUS is Singapore's flagship graduate entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted 'Clinicians Plus' poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five signature research programmes and 10 centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore's largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has spawned 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives.
For more information, please visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg
About MGI
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.
Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities, ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.
For more information, please visit the MGI website or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube.

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MGI Tech Partners with Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative to Advance Pathogen Genomics for Public Health in Asia
MGI Tech Partners with Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative to Advance Pathogen Genomics for Public Health in Asia

Malaysian Reserve

timea day ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

MGI Tech Partners with Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative to Advance Pathogen Genomics for Public Health in Asia

SINGAPORE, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MGI Tech Co., Ltd. ('MGI'), a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, and Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative ('Asia PGI'), part of the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP), have recently announced collaboration aimed at enhancing pathogen genomics sequencing efforts across Asia. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting public health initiatives through advanced life science technology. As part of this collaboration, MGI and Asia PGI will jointly democratize the pathogen genomics sequencing technology in Singapore and across Asia. The collaborative efforts will include hosting webinars to provide practical knowledge in pathogen genomics sequencing and delivering hands-on technical training to institutions and laboratories aimed at improving capacity development in pathogen detection. In addition, MGI also announced the launch of the MGI APAC Pandemic Preparedness Program (PPP) to strengthen the capabilities of genomics institutions and laboratories in pathogen surveillance. In collaboration with Asia PGI, the PPP aims to broaden the scope of pathogen surveillance solutions available to partner countries. The program offers a differentiated and sustainable alternative, focusing on application-centric and workflow-driven solutions. For example, it supports the development of equitable, effective, relevant, and validated workflow solutions to address acute infectious diseases. 'At the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness, we believe that equitable access to pathogen genomic sequencing is fundamental to strengthening health security across South and Southeast Asia,' said Paul Pronyk, Director of COP. 'By collaborating with industry partners such as MGI, we are committed to ensuring that all communities in our region benefit from the latest advances in pathogen genomics – enabling early detection, informed response and ultimately, a healthier future for all.' 'We are proud to partner with Asia PGI to accelerate the application of cutting-edge sequencing technology in pathogen genomics,' said Roy Tan, General Manager of MGI Asia Pacific. 'Pathogen control is a pressing challenge for many countries in Asia. This partnership aims to improve the accessibility of pathogen genomics, empowering researchers and public health professionals in their fight against infectious diseases.' In response to the growing demand for rapid and precise detection of infectious diseases, MGI has developed a diverse array of comprehensive products for various applications, including metagenomic sequencing, targeted sequencing, and whole genome sequencing of pathogenic microorganisms. Looking ahead, MGI is committed to continuing its innovation, providing automated, convenient, and efficient core tools for pathogen identification, drug resistance analysis, and traceability. For more information of PPP, please visit: About the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) and its Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI) The Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) was established in 2022 to address the growing need for enhanced preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in the Asian region. With a mission to bridge the gap between research, training, policy and practice, COP aims to enhance regional health security across South and Southeast Asia. The Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI) is a flagship initiative of COP, aiming to harness scientific and technical partnerships across Singapore and Asia to advance genomic sequencing for infectious disease elimination. For more information, please visit About Duke-NUS Medical School Duke-NUS is Singapore's flagship graduate entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted 'Clinicians Plus' poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five signature research programmes and 10 centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore's largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has spawned 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives. For more information, please visit About MGI MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries. Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities, ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future. For more information, please visit the MGI website or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube.

Lee rode Korean voter discontent to power, now faces policy test
Lee rode Korean voter discontent to power, now faces policy test

New Straits Times

time04-06-2025

  • New Straits Times

Lee rode Korean voter discontent to power, now faces policy test

SOUTH Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung rode a wave of voter anger against the December martial law attempt by his ousted predecessor, but his ability to lead will be judged by the strength of his policies. With preliminary results suggesting a comfortable win over Kim Moon-soo, the candidate for the conservative People Power Party, Lee will take office with a resounding mandate and his Democratic Party in control of parliament. Healing the political rifts that led to former president Yoon Suk Yeol's shock martial law and its divisive aftermath will be a tall order. Analysts say both candidates were vague on their policy plans during the campaign, and Lee Jun-han, a political science professor at Incheon National University, said the results are more an indictment of Yoon and his PPP's poor performance than an endorsement of the DP. He said Kim, who opposed Yoon's impeachment, was unprepared and the PPP did not show remorse after the martial law. "(The next president) should properly interpret that the people's choice has been one-sided and show that in the government's operation or politics in the future," he said. "If they don't, public sentiment will fluctuate quickly." While Lee has had his eye on the presidency for years, there have been major developments since he narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, said Kim Jun-seok, a political science professor at Dongguk University. "Now he has restoration of democracy as one of his tasks," Kim said. "Nonetheless, there are huge challenges faced by South Korea. A grim outlook on the economy that's projected to grow maybe less than one per cent. "And there's a crisis outside, dealing with Trump. He has a lot of work to do." Voters said they were looking for the winner of the snap election to calm the economic and political shocks that have roiled the country since Yoon's Dec 3 martial law decree led to months of economic downturn and sparked nationwide protests. Many complained, however, about a lack of specifics in policy debates. Lee has pledged to draft a second supplementary budget for the year as soon as the election is over, and promised vouchers to help businesses and subsidies for childcare, youth, and the elderly to address growing discontent around tightening purse strings. His camp says they intend to seek more time to negotiate on trade with US President Donald Trump, but it is unclear how any request for an extension of the tariff deadline will be received in Washington. With a rise in anti-China sentiment among South Koreans and Trump's push to isolate Beijing, Lee must also tread carefully with any plans to improve ties with China. Lee has also shown sensitivity to the political winds, moderating some of his stances on China, Japan, and populist economic policies such as universal income ahead of the election. "I hope he will resuscitate the economy and get rid of insurrection forces," said Im Young-taek, 64, a small business owner. "And I do hope he will make people comfortable. "Things may not be easy with Trump, but I hope he will hire capable aides and settle the issues." Lee's Democratic Party will control Parliament, easing the passage of legislation and budgets after years of deadlock between Yoon and the legislature. That may do little to soothe political polarisation, however, with conservatives warning that Lee and the DP will steamroll over any opposition. Incheon University's Lee said: "Since they are the absolute majority, there seems to be few checks and balances to stop them." In May, a DP-led committee passed legislation aimed at changing an election law that Lee has been convicted of violating. They have also promised to pass legislation clarifying what protections presidents have from criminal investigations, a move seen as trying to reduce Lee's exposure to other charges.

Duke-NUS celebrates 20 years of medical innovation with largest ever graduating class
Duke-NUS celebrates 20 years of medical innovation with largest ever graduating class

Malaysian Reserve

time31-05-2025

  • Malaysian Reserve

Duke-NUS celebrates 20 years of medical innovation with largest ever graduating class

Duke-NUS Medical School's Class of 2025 graduates 121 medical and doctoral students, including MDs, MD-PhDs, PhDs, and masters' degrees Landmark first batch of Masters in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality graduates, unique to Southeast Asia Inaugural graduates from conditional admissions pathways with NUS and SUTD 41% of MD and MD-PhD graduates made bold mid-career shifts from fields such as law, PR, accounting and mental health support SINGAPORE, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrating 20 years of transformative medical education, Duke-NUS Medical School graduated its largest cohort yet today, the Class of 2025, in a vibrant ceremony at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium in Academia attended by guest-of-honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health. Marking a strategic milestone for Duke-NUS, the graduating class included 72 Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates—five of whom are also earning PhDs—and 27 PhD candidates from the Integrated Biology and Medicine, Quantitative Biology and Medicine and Clinical and Translational Sciences programmes. Among the MD graduates was the first group of individuals emerging from the Duke-NUS conditional admissions pathways with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). These pathways are designed to attract talent from engineering, information technology and other undergraduate programmes. Dean Professor Thomas Coffman said: 'Collaborating with seven partner universities, including Duke University and NUS, these pathways are designed to allow students to earn a first degree in diverse academic majors while providing an opportunity to seamlessly transition into medicine. It's a powerful model for developing doctors who are outstanding clinicians but also bring valuable multi-disciplinary skills into our healthcare system.' This cohort also includes the inaugural batch of graduates of the Master's in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality (MPSHQ) programme, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The MPSHQ is focused on building highly reliable healthcare systems that are of consistent quality and safety. The Class of 2025 represents Duke-NUS' commitment to broadening the skillset and experience of our students, with 41 per cent of MD and MD-PhD graduates having transitioned mid-career from professions that include law, public relations, accounting and mental health peer support. Additionally, 58 per cent of the Class of 2025's graduates are women, underscoring the School's dedication to fostering diversity in the learning environment. Said Dr Faith Wong Pih Yng, previously a modelmaking student and senior peer support specialist at Singapore's Institute of Mental Health, now MD graduate, 'Among the many hospital postings, what stood out most vividly was assisting in and witnessing childbirth—the intense anticipation and joy of welcoming a new life into the world was simply unmatched. Ultimately, however, the memories I cherish most are the countless hours spent with my classmates, supporting one another and peer-teaching.' Duke-NUS MD graduates received their degrees, awarded jointly by Duke University and the National University of Singapore, in front of friends and family, as well as notable guests, including Duke University School of Medicine Dean Professor Mary Klotman, SingHealth Group CEO Professor Ng Wai Hoe, and keynote speaker, Dr Amy Abernethy, member of Duke University's board of trustees and co-founder of Highlander Health. Caring and compassion underlines the Class of 2025's accomplishments, especially beyond academia. Partaking in a wealth of community service projects, some of their cohort, such as Dr Dana Chow Wai Shin, MD, started the Healthy to Thrive initiative, the first Duke-NUS-led public health screening event dedicated to migrant workers. The cohort was also recognised for their outstanding achievements, which were given out the night before. Awards such as the Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Prizes and Teamsmanship Awards presented to graduates who demonstrated excellence in academics, community service, and leadership. In the aspect of research and scholarship, the Class of 2025 did not flag, publishing an exceptional 253 papers and publications in their time at Duke-NUS, several as first authors in prominent journals such as Nature Medicine, Immunity and EMBO Molecular Medicine. MD-PhD graduate Dr Katherine Nay Yaung, first author on a paper published in Lancet Rheumatology, wrote about artificial intelligence and high-dimensional technologies to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases, and PhD graduate Dr Aishwarya Prakash, named first author and published in American Heart Association Journal, who found a type of peptide to have protective qualities for the heart after sustaining damage. 'The conversations I've had with patients emphasise a shift towards continuity of care and empowering individuals to make their own health choices. In moments where I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that being a small part of each patient's journey has been a privilege,' said Dr Pang Wui Ming Jeremy, recipient of the SingHealth Prize in Family Medicine, Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Teamsmanship Award for exemplary team values in medicine and Duke-NUS Achievement Prize. As Duke-NUS enters its third decade, the School continues to redefine medical education and research, nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders who are not just exceptional doctors but visionary innovators ready to make an impact in Singapore and beyond. About Duke-NUS Medical School Duke-NUS is Singapore's flagship graduate-entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted 'Clinicians Plus' poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five Signature Research Programmes and ten Centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore's largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has led to the creation of 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives. For more information, please visit

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