Singapore’s drive to lead in biomedical and healthcare standards took a new step forward during the third round of Technical Committee (TC) meetings held between February and March 2025. Convened under the Biomedical and Health Standards Committee (BHSC), the sessions spotlighted major standardisation planning in AI, genomics, medical devices, laboratory testing, and health supplements.
New Milestones in Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing
The TC on Biotechnology and Laboratory Testing (TC-BTLT) announced progress on Singapore’s first internationally endorsed biomedical standard, addressing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based oncology applications. Several standards were reviewed, covering diagnostics, lab operations, and antimicrobial coatings. A new Focus Group on Precision Medicine Laboratory Testing was launched, and the upcoming development of a national standard on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) processing was confirmed. Members were also briefed on Singapore’s expanded role in ISO committees and upcoming international collaborations.
Pushing the Frontier in Health Informatics and AI
The TC on Healthcare and Health Informatics (TC-HCHI) made notable strides, reviewing progress of new work items, including guidance for medical data interoperability. The newly launched Focus Group on AI in Healthcare identified two ISO standards for adoption, targeting AI risk and bias. A broader informatics proposal was sharpened to focus on genomics, with members emphasising Singapore’s leadership in this field. A National Mirror Working Group (NMWG) under ISO TC 215 SC 1 was also proposed.
Strengthening Global Alignment in Medical Device Quality
At the TC on Medical Device and Quality Management Systems (TC-MDQM), updates from the ISO TC 210 meeting in Tokyo revealed new and revised global standards, including extended guidelines for risk management and QMS for devices. Singapore’s structure of relevant working groups—including a new group on clinical investigations—was reviewed, alongside existing standards under the TC’s purview. Members supported the adoption of several international standards and nominated stakeholders to strengthen Singapore’s role in ISO TC 194.
Expanding Focus in Health Products and Traditional Medicine
The TC on Complementary Medicine and Health Products (TC-CHMP) reviewed its portfolio of standards, primarily in cosmetics, and laid out plans to expand into traditional medicine and health supplements. A standard on edible bird’s nest authentication progressed to public consultation. Four new proposals for health supplement standards were endorsed, with calls for regulatory engagement. The TC reaffirmed its international ambitions, highlighting potential collaboration with South Korea and the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) on acupuncture standards.
These meetings mark a critical step in Singapore’s ambition to be a global leader in health and biomedical standardisation, with enhanced international participation, new technical proposals, and a forward-looking approach to healthcare innovation.
Across all committees, consistently active contributors were recognised with the Outstanding Partner Award, underscoring the collaborative spirit fuelling Singapore’s standardisation efforts.