Singapore has officially launched the Focus Group on Genomics Informatics (FG-GI), a strategic initiative under the BHSC, aimed at strengthening the nation’s capacity in genomic data governance and interoperability. The group convened under CoRE-SDO for its inaugural meeting on 17 July 2025, signalling a clear national commitment to shaping the standards and strategies needed to support the safe, ethical, and effective integration of genomics into healthcare and research.
The meeting opened with a clear articulation of FG-GI’s vision: to build a trusted, connected ecosystem through standardisation that supports innovation in genomics while protecting data integrity and public confidence. Participants unanimously agreed on the importance of developing coordinated responses to current and emerging challenges in the field, from fragmented data infrastructures to evolving regulatory needs.
A key milestone of the meeting was the nomination and affirmation of leadership roles. Dr Cheong Wei Yang (SMU) volunteered to serve as Chair of the FG-GI, with Dr Seow Shih Wee (PRECISE) stepping forward as Deputy Chair. Their appointments reflect a strong commitment to cross-sector leadership and signal the start of a collaborative journey to bring coherence and strategy to genomics informatics at the national level.
Discussions focused on establishing an actionable framework for the group’s work. Members outlined priorities including mapping the existing landscape of genomics informatics across Singapore, identifying critical technical and regulatory gaps, and developing clear, consensus-driven standardisation recommendations. Emphasis was also placed on inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure the group’s outputs are relevant and grounded in diverse real-world contexts.
The group, comprising stakeholders from academia, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and industry, agreed to work collectively through quarterly meetings and focused workstreams. CoRE will serve as the Secretariat, providing a neutral platform to coordinate efforts, support documentation, and facilitate engagement with wider networks.
Moving forward, FG-GI will begin its landscape mapping activities and identify potential areas that illustrate the opportunities and risks associated with integrating genomic data into clinical and research environments. Subsequent sessions will build on these foundations, deepening technical discussions and shaping the policy frameworks needed for scalable and responsible genomic innovation.
The formation of FG-GI affirms Singapore’s intent to lead in not only technological advancement but in setting the standards and principles that govern it. In a fast-evolving domain like genomics, this initiative stands as a timely and strategic move to ensure the future of health is both innovative and equitable.