BGI Genomics has announced its participation in the HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Region (HGP2 RaDiAnce–APAC), a coalition aimed at addressing the diagnostic challenges of rare diseases in the region. The alliance, launched on 10 May in Kuala Lumpur, brings together experts from 10 countries under the Human Genome Project II (HGP2) framework.
The initiative seeks to improve rare disease diagnosis and care by focusing on five key areas: ethics, accessibility, collaboration, acceleration, and public response. The alliance’s efforts are expected to enhance genomic medicine and public health responses across the Asia-Pacific.
Hou Yong, General Manager of BGI Genomics, highlighted the alliance’s potential to “advance the standardisation, intelligent transformation, and e-health” in the region. This collaboration is seen as a significant step towards integrating genomics, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies into healthcare systems.
YBhg. Datuk Dr. Nor Fariza Binti Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support) at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, emphasised the importance of transitioning from reactive to predictive and preventive healthcare. “Precision health is not a future ambition, but a present responsibility,” she stated, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to integrating genomics and strong policy frameworks into its health system.
The alliance’s formation marks a concerted effort to close the care gap for rare diseases, potentially transforming healthcare delivery and outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region.
