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
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, 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 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
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