A Business Times article from May 7, 2024 discussed Singapore’s progress in personalized medicine, especially in oncology and rare genetic diseases. The article explained how new diagnostics, such as next-generation sequencing, are allowing doctors to tailor treatments based on each patient’s genetic profile. As a biomedical sciences student, I was struck by how quickly this field is evolving and how Singapore is leading the way in Asia.
What excites me most is the human impact. The article shared stories of patients whose lives changed thanks to targeted therapies or early detection of hereditary conditions. At my school, I joined a genetics club where we simulated diagnosing “patients” based on fictional DNA profiles, and it was thrilling to see how the science could directly shape outcomes.
Still, the article highlighted major challenges: cost, data privacy, and the need for skilled professionals. Personalized medicine offers hope, but only if it’s accessible to all. I believe that as we advance technology, we must also think about equity—ensuring every patient, regardless of background, can benefit. Reading about Singapore’s personalized medicine push made me determined to study not only the science, but also the policies and ethics that will shape healthcare’s future.
Clara Tan
- Singapore
- Female
- Year 10, Raffles Institution
- Intended Major: Biomedical Sciences
- Role: Science Editor
- Introduction:
Driven by curiosity and compassion, I love exploring the intersection of science and society. As Science Editor, I seek out stories that make complex research accessible and relevant. My goal is to contribute to medical breakthroughs and advocate for health equity through biomedical science.