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The Smart Nation Scholarship continues to attract strong interest with 723 applications received this year, an increase from 614 applications received in 2019.
Nine out of 233 applications were awarded the scholarship in 2018, and fourteen out of 614 applications were awarded the scholarship in 2019.
Younger generation interested in co-creating Singapore’s Digital Future
The field was narrowed down to fifteen recipients after a rounded assessment of their potential for technical leadership, and how they embody the public service ethos to serve people and country.
Minister-in-Charge of the Smart Nation Initiative Dr Vivian Balakrishnan addressed the fifteen scholarship awardees at a virtual engagement session held earlier this month.
The rising number of applications each year signals increasing interest from the younger generation to co-create Singapore’s digital future, and develop technology for the public good.
Technology is critical to a productive economy for Singapore’s future and a key enabler for the government to serve citizens and businesses better.
Investing in talent long-term to drive Singapore’s digital transformation
Launched in 2018, the Smart Nation Scholarship is a long-term talent investment to nurture a pool of passionate innovators within the public service who will drive Singapore’s digital transformation.
Recipients will join one of the three Smart Nation agencies after they complete their studies – Cyber Security Agency of Singapore – CSA, Government Technology Agency – GovTech and Infocomm Media Development Authority- IMDA.
“Cybersecurity excites me as it is constantly evolving. Besides new cyber threats that cybersecurity professionals have to tackle, there are also new technologies being developed to combat the new threats. Having been a victim of hacking, I have realised how vulnerable we are to cyber threats. Joining CSA will enable me to contribute to strengthening Singapore’s cybersecurity and keeping the public safe from the cyber threats,” said Ang Bin Sheng, one of the six recipients who will be joining CSA.
They will undergo rigorous technical training under the agencies’ respective talent programmes, and take on key roles in national projects that will shape Singapore’s Smart Nation journey. The scholarship selection panel is led by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Ministry of Communications and Information.
One of five GovTech’s Smart Nation Scholars this year Zhang Yufeng said, “I am thankful to receive the Smart Nation Scholarship and to have the opportunity to work at GovTech after my studies. GovTech has been at the forefront of the country’s Smart Nation initiative in developing impactful and meaningful digital services for citizens and businesses.
“It has been described as a ‘start-up for the people’, embodying the twin values of collaboration and innovation. I believe that I excel in this sort of fast-paced, on-the-job learning environment, where new ideas are continuously being bounced around and change is the only constant. I can’t wait to complete my studies and join GovTech!”
The scholarship recipients will pursue undergraduate studies in various disciplines, ranging from Computer Science, Smart City Management and Technology, Information Systems, to Law. Of the 15 recipients this year, six will join CSA, five will enter GovTech and four will join IMDA after completion of studies.
“Smart cities are the future – the way we work, play and even rest is all about to change. While there have been debates on unintended societal impacts of a smart city, I believe effective leadership will help guide and mitigate such issues.”
“The Smart Nation Scholarship will offer me the exposure and experience to mould my development in this field. Joining IMDA allows me to be at the forefront of the national digitalisation movement, where I will leverage technology to serve different needs of Singaporeans,” said Nicholas Singham who is among the four recipients joining IMDA.


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The development of telehealth has revolutionised the healthcare system by facilitating the remote delivery of medical services and expanding access to care. In Singapore, telehealth has received a great deal of attention and recognition as a vital instrument for enhancing community care services.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been actively supporting and implementing telehealth initiatives, recognising the need for additional resources and efforts to make these changes a reality.
Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, stated at the AIC’s Community Care Work Plan Seminar that recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is one of the greatest challenges facing the community care sector.
“The high-touch nature of the sector limits the extent to which digitalisation and productivity improvements can address the increasing demand,” Minister Ong said. To address this concern, the MOH is committed to providing funding support through the community care salary enhancement exercise, thereby ensuring that healthcare professionals receive competitive salaries.
Additionally, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is actively engaged in sectoral job redesign initiatives, transforming the workforce through improved task allocation, and increasing manpower across support care, nursing, and therapy.
Consistency of financial support is crucial in attaining care coordination across settings. To facilitate seamless access to healthcare financing, two initiatives have been implemented. Subvented home medical and nursing providers will be able to submit MediSave claims for homebound patients eligible for subsidies but unable to visit polyclinics or hospitals due to limited mobility beginning on 1 October 2023.
This modification allows patients to access MediSave for home medical and nursing care. In addition, the financial support for telehealth services will be gradually increased. From 1 July 2023, subsidies and MediSave will be available for teleconsultations for chronic disease management.
The community care sector requires additional resources to address diverse requirements, including recruitment of personnel, expansion of the work scope, promotion of volunteerism, and integrated services.
Additionally, the advent of digitalisation has made it possible to build the infrastructure and obtain the resources required for the successful implementation of telehealth.
It also provides the infrastructure and technologies essential for effective telehealth adoption; and assists healthcare practitioners in providing remote therapy, reaching patients in remote locations, and improving access to healthcare services while maintaining patient privacy and security.
For seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients, robust and dependable digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connectivity and mobile networks, is required. These digital networks’ availability enables real-time audio and video consultations, data interchange, and remote monitoring.
Likewise, digitalisation allows for the production and maintenance of electronic health records (EHR), which hold medical information about patients in a digital format. EHRs make it easier for healthcare practitioners to share medical history, test results, and other relevant data, providing continuity of treatment in telehealth settings.
Wearable sensors, remote monitoring equipment, and home monitoring kits collect and send health data from patients to healthcare providers. This data digitisation enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, track symptoms, and spot potential health risks.
Telehealth-specific digital platforms and applications provide secure and convenient communication between healthcare providers and patients. Video consultations, chat systems, appointment scheduling, and connectivity with EHR systems are common elements of these platforms.
Further, the importance of data security and patient privacy in telehealth is highlighted by digitalisation. To protect patient information in telehealth transactions, robust cybersecurity safeguards, encryption procedures, and adherence to data protection rules are required.
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Members of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) have again demonstrated their excellence in transnational education with RMIT University’s AU$ 250 million commitment to Vietnam, providing further evidence of their leadership in this field.
The strategic investment in RMIT University’s Hanoi Industry and Innovation Hub, which received praise from the Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), exemplifies the significance of strong international partnerships such as the one with Vietnam.
The AU$ 250 million commitment, announced by the Prime Minister of Australia, highlights RMIT’s dedication to delivering high-quality Australian education to its Vietnam campus. The establishment of the innovation hub, led by the RMIT Vice-Chancellor and his team, will serve as a crucial gateway between the two countries, reinforcing the enduring friendship and cooperation in the region.
The substantial fund allocation will also be used for investments in education, research, partnerships, and campus infrastructure. As the foremost international university in Vietnam, RMIT’s contributions align with the nation’s social and economic objectives, emphasising its commitment to supporting the country’s growth and development.
Established in 2000, RMIT Vietnam was the first foreign-owned international university in the country. As part of its Country Commitment to Vietnam, RMIT aims to foster collaboration among the communities, government, and industries in Hanoi. This commitment focuses on key priorities such as smart and sustainable cities and emerging technologies, demonstrating RMIT’s dedication to supporting and advancing these important areas of development in Vietnam.
The transformative power of education extends to individuals, communities, and economies, according to the RMIT Vice-Chancellor. As the largest higher education institution in Australia operating within Vietnam, RMIT is proud of its role as a leading provider of international education in the country. Over the course of 23 years, RMIT has made significant contributions to Vietnam, reflecting its commitment to the nation’s progress and development.
The investment holds particular significance as it aligns with the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. The commitment made by RMIT will serve as a crucial factor in advancing the objectives of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy, which aims to double two-way investment between the two nations. This investment showcases RMIT’s dedication to fostering stronger economic ties and collaboration, contributing to the growth and prosperity of both Australia and Vietnam.
Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy
In August 2019, Vietnam and Australia reached an agreement to establish an Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy. The objective of this strategy is to strengthen their trade partnership and double two-way investment, aiming to become one of their top ten trade partners.
By enhancing trade and investment liberalisation, promoting economic connectivity, and capitalising on emerging market opportunities, the strategy reinforces the mutual commitment of both countries. In light of the economic challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of Vietnam and Australia have recognised the need to include an emphasis on economic recovery within the strategy.
RMIT University’s substantial investment in Vietnam’s education, research, partnerships, and infrastructure serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence and leadership in transnational education. This investment not only strengthens RMIT’s position as Vietnam’s leading international university but also aligns with the shared goals of Australia and Vietnam to enhance economic engagement and foster bilateral trade and investment.
As the two countries celebrate their 50th year of diplomatic relations, RMIT’s commitment will play a pivotal role in realising their ambitions of becoming top trade partners and doubling two-way investment. With a focus on economic recovery in the face of challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, RMIT’s investment stands as a symbol of resilience and collaboration, contributing to the social, economic, and technological advancement of both nations.
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Australia and Singapore have begun conversations regarding potential areas of collaboration in green and digital shipping, hence, a Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will be established by the end of 2025.
This development is consistent with the Green Shipping Cooperation initiative outlined in the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, which was signed in October 2022 by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, and Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell.
This collaboration is being led by Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) and Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), a Statutory Board under Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT).
These agencies are collaborating closely with port operators, appropriate governments, and marine and energy value chain players on both sides of the Atlantic to galvanise action to decarbonise and digitise the shipping industry. DITRDCA and MPA intend to begin by identifying areas of common interest and partnership to minimise carbon emissions in the maritime industry through coordinated initiatives.
This includes developing low- and zero-carbon fuel supply chains, as well as greening port services and shipping operations to speed the development and adoption of green marine fuel sources. Collaboration would also entail the discovery of digital shipping solutions to promote effective port calls and the flow of products, as well as paperless handling between the ports of Australia and Singapore, all of which would assure system interoperability.
Given Australia and Singapore’s extensive cross-border trade, this collaboration is an important step towards determining how both partners can take a worldwide leadership position in streamlining their shipping routes to test and trial green and digital solutions. This highlights the critical role of international cooperation in decarbonising shipping and the maritime economy.
Collaboration supports environmental sustainability by embracing green shipping practices such as using cleaner fuels, optimising routes, and decreasing emissions, lessening the industry’s impact on climate change and maritime ecosystems.
Digital technology provides for more efficient fleet management, route optimisation, and real-time monitoring, leading to fuel savings, lower operational expenses, and increased profitability for shipping businesses.
Digital solutions improve overall efficiency in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, and cargo handling by streamlining operations, automating procedures, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Collaboration in digital and green shipping makes it possible to use advanced safety measures like remote monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and better cybersecurity procedures to protect assets, crew, and cargo.
Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore and Australia are very important in making the area a place of stability and growth. To stop international rules from falling apart and regional blocs from forming, it is important to keep and improve multilateralism.
He also said that both countries can keep a rules-based system by taking an active role in making global digital trading rules and norms for international trade.
Australia and Singapore have a lot of strategic trust in each other, so their projects can be used as models for wider regional cooperation. By making deals about the digital and green economies and setting new rules for trade in these areas, they can go beyond bilateral agreements and help the whole region.
The collaboration helps bring about stability and growth, which is good for Asia’s future. Singapore and Australia can help keep the region stable and growing while staying true to their shared values and interests if they work together and take an active role.
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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), a state university with a royal charter in Thailand have announced a collaborative initiative. This joint effort aims to establish a dedicated team that will focus on facilitating cross-border research, offering financial support for conferences and grants, fostering partnerships with industries, creating a robust ecosystem, and providing mentorship and assistance in research and development (R&D).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will enable APU’s Digital Learning Hub and STOU to collaborate on research initiatives within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair partnership. This collaborative effort will be led by the Director of APU’s Digital Learning Hub and the UNESCO Chair Lead.
The aim is to foster a growth mindset among its students, encouraging them to think innovatively and embrace entrepreneurship. The institution aims to prepare students for employment in a rapidly changing global business and technology landscape.
Both higher education institutions will work together to create specialised programs that promote a culture of collaborative research and an environment that encourages students and faculty members to collaborate on joint outputs, including conferences and papers published in international journals.
Through the collaboration, the staff members from both institutions will engage in collaborative research, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to “Teaching and Learning.” This collaboration is expected to yield joint research papers that contribute to advancements in the field. The partnership with STOU is seen as an opportunity to elevate the research endeavours of APU to new heights, becoming a source of inspiration and aspiration for future goals.
STOU, addressing concerns related to emissions and sustainability, not only collaborates on verifiable initiatives but also takes measures to offset its emissions. The partnership with APU is valued by STOU as it aligns with their commitment to a sustainable future, according to STOU Acting President.
Meanwhile, APU Vice Chancellor expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the use of technology to enhance accessibility and equity in higher education. The joint efforts will focus on creating innovative solutions that enable learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to achieve their academic goals.
The two parties also discussed a partnership for the upcoming International Conference on Digital Business, Society, and Economy (ICDBSE) in 2023. Organised by APU in collaboration with STOU (Thailand), Chitkara University (India), and the bbw Hochschule-University of Applied Sciences (Germany), the event will take place on 24 and 25 October 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With a strong emphasis on technology, the aim is to gather global experts and enthusiasts to share their ideas, research findings, and insights regarding the impact of digital technologies on business and society.
A diverse range of keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions will be featured and will delve into various aspects of the digital business and social landscape. Topics of exploration will include the influence of technology on innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and ethics.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was conducted by the Acting President of STOU and the Vice Chancellor of APU. The ceremony was witnessed by the Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs of STOU and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU.
The ceremony was also attended by the Head of International Affairs from STOU, the Senior Director of Administration and Human Resources from APU, and the Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub from APU.
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Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.
The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.
The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
- Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
- Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
- Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
- Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.
Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:
- Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
- Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
- “Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
- Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.
The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.
In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.
The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.
The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.
Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.
Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.
Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government have signed an agreement to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute. The institute’s objective is to enhance and foster research collaboration among industries, academia, and research organisations in Hong Kong and Jinjiang.
The Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and the Mayor of Jinjiang signed the agreement at a ceremony held in the Quanzhou Nanyi National High-tech Zone on 2 June 2023. The establishment of the research institute will use PolyU’s research expertise and accomplishments to address Jinjiang’s industrial requirements and support the city’s industrial transformation.
The partnership encompasses a wide range of fields, including new textile materials, fashion design, intelligent wearable systems, microelectronics, future food, and public policy. This collaboration aims to leverage the research prowess of PolyU and the industrial strengths and resources of Jinjiang. Together, they will foster the growth of entrepreneurial talents equipped with innovative technological knowledge and a global perspective.
By capitalising on PolyU’s renowned research excellence and Jinjiang’s thriving industries, this partnership will actively support Jinjiang’s aspiration to become a leading innovation hub. The collaboration between the two entities will facilitate the seamless integration of the industrial chain and the innovation chain, fostering mutual advancement. It will inject fresh vitality into the development of local high-tech industries, driving forward technological innovation and propelling Jinjiang’s overall progress.
The Government of Hong Kong has been working on advancing manufacturing as part of its smart city development push. For example, situated in Tseung Kwan O INNOPARK, the cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) stands as an innovative hub for forward-thinking industrialists and plays a crucial role in supporting Hong Kong’s “new industrialisation” objectives.
This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities, offering a solid foundation for companies, regardless of their size, to engage in customised production of high-value-added yet low-volume technological innovations. The AMC boasts a comprehensive, scalable, and efficient manufacturing space, providing dedicated logistics, warehousing, prototyping, low-volume assembly, and cleanroom services to meet diverse industry needs.
The Government is also working to nurture tech talent. The Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), for example, offers an expedited process for eligible companies to recruit non-local technology talent for research and development (R&D) projects within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
To participate, eligible companies must apply for a quota through the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). Once a company receives a quota, it can sponsor an eligible individual to apply for an employment visa/entry permit during the 24-month validity period of the quota.
With regard to intelligent wearable systems, the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, established in May 2021, received initial funding of HK$30,000,000 for a three-year period from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. RI-IWEAR comprises members from diverse disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, materials, textiles and clothing, design, electronics, mechanical engineering, computing, and occupational health and safety.
The institute builds upon the existing expertise of the Research Centre for Smart Wearable Technology, which is hosted at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing and collaborates with colleagues across the PolyU campus.
The agreement between PolyU and Jinjiang to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute marks a significant milestone in fostering research collaboration and driving industrial transformation. With a focus on various fields and leveraging the strengths of both parties, this partnership aims to propel Jinjiang’s development into a leading innovation hub, seamlessly integrating the industrial and innovation chains for mutual growth.
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Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and Duke-NUS Medical School have used artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the identification of vital biomarkers that can identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at diagnosis who will not respond to standard therapy.
These patients may be eligible for a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the illness with this favourable prognosis.
A genetic mutation that causes a tyrosine kinase enzyme to turn on permanently causes CML, a specific type of blood cancer. In the bone marrow, a blood stem cell experiences a mutation that transforms it into an aggressive leukaemic cell that eventually takes over the creation of healthy blood.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which turn off the tyrosine kinase that the genetic mutation switched on as a result, are the standard treatment for CML. But not everyone reacts the same way to these medications. Some individuals respond very well to the point that their life expectancy would be regarded as typical, at the other end of the range.
Besides, some individuals do not respond at all, and their sickness develops into a severe condition known as a blast crisis that is resistant to all sorts of conventional therapy.
Finding out if a patient is resistant to TKI therapy earlier could make the difference between survival or early death because the only cure for blast crisis is a bone marrow transplant, which would be most successful when carried out during the early stages of the disease.
“Our work indicates that it will be possible to detect patients destined to undergo blast crisis when they first see their haematologist,” said the study’s senior author and associate professor, Ong Sin Tiong of Duke-NUS’ Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Programme.
He added this may save lives since bone marrow transplants for these patients are most effective during the early stages of CML.
Researchers made an “atlas” of cells by taking samples of bone marrow from six healthy people and 23 people with CML before they were treated. The map let them see the different types of cells in each sample and how many of each type there were. Researchers did RNA sequencing on a single cell and used machine-learning methods to figure out which genes and molecular processes were on and off in each cell.
The work found eight statistically important things about the bone marrow cells before treatment. These things were linked to either sensitivity to treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or strong resistance to it.
Patients were more likely to react well to treatment if their bone marrow samples showed a stronger tendency toward premature red blood cells and a certain type of “natural killer cell” that kills tumours. As the number of these cells in the bone marrow changed, so did the way the patient responded to treatment.
The study could lead to drug targets that could help people with chronic myeloid leukaemia avoid or delay treatment resistance and blast crisis.
Associate Professor Charles Chuah from Duke-NUS’s CSCB Programme, who is also a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), cited that the results of treating chronic myeloid leukaemia have gotten much better over the years and that patients now have many options. Knowing which treatment works best for each patient will improve these results even more, and they are excited about the chance of doing so.
The team hopes to use the results to make a test that can be used regularly in hospitals to predict how well a treatment will work.