5 November, 2024 – The Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology Division, under the School of Health Sciences, IMU, recently organised a comprehensive online CPD session on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), in collaboration with Pantai Premier Integrated Laboratories, Neo Science Sdn Bhd, and Science Vision Sdn Bhd. The event brought together scientists, clinicians, hospital staff, and both graduate and postgraduate students to explore the transformative potential of NGS in clinical diagnosis and precision medicine.

The CPD was inaugurated by A/ Prof Dr Wong Chiew Yen, Associate Dean of Research and External Engagement at the School of Health Sciences, who highlighted in her opening remarks the revolutionary impact of DNA sequencing technology on genomics. She emphasized the importance of NGS as a cutting-edge tool that has reshaped the landscape of genetic analysis.

Throughout the session, expert speakers from various sectors—including hospitals, diagnostic labs, and the pharmaceutical industry—offered an in-depth exploration of NGS applications. Azlah Kamilah and Dr Roziana Ariffin (middle in the photos below) from Premier Integrated Labs Kuala Lumpur, Dr Rose Ismet (left in the photos below) from Neo Science Sdn Bhd, and Aeris Chow (right in the photos below) from Science Vision Sdn Bhd shared their insights on how NGS is advancing genomics in fields as varied as rare genetic diseases, cancer genomics, microbiome analysis, infectious diseases, and population genetics.

The discussion also focused on the ongoing efforts to standardise and validate technical and bioinformatics processes in NGS, essential for ensuring reliable characterisation and safety evaluation of biologics. Participants gained valuable knowledge on the latest trends and advancements in NGS technology, appreciating its far-reaching impact on genomic research.

The session also highlighted key challenges and future directions for NGS, including the need to enhance sequencing accuracy and sensitivity, the development of advanced algorithms for data analysis, and the pursuit of more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective sequencing solutions.

Moderators Saleendra Lee-Ann, Siti Nurashikin Binti Abd Muttalib, and Hanushiah A/P Visvanathan guided the sessions, with technical support provided by Ong Jing Rou and Stevelyn Lee Jia Xin. Dr Anil Philip Kunnath, CPD Organising Chair, concluded the event with closing remarks, reinforcing the limitless potential of NGS in transforming diagnosis, drug development, and personalised medicine.

The CPD ended on an inspiring note, leaving participants with a vision of NGS as a driving force behind future medical and scientific breakthroughs.