Singapore's precision medicine landscape received a significant boost with the recent appointment of NovogeneAIT Genomics as the service provider for large-scale proteomics analysis in the PRECISE-SG100K cohort. This partnership, announced on April 10, 2026, marks a pivotal step in integrating proteomics data with the existing genomic profiles of 100,000 Singaporeans, enhancing multi-omics research capabilities at leading local universities.
The collaboration involves processing 10,000 plasma samples using advanced technologies like Thermo Fisher Scientific's Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometry platform, Seer's Proteograph Product Suite, and Olink's Reveal Assay. Led by Thermo Fisher in partnership with PRECISE, this initiative aims to uncover novel biomarkers for aging and diseases, providing deeper insights into biological processes unique to Singapore's multi-ethnic population.
Understanding PRECISE-SG100K: Singapore's Flagship Precision Medicine Cohort
PRECISE-SG100K is Phase II of Singapore's National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme, known as SG100K. Launched to address the nation's aging population and rising chronic diseases, it collects comprehensive data from approximately 100,000 consenting Singaporean residents aged 21 and above. This multi-ancestry cohort—representing Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other groups—builds on the earlier SG10K project, which sequenced 10,000 genomes.
The dataset includes rich phenotype information: detailed questionnaires on health, lifestyle, medical history, mental health, and socio-economic factors; physical measurements like anthropometrics, blood pressure, ECG, spirometry, and accelerometry for activity tracking; and advanced imaging such as DXA scans, carotid ultrasounds, and eye exams. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) at 30x coverage has been performed by the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS, A*STAR), with 50,000 genomes already processed via an automated Genomic Engine.
Drawn from four major studies—HELIOS (NTU), SPHS (NUS), SERI-SEED (Singapore Eye Research Institute), and NHCS-SingHeart (National Heart Centre Singapore)—PRECISE-SG100K enables longitudinal tracking of health outcomes, linking genetics to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
Key Universities Driving PRECISE-SG100K Research
Singapore's universities are at the heart of PRECISE-SG100K, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that position the nation as a precision medicine hub. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)'s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMed) leads the HELIOS study and hosts Prof. John Chambers, PRECISE's Chief Scientific Officer and principal investigator. NTU researchers contribute to flagship projects on cognitive health and cardiovascular disease.
- LKCMed, NTU: Leads cognitive health programme and kidney health determinants; integrates with Institute of Mental Health.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS: Oversees SPHS, fat/muscle mass genetics, HLA alleles for autoimmune diseases.
- Duke-NUS Medical School: Spearheads Mendelian disease variation, tandem repeats for neurological disorders, clonal haematopoiesis.
These institutions, alongside SingHealth Duke-NUS and SERI (NUS-affiliated), provide the academic backbone, training PhD students and postdocs in genomics, bioinformatics, and now proteomics.
The Shift to Multi-Omics: Why Proteomics Matters Now
While genomics reveals DNA variations, proteomics profiles proteins—the functional molecules driving biology. Adding proteomics to PRECISE-SG100K's genomic data enables integrated analyses, uncovering how genetic variants translate to protein changes, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. The 10,000-sample pilot demonstrates unbiased deep plasma proteomics for biomarker discovery in aging and disease.
For Singapore universities, this means richer datasets for PhD theses, grant-funded projects, and translational research. For instance, NTU and NUS researchers can correlate proteomic signatures with their flagship imaging and phenotype data, accelerating discoveries in cardiometabolic and neurocognitive disorders.
Learn more about the technical blueprint in this bioRxiv paper on the Genomic Engine, which hints at proteomics integration plans.
Photo by Faustina Okeke on Unsplash
NovogeneAIT Genomics: From Genomics Pioneer to Proteomics Powerhouse
Headquartered in Singapore as a joint venture between China's Novogene and local AITbiotech (since 2016), NovogeneAIT has sequenced genomes for SG100K using Illumina tech, processing thousands of samples efficiently. Now, as proteomics service provider, they leverage state-of-the-art mass spec, positioning Singapore as a multi-omics hub.
Their labs support university researchers with end-to-end services: sample prep, sequencing/analysis, bioinformatics. This reduces barriers for NTU/NUS faculty, enabling focus on science over infrastructure. John Zhang, Senior Commercial Director, emphasized: "We are uniquely positioned to deliver deep, actionable insights."
Technologies Powering the Proteomics Leap
The project employs cutting-edge tools: Orbitrap Astral for high-throughput MS, Seer Proteograph for unbiased proteome discovery, Olink for targeted panels. These generate deep proteomic profiles from plasma, complementing WGS data processed via Illumina's DRAGEN and automated pipelines at GIS.
Singapore universities benefit from access to this data via PRECISE's secure engine, fostering AI-driven analyses at NUS/NTU computing centers. Prof. Chambers noted: "This strengthens multi-layer biology analyses."
Details on NPM's role: PRECISE-SG100K overview.
Flagship University-Led Projects Set to Benefit
Nine flagship projects, selected by PRECISE's committee, will leverage proteomics:
- NTU LKCMed's Cognitive Health Programme: Links proteomics to neurocognitive risks.
- Duke-NUS/NTU Mendelian Diseases: Resolves variants with protein data.
- NUS Fat/Lean Mass Genetics: Correlates with proteomic cardiometabolic markers.
- NTU/Tan Tock Seng Kidney Health: Integrates for CKD risk scores.
These span NTU, NUS, Duke-NUS, advancing PhD training and publications.
Career and Training Opportunities in Singapore's Genomics Boom
This partnership opens doors for HE students. NTU/NUS offer multi-omics courses; PRECISE funds postdocs. NovogeneAIT hires bioinformaticians, collaborating with universities on internships. Demand surges for proteomics experts, boosting employability—check Singapore research jobs.
Photo by Sakarie Mustafe Hidig on Unsplash
Challenges and Future Outlook for Singapore HE
Scaling multi-omics demands compute power, ethics, data privacy—addressed by PRECISE's engine. Future: Full 100K proteomics, AI integration at Duke-NUS/NTU. Positions Singapore universities globally, attracting talent.
Announcement details: PR Newswire.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impacts
Experts hail it as transformative. Universities gain datasets for grants; students, real-world projects. Enhances Singapore's biotech ecosystem, linking HE to industry like Thermo Fisher, Seer.