PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s MyGenom project could transform future healthcare by using genome data and artificial intelligence (AI) for sharper diagnosis, targeted treatments and better disease prevention which would pave the way for personalised care, experts say.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said genome data was crucial for researchers to better understand genetic diseases, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, breast cancer and blood cancers.
“We need to understand the data to improve treatment strategies and treat each individual, or affected population, according to their genetic makeup. That is the basis of personalised medicine.
“By analysing the genetic makeup of individuals and populations through large datasets, researchers can identify genetic variations that contribute to diseases, leading to more targeted and effective therapies for the population,” she said when contacted.
Prof Sharifa said genome data could also strengthen infectious disease management, cancer prevention, population vulnerability studies, disease surveillance and survival analysis, allowing interventions and treatments to become more precise.
“As treatment strategies become more targeted, success rates are also expected to improve, reducing medical errors and unsuccessful interventions,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Malaysian precision medicine company Oncode Scientific Sdn Bhd founder and chief executive officer Assoc Prof Dr Lim Su Wen said AI could play a key role in helping Malaysia unlock the value of MyGenom in future healthcare.
“AI systems would become more useful when trained on Malaysian genomic and clinical data, helping healthcare professionals interpret complex genetic information more efficiently and accurately,” said Lim, whose company specialises in molecular diagnostics and genomic testing.
She said the next phase of MyGenom should focus on both expanding participation and translating genomic data into practical healthcare applications.
“Increasing the number of participants ensures proper representation across Malaysia’s ethnic groups and geographical regions,” she said.
“Application is equally important, as the value of a national genome programme would only be realised when genomic information began supporting healthcare, disease prevention, medical research and innovation.”
She said future phases could help improve rare disease diagnosis, advance cancer precision medicine, strengthen pharmacogenomics so medicines could be prescribed more safely and effectively, and support research into diseases relevant to Malaysians.
From an industry perspective, Lim said MyGenom could strengthen Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem by encouraging collaboration between the government, academia, healthcare providers and industry.
She said a strong national genomic programme could also attract international investment and make Malaysia more competitive in precision medicine research and biomarker-driven clinical trials.
“This gives Malaysian patients earlier access to innovative therapies while supporting the country’s knowledge economy,” she said.
Lim said talent development was another key area, as MyGenom could help nurture Malaysian scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians and healthcare professionals in genomics and precision medicine.
However, she said maintaining public trust would be one of the main challenges, as genomic data was among the most sensitive forms of personal information.
“There is a need for strong governance, transparent informed consent, secure data storage, controlled access, strict ethical oversight and compliance with national regulations.
“Developing strong local capabilities to analyse genomic data through secure domestic infrastructure will strengthen data security, safeguard national interests and reduce dependence on external platforms.
“At the same time, protecting data should not mean limiting research,” she said.
According to the MyGenom website, some 5,029 samples were recruited nationwide. Most participants were aged 18 to 34, followed by 35 to 54 and those 55 or older.
The cohort reflects Malaysia’s ethnic mix – Malay (47.4%), Chinese (19.8%), Indian (4.1%), from Sabah (11%) and Sarawak (8.3%), Orang Asli (7.8%) and others (1.5%).
Based on various reports, other countries with genome databases include United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, China and Japan.
