PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s bid to build one of its largest genome databases has exceeded its first-phase goals, with the MyGenom project recruiting 5,029 participants and sequencing 2,484 genomes, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang announces.
He said both were above target.
“MyGenom, jointly implemented by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Health Ministry, is aimed at developing a Malaysian reference genome database,” he said.
The project seeks to generate genomic data that reflects Malaysia’s diverse population and support the development of precision medicine.
“This approach is important to ensure that the genome database being developed truly reflects the genetic diversity of Malaysians,” he said in a parliamentary written reply on July 16.
Chang said the project was also a strategic government investment in genome data generation, talent development, analytical infrastructure, data governance and high-capacity genome sequencing facilities.
He said the initiative could create opportunities for industry players in bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, diagnostics and genome-based health innovation.
The genomic data generated could support more accurate diagnosis, early detection of disease risks and more targeted treatment based on Malaysians’ genetic profiles, he added.
Chang said this would support precision medicine in Malaysia and help reduce medical complications and healthcare costs.
He said MyGenom was not merely a genomic research project, but a national strategic investment to build the foundation for precision medicine, strengthen public health security, develop high-technology talent, drive the biotechnology industry and ensure Malaysians’ genomic data remains sovereign and secure.
Separately, Health Ministry principal investigator lead for MyGenom Dr Adiratna Mat Ripen said that in order to accelerate the MyGenom project further, funding and partnership were required.
“Specifically, funding to expand participant recruitment particularly from under-represented communities such as the Orang Asli and the indigenous populations of Sabah and Sarawak, and whole-genome sequencing,” she said in a response to The Star.
“This is so that the national reference genome adequately represents Malaysia’s ethnic and sub-ethnic diversity.”
She stressed that the process to fulfil this would take time.
“With the experiences in Phase 1 and the upcoming Phase 2, the necessary infrastructure and partnerships have already been built.
“However, continued investment in MyGenom’s expansion is essential to generating robust, representative population genomic data.
“The success of this initiative will be measured not by the size of the dataset, but by the tangible clinical benefits it delivers to the Malaysian public,” she added.
Regarding genetic data security, Adiratna said this data was governed by a Data Access Committee.
“The committee screens and evaluates every application before data is released, to ensure the data is only used for legitimate, ethically approved research.
“We also apply strict de-identification and data governance protocols to protect participant privacy.
“The balance we are aiming for is a controlled-access model so that researchers and innovators can apply to use the data for approved purposes.
“But the data itself remains securely held and is never freely or publicly released.
“This lets us encourage innovation, including partnerships with industry and academia, without compromising participants’ privacy or the integrity of the dataset,” she added.
