Singapore, 10 June 2025 – MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (“MGI”), a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, and Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (“Asia PGI”), part of the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP), have recently announced collaboration aimed at enhancing pathogen genomics sequencing efforts across Asia. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting public health initiatives through advanced life science technology.

As part of this collaboration, MGI and Asia PGI will jointly democratize the pathogen genomics sequencing technology in Singapore and across Asia. The collaborative efforts will include hosting webinars to provide practical knowledge in pathogen genomics sequencing and delivering hands-on technical training to institutions and laboratories aimed at improving capacity development in pathogen detection.

In addition, MGI also announced the launch of the MGI APAC Pandemic Preparedness Program (PPP) to strengthen the capabilities of genomics institutions and laboratories in pathogen surveillance. In collaboration with Asia PGI, the PPP aims to broaden the scope of pathogen surveillance solutions available to partner countries. The program offers a differentiated and sustainable alternative, focusing on application-centric and workflow-driven solutions. For example, it supports the development of equitable, effective, relevant, and validated workflow solutions to address acute infectious diseases.

"At the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness, we believe that equitable access to pathogen genomic sequencing is fundamental to strengthening health security across South and Southeast Asia," said Paul Pronyk, Director of COP. "By collaborating with industry partners such as MGI, we are committed to ensuring that all communities in our region benefit from the latest advances in pathogen genomics – enabling early detection, informed response and ultimately, a healthier future for all."

"We are proud to partner with Asia PGI to accelerate the application of cutting-edge sequencing technology in pathogen genomics," said Roy Tan, General Manager of MGI Asia Pacific. "Pathogen control is a pressing challenge for many countries in Asia. This partnership aims to improve the accessibility of pathogen genomics, empowering researchers and public health professionals in their fight against infectious diseases."

In response to the growing demand for rapid and precise detection of infectious diseases, MGI has developed a diverse array of comprehensive products for various applications, including metagenomic sequencing, targeted sequencing, and whole genome sequencing of pathogenic microorganisms. Looking ahead, MGI is committed to continuing its innovation, providing automated, convenient, and efficient core tools for pathogen identification, drug resistance analysis, and traceability.

For more information of PPP, please visit: https://en.mgitech.cn/Home/Applications/index/id/23.html

About the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) and its Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI)

The Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP) was established in 2022 to address the growing need for enhanced preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in the Asian region. With a mission to bridge the gap between research, training, policy and practice, COP aims to enhance regional health security across South and Southeast Asia.

The Asia Pathogen Genomic Initiative (Asia PGI) is a flagship initiative of COP, aiming to harness scientific and technical partnerships across Singapore and Asia to advance genomic sequencing for infectious disease elimination.

For more information, please visit https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/cop

About Duke-NUS Medical School 

Duke-NUS is Singapore’s flagship graduate entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted ‘Clinicians Plus’ poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five signature research programmes and 10 centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore’s largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has spawned 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives.   

 For more information, please visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg