Advancing Cancer Research & Translation in Singapore – A Look Back at 2024

Pushing boundaries in healthcare innovation

STCC became the first Southeast Asian member of Roche's imCORE network

On 24 July 2024, STCC was inaugurated into the immunotherapy Centers Of Research Excellence (imCORE) Network, along with Roche and Genentech. As a member of this prestigious global network, we will collaborate with leading cancer research institutions to accelerate research on immuno-oncology and advance the development of cancer immunotherapy (CIT) treatment for patients. Among the 27 institutions in the network, STCC is the first from Southeast Asia, and the first consortium to join, leading a coalition of Singapore's public healthcare and research institutions in the cancer research and translation ecosystem,

As part of this international expert network, STCC will now be able to participate in global cancer trials, providing Singapore with greater access to cutting-edge research and novel cancer drugs. This partnership not only enhances collaboration, but also holds the potential to pioneer novel immunotherapeutic strategies that can address current unmet medical needs for patients in Singapore.

Read more here.

STCC launched the National Health Economics Project to transform cancer care in Singapore

STCC launched its National Health Economics on Cancer project in June 2024, a collaborative effort that brings together experts from leading institutions such as the Ministry of Health, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the cancer landscape in Singapore, focusing on key areas like cancer incidence, stage distribution, and mortality rates, stratified by demographics.

By leveraging data-driven insights, the project aims to identify critical areas within cancer care and prevention that require improvement. The goal is to inform decision-making and support the development of evidence-based policies that will enhance cancer outcomes for patients across Singapore. Beyond analysis, the project seeks to advance cancer care and public health initiatives in the region, contributing to more effective and patient-centred healthcare solutions.

Read more here.

Fostering partnerships for health

STCC signed a collaborative agreement with Victorian Cancer Biobank

STCC signed a collaborative agreement with the Victorian Cancer Biobank in May 2024 to bolster the biobanking and cancer research capabilities of STCC and Victorian Cancer BioBank.

The partnership will establish a catalogue where authorised researchers from Victoria and Singapore can co-list and co-access vital and anonymised biospecimens for their cancer research projects. This partnership with VCB expands access and diversity to this vital resource, ensuring that research discoveries translate into real-world impact for our patients.

View highlights here.

Celebrating excellence in medical research and showcasing innovation at the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) awards ceremony and research symposium 2024

During the NMRC awards ceremony and research symposium on 23–24 May 2024, STCC presented key insights. A/Prof Daniel S. W. Tan, who leads the Cancer Clinical Trials and Investigational Medicine Units platform at STCC, discussed strategies to strengthen oncology drug-development networks across Asia.

View highlights here and here.

As part of the event, talent awards were distributed to recognise outstanding clinician scientists and researchers for their achievements and contributions to better healthcare outcomes. We wish all awardees a heartiest congratulations, with a special shout-out to:

Singapore Translational Research (STAR) Investigator Award

●     Prof CHNG Wee Joo, Executive Director, Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC)

Read more about the award winners here.

Commemorating leadership transition and a heartfelt tribute

STCC announces the appointment of next Co Director

In October 2024, STCC announced the appointment of A/Prof Ravindran as Co-Director of STCC and expressed gratitude to Prof Lim for his excellent contributions to the formation, development, and growth of STCC from 2019 to 2024.  Together with Executive Director STCC, Prof Wee Joo Chng, A/Prof Ravindran will continue the key initiatives of STCC, which include the formation of multidisciplinary tumour groups to catalyse research proposals, the coordination of translational and preclinical research projects through a centralised pipeline, and the development of a tumour model catalogue.

Read more here.

In loving memory: Tribute to Dr Eng Chon Boon, Platform Lead for Cancer Databases & Tissue Banks

STCC is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr Eng Chon Boon, Platform Lead for Cancer Databases & Tissue Banks at STCC. A well-respected leader and mentor in the scientific community, Dr Eng held special expertise in biobanking and showed unwavering support for clinical researchers. His dedication transformed STCC into a vital resource for cancer research and translation, fostering collaboration both locally and internationally.

Dr Eng's guidance and astute leadership spearheaded impactful partnerships. He was instrumental in forming the Singapore Integrated Network of Biobanks, and he led STCC's first cross-border partnership with the Australian Victorian Cancer Biobank, expanding access to tissue samples and promoting best practices in translational oncology research across the region and beyond.

To further empower researchers, Dr Eng oversaw the development of the STCC Research Warehouse, which provided researchers with a powerful suite of tools to facilitate harmonised cancer research projects.

Dr Eng leaves behind a lasting legacy championing specimen and data accessibility in cancer research. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

As we look ahead to the new year, STCC will continue to expand its outreach as a translational cancer research front door for researchers and the industry and be the unifying catalyst for more high-impact partnerships and collaborative cancer programmes.

With a significant and memorable year behind us, we look forward to the boundless potential ahead, and another year filled with a renewed sense of purpose.