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Conference Info

Dear colleagues and friends across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond,

The Inaugural Launch Meeting of the HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Region (HGP2 RaDiAnce–APAC) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 10, 2026. The meeting will formally mark the establishment of the Alliance and bring together clinical experts, genetics researchers, and representatives from public health and policy sectors across the region.

Rare diseases remain a significant public health challenge in the Asia-Pacific region, where gaps in diagnostic capacity and access to genomic medicine persist. The founding of HGP2 RaDiAnce–APAC reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, advancing genomic approaches to diagnosis, and building sustainable capacity for rare disease research and care.

This inaugural meeting will provide a platform to exchange perspectives on rare disease diagnosis and care across the region, identify priorities for capacity development and collaboration, and outline the Alliance’s initial framework for future cooperation.

We sincerely look forward to your participation in this important milestone for rare disease collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.

Meeting's Mission
Meeting’s Participants (Listed in alphabetical order. Further speakers will be announced in due course)
  • Mr. Malik Hamid Ali Awan is a molecular biologist with over 20 years of experience in biotechnology and life sciences. He is associated with ELC Biogen, where he supports applications in molecular diagnostics, genetic research, and precision medicine. His expertise bridges scientific knowledge and industry implementation, contributing to the adoption of advanced molecular and diagnostic technologies in Pakistan.
  • Prof. Dr. Zilfalil Bin Alwi is Professor of Medical Genetics and Senior Consultant Pediatrician and Clinical Geneticist at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). His work focuses on population genomics and genetic disorders, particularly thalassemia and haemoglobinopathies. He is UNESCO Chair on Human Genetics of Thalassemia and is the founder of the Malaysian Node of the Human Variome Project and serves in leadership roles within Global Variome and the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO). He has played a key role in advancing genetic research, data sharing, and genomic medicine initiatives in Malaysia and internationally.
  • Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah is the Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support) at the Ministry of Health Malaysia. She is a senior consultant ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in medical retina and uveitis from Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and was formerly the National Head of Ophthalmology Services.With extensive experience spanning clinical leadership, national health policy, research governance, and innovation, she has led major initiatives in diabetic retinopathy screening, cataract services, digital health, AI-enabled diagnostics, and precision medicine. She is actively involved with WHO and international collaborations, and has authored numerous national guidelines and peer-reviewed publications. Datuk Dr Nor Fariza is widely recognised for her contributions to health system strengthening, research translation, and inclusive eye-care delivery in Malaysia.
  • Aayalida Buasong currently serves as a Medical Scientist at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Her work focuses on the analysis and interpretation of genetic data related to rare diseases, including laboratory research and collaborations within national networks across Thailand. She is actively involved in multidisciplinary teams supporting the diagnosis of rare disease patients, with a strong interest in fostering international collaboration in rare diseases.
  • Mr. Sujie Cao (Jeremy) serves as General Manager for Asia-Pacific at BGI Genomics, leading the company’s development across Southeast Asia and the wider region. He has led the development of research and diagnostic platforms across Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, advancing thalassemia and cancer screening while fostering regional collaboration in public health and precision medicine.
  • Prof. Dr. Chean Sophal is Chief of the Department of Pediatric Hemato-Immunology and Director of the Hemophilia Treatment Center at the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh. He is also Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Health Sciences. With over 16 years of experience, his work focuses on the care of children with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. He has been actively involved in national training and patient education initiatives and in advancing programs such as emicizumab prophylaxis to improve quality of life for affected patients.
  • Dr. Cheng Le serves as General Manager of BGI Southwest Region. He leads the development of precision medicine and genetic testing in Southwest China, fostering close collaboration with government, healthcare, and research sectors.
  • Prof. Dr. Brian Chung Hon-Yin currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. Specialized in clinical genetics and genomics, Dr Chung is interested in research fields including medical application of whole genome technologies, clinical genetics, genetic counselling, precision medicine and multi-omics. Dr Chung joined Hong Kong Genome Institute in 2021 and he is now appointed as Chief Medical and Scientific Officer to promote the city’s long-term development of genomic medicine by driving clinical application, advancing research, nurturing talents and enhancing public literacy.
  • Prof. Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz is Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics at the University of the Philippines Manila and a leading figure in human genetics in the Philippines. She has served as Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health and holds leadership roles in the Philippine Genome Center. Her research focuses on genetic diseases affecting the Filipino population, with significant contributions to advancing genomic medicine nationally. She is a recipient of multiple national honors, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS), and Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) awards.
  • Dr. Swarnalatha Daram is a medical geneticist with over 15 years of experience across cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics, and genetic counseling in clinical and diagnostic settings. She currently leads the Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at ManipalTRUtest, where she has established NGS-based testing, including in-house NIPT, and achieved NABL accreditation for genetic testing services. She is actively involved in genetic counseling, laboratory setup, and clinical research, supporting the implementation of genomic medicine in healthcare settings.
  • Dr. Do Phuoc Huy is a physician and Founder of the Vietnam Organization for Rare Diseases (VORD). Living with a rare undiagnosed condition himself, he has transformed personal experience into advocacy for patients and families. Through VORD, he supports patient communities, raises public awareness, and advocates for improved access to diagnosis and care in Vietnam. His work has contributed to advancing the rare disease agenda and strengthening patient support systems in the country.
  • Dr. Anasufiza Habib is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and senior researcher in Malaysia, with expertise in biochemical genetics, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), and rare genetic diseases. She is actively involved in clinical diagnostics, research, and national health initiatives, including expanded newborn screening programs. She has led over 30 research projects in areas including IEM, rare diseases, endocrinology, and non-communicable diseases, and has authored 34 peer-reviewed publications alongside nearly 100 scientific presentations.
  • Dr. Hidayati Husainy Hasbullah is a medical lecturer and genetic pathologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her professional expertise includes medical genetics, molecular pathology, and clinical genetics. She is actively engaged in teaching, diagnostic services, and research in molecular and genetic pathology. Her work supports the development of genetics-based diagnostics and training in Malaysia.
  • Dr. Muhammad Jawad Hassan is a medical geneticist at Shifa International Hospital and Professor of Biosciences at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University. His work focuses on inherited disorders and human genetics, with extensive research on genetic causes of congenital and neurodevelopmental conditions, including primary microcephaly. He has published widely and supervised postgraduate research, contributing to molecular genetic studies in Pakistani populations. He is a recipient of the Research Productivity Award and serves on institutional research and ethics committees, supporting the advancement of clinical genetics and genomic research in Pakistan.
  • General Manager of BGI Genomics. He has held a number of senior leadership roles across the BGI ecosystem, including General Manager for Europe and Africa at MGI Tech, as well as Executive Dean and Executive Vice Dean of BGI Research. Earlier in his career, he was actively involved in both technology platform development and international operations within BGI Genomics. With extensive experience spanning research, innovation, and global business, he has contributed significantly to advancing BGI’s international presence and the application of genomics in healthcare and public health.
  • Dr. Keng Wee Teik is affiliated with the Department of Genetics at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. His work focuses on inherited disorders and clinical genetics services. He has contributed to publications and national clinical guidance related to genetic diseases in Malaysia. His work supports the development of clinical genetics practice in the Malaysian healthcare system.
  • Ms. Le Thi Phuong is a researcher at the Center for Gene-Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, with a background in medical laboratory science. Her work focuses on genetic disease research and she has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications on inherited disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, retinoblastoma, and beta thalassemia. Her research supports advancing genetic diagnostics and reproductive health applications in Vietnam.
  • Dr. Liao Jianyun is a Chief Physician at GoBroad Chunfu Institute of Hematology & Oncology, with over 15 years of clinical experience in pediatric hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). She is recognized as a rising expert in pediatric thalassemia and complex transplantation, with particular expertise in allogeneic HSCT and the management of transplant-related and immune-mediated complications. Her work has been published in leading international journals including British Journal of Haematology, Blood, and Blood Advances, and presented at major conferences such as ASH, EHA, and EBMT. She is a recipient of the 2017 Soong Ching Ling Pediatric Medical Award.
  • Prof. Dr. Lim Soo Kun is Professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologist at University Malaya Medical Center. His clinical and research interests include chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, and kidney transplantation. He has held key leadership roles in the Malaysian Society of Nephrology and contributes to national renal initiatives, including registry and clinical research activities. He is actively involved in international clinical trials and has published widely in the field of nephrology.
  • Mr. Weibin Liu is HGP2 Co-Organizer and Vice President of BGI Group. In his role at BGI, Weibin leads international spatial biology and population genomics initiatives, as well as other key Group-level special missions. In addition to his work at BGI, Weibin is also one of the key organizers of the Human Genome Project II (HGP2).
  • Dr. Xin Liu, Researcher and Vice President of MGI Tech Co., Ltd. Since 2014, he has served as Vice President of the BGI Institute of Life Sciences and holds professorships at several universities. His research focuses on genomics, population evolutionary genomics, and bioinformatics, including large-scale plant and animal genome assembly, population genomics based on whole-genome resequencing, and genome-informed breeding. He has led a major project funded by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and has published 164 SCI papers, including multiple articles in Nature, Science, and Cell and their associated journals.
  • Dr Adiratna Mat Ripen is a prominent Malaysian physician-scientist and research leader with major contributions to biomedical research and translational medicine. She serves as Head of the Cancer Research Centre at the Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, leading initiatives in cancer biology, immunology, genomics, and precision medicine. She has played an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s rare disease ecosystem, contributing to the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2025 and advancing genetic diagnostics for inherited disorders. In regenerative medicine, she is involved in stem cell research, disease modelling, and cellular therapies supporting personalised treatments. Active in regional and international collaborations, her leadership continues to advance equitable access to precision medicine and next-generation healthcare solutions in Malaysia and beyond.
  • Dr. Rupesh Mishra is a clinical geneticist and currently serves as the Head of the Molecular Laboratory at Civil Service Hospital, Kathmandu. His work includes improving diagnosis, genetic counseling, and awareness of rare genetic conditions in Nepal. Dr. Mishra is actively involved in introducing molecular diagnostic approaches and training healthcare professionals in clinical genetics. He also contributes to national guidelines and participates in international research collaborations on rare and genetic diseases.
  • Ts. Dr. Ryia Illani Mohd Yunos is the Head of the Genome Centre at the Malaysia Genome & Vaccine Institute (MGVI), National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), with over a decade of experience in molecular biology and human genetics. Trained as a molecular biologist, she specializes in next-generation sequencing, cancer genomics, and precision medicine. Dr. Ryia currently coordinates national-scale initiatives such as the MyGenom Project, driving population genomics and advancing genomic-based diagnostics in Malaysia. She is also actively involved in mentoring, training, and fostering scientific engagement and collaborations within the field.
  • Dr. Ngoc Lan Nguyen is a genomic researcher currently based at the Center for Gene and Genome Research, Hanoi Medical University. She has extensive experience in rare disease genomics, including variant interpretation and diagnostic pipeline development. Her work has contributed to the identification of novel pathogenic variants in hundreds of families, supporting more accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Her research interests include genomic diagnostics for rare diseases, cancer genomics, and personalized medicine.
  • Dr. Pan Xin is an Associate Chief Physician and Director of the Prenatal Diagnosis Center at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. She serves as Chair of the Birth Defects Prevention and Eugenics Committee of the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Association. Her work focuses on prenatal diagnosis and clinical research, with seven SCI-indexed publications, authorship of one academic monograph, and participation in five clinical trials of new therapies. She is recognized as a core faculty member and has received awards in medical education, including first and third prizes in teaching competitions at Chongqing Medical University.
  • Dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani is a pediatric specialist at Universitas Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, with a focus on pediatric hematology and conditions such as thalassemia. She serves as the SIOP Asia Country Ambassador for Indonesia and is actively involved in clinical care and research to improve pediatric health services. Her work contributes to advancing the diagnosis and management of childhood diseases in Indonesia.
  • Prof. Dr. Catherine Lynn T. Silao is a Consultant in Pediatrics at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital and the National Institutes of Health, and a Fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society. Her work focuses on the molecular basis of metabolic and genetic disorders in the Filipino population, including MSUD, G6PD deficiency, and other inherited conditions identified through the national newborn screening program. She has contributed to the identification of disease-causing mutations and the development of PCR-based diagnostic methods, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. Her research has been widely published and recognized, supporting advances in clinical genetics and genomic medicine in the Philippines.
  • Prof. Dr. Thanyachai Sura is a Professor of Medicine in the Medical Genetics and Genomics Unit at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand. He trained in Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics in England, and has been a leading figure in medical genetics in Thailand since 1995, co-founding national training programs in Medical Genetics (2019) and Genetic Counselling (2020). He currently serves as President of the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG). Dr. Sura’s research focuses on molecular genetics and genomics, with over 90 publications in leading journals including Nature, Science, and Human Genetics, covering inherited disorders, cancer genetics, and genetic susceptibility to infectious diseases.
  • Dr. Tae Sok Kun is a clinical geneticist, consultant paediatrician, and senior lecturer at the Genetics and Metabolism Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya, where she heads the unit. Her work focuses on the diagnosis and management of inherited and rare genetic disorders in children, including genetic counselling and genomic diagnostics. She is actively involved in clinical research, education, and multidisciplinary care to advance genetics services in Malaysia.
  • Dr. Rungroj Thangpong is a medical geneticist with a strong focus on rare diseases and pediatric genomics, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders and inborn errors of metabolism. His work centers on applying short-read genome sequencing to improve diagnostic yield in complex and unsolved cases within real-world clinical settings.
    He is actively involved in multidisciplinary care and translational research, contributing to national genomic initiatives and working to bridge the gap between genomic discovery and patient-centered outcomes in Southeast Asia.
  • Prof. Dr. Thong Meow Keong is Professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman; Visiting Consultant Clinical Geneticist at University Malaya Medical Centre. He established the country’s first clinical genetics and genetic counselling services and has played a pioneering role in advancing rare disease diagnosis and genomic medicine in Malaysia. His work focuses on rare diseases, genetic counselling, and inborn errors of metabolism. He has also contributed to medical genetics education, research, and policy development at both national and international levels, and received the 2022 Advocacy Award from the American Society of Human Genetics in recognition of his contributions to advancing genetic and genomic healthcare.
  • Dr. Pawan Upadhyay is a genomics scientist and leader with over 12 years of experience in clinical genomics, NGS assay development, and translational oncology across India and the United States. He specializes in liquid biopsy, multi-omics diagnostics, and the development and validation of clinical genomic assays, with experience spanning industry and research institutions including Illumina. He has led large-scale clinical and laboratory operations, contributed to genomic databases and bioinformatics tools, and holds patents in cancer genomics.He is a recipient of multiple national and international awards and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in cancer genomics.
  • Mr. Xiaohan Wang is the Official Representative of BGI Group Thailand. He leads the company’s strategic development and partnerships across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, advancing collaboration in genetic testing, public health, and scientific research.
  • Dr. Xiang Jiale is Deputy General Manager of the Product Center at BGI Genomics, where he oversees the planning, development, and productization of the company’s genetic testing portfolio, and contributes to product platform development and business growth. He has extensive experience in advancing the standardization, scalability, and clinical translation of genomic technologies, with a focus on enhancing their impact in precision medicine and public health.
  • Dr. Rosnawati Yahya is a Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician at Sunway Medical Center. Her clinical work focuses on chronic kidney disease, glomerular and rare kidney diseases, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. She plays a key leadership role in the Malaysian nephrology community and contributes to national initiatives including kidney disease registries and service development. She is a passionate advocate for patient empowerment, women’s kidney health, and equitable access to kidney care in Malaysia.
  • Dr. Shuqian Ye is an AI Algorithm Expert at BGI Genomics, holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He specializes in leveraging Large Language Models to advance the frontiers of precision medicine and has authored over 10 papers in SCI journals and leading AI conferences. Dr. Ye has contributed to multiple national and regional research initiatives and is currently focused on developing next-generation intelligent systems to bridge the gap between genomic data and clinical insights.
  • Executive Deputy Director of the Asia-Pacific Communication and Operations Center at Xinhua Net, and a member of the Communist Party of China. Holds a Master’s degree from Peking University. Previously served as a reporter, editor, and host at Xinhua Net, as well as General Manager of its Shenzhen division. Has long been dedicated to reporting on and advancing the “Healthy China” initiative through both editorial and operational work.
  • Prof. Dr. Zhu Baosheng is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor in Medical Genetics at the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province and Kunming University of Science and Technology. He serves as Executive Deputy Director of the National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control in Western China. His research focuses on medical genetics and birth defect prevention, with over 260 publications and multiple provincial and national scientific awards. He holds leadership roles in major professional societies in genetics and maternal and child health and contributes actively to academic publishing in the field.
Meeting Date& Place

Date: 10th May, 2026

Place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Onsite meeting: virtual link to participate online will also be provided

Meeting Agenda: Please Download here (tentative)

[Meeting Agenda (pdf)]

Contact

zhuangshuting@genomics.cn (Program Coordination, Stella Shuting Zhuang)

faye.wang@genomics.cn (Logistics & Media Communication, Faye Yunfei Wang)

yanglinran@genomics.cn (Logistics & Media Communication, Irene Linran Yang)

Sponsor Info
Sponsorship Invitation
The Inaugural Launch Meeting of the HGP2 Rare Disease Alliance of the Asia-Pacific Region (HGP2 RaDiAnce–APAC) offers a range of sponsorship and partnership opportunities to support regional collaboration, enhance brand visibility, and showcase innovative technologies in rare disease diagnosis and genomics. We warmly invite visionary enterprises, healthcare and research institutions, foundations, and social organizations to join us in advancing rare disease care and research across the Asia-Pacific region.

Together, let us build a more connected future for rare disease communities. Become a valued partner of HGP2 RaDiAnce–APAC today!

For sponsor information, please contact faye.wang@genomics.cn
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