On May 18, the 19th Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-19) opened at Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. This year's theme, "Omics, Wellness, and Longevity," emphasizes the role of genetic advancements in promoting healthy aging and examines their significant effects on global economies, social systems, retirement models, and ethical standards.

The 19th Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-19) opened at Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

This year's conference continues to embody the spirit of the Human Genome Project (HGP) - "Owned by All, Done by All, Shared by All." It emphasizes global cooperation, particularly among developing nations, and focuses on the potential of longevity economics to influence global economic patterns and societal sustainability.

Her Excellency Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation of Thailand, delivers opening remarks. 

The opening ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation of Thailand. She highlighted the conference's role in fostering significant scientific progress and innovation in genomics and biotechnology. Furthermore, she announced the launch of a new scientific research program. The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) of Thailand and the Bangkok Genomics Innovation Public Company Limited (BKGI), a Thai joint venture of BGI Genomics, will collaborate based on new biomarkers (Trimethylamine N-oxide, TMAO) to provide screening for high-risk populations of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and offer risk prediction and intervention plans before symptoms appear. This project will not only help improve the quality of life for the Thai people but also effectively reduce the healthcare costs associated with late-stage diseases.

The conference was privileged to host Huanming Yang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors of BGI Group, and Director-General of BGI; Aristides Patrinos, Chief Scientist and Director of Research at Novim Research Institute; Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Vorasuk Shotelersuk, Associate Dean for Research Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University; Nattiya Hirankarn, Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University; Taosheng Huang, Dean of the Institute of Medical Genetics at Fudan University; Saumya Shekhar Jamuar, Director of SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine; and Dean Felsher, Director for Translational Research and Applied Medicine of Department of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, along with other global leaders in science and medicine. They delivered keynote speeches and shared insights from their work in genomics, rare diseases, and traditional medicine.

Huanming Yang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors of BGI Group, and Director-General of BGI, delivers a keynote speech.

Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivers a keynote speech.

Vorasuk Shotelersuk, Associate Dean for Research Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, delivers a keynote speech.

Nattiya Hirankarn, Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, delivers a keynote speech.

Academician Yang welcomed the attendees and stated that the ICG has become a major event promoting global scientific research and collaboration. He called on the global scientific community to work together to create a more prosperous future in the field of life sciences. He believes that Thailand, being a diverse, inclusive, and actively innovative country, provides an excellent platform for international exchange in life sciences.

Over two days, ICG-19-THA will facilitate discussions and collaborations among attendees, aiming to drive advances in medical sciences and healthy longevity, which is anticipated to offer new perspectives and hopes for addressing the challenges of global aging. The conference also features a special forum on “Transformation and Application in Longevity,” exploring the integration of genetic technologies with economic and social planning related to aging populations.

ICG-19-THA serves as a global platform where scientists and researchers from around the world meet to share the latest research, exchange innovative ideas, and discuss future endeavors in genomics. It not only showcases cutting-edge scientific research but also underscores the vital role of genomics in shaping the future of humanity.