From late January to early February, Wang Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BGI Group, visited four Asian countries - Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nepal - to foster international cooperation in disease prevention, scientific research, and talent development. During his visit, Wang engaged with government officials, university leaders, and business executives, paving the way for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors.

Strengthening Precision Medicine and Agricultural Research in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Wang Jian met with key officials, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Industries and Production and National Food Security and Research; Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to Prime Minister on National Health Services on Regulations and Coordination; and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab. 

Discussions focused on establishing a precision medicine center, advancing rare disease screening and research, and promoting perennial crop development to enhance agricultural sustainability.

 Wang Jian (right) met with Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab.

Wang Jian held discussions with Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to Prime Minister on National Health Services on Regulations and Coordination.

Wang Jian (first from the right) met with Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Industries and Production as well as National Food Security and Research (first from the left).

Wang Jian also visited Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), where he delivered a keynote speech on "Digital Health & Digital Agriculture." Additionally, he explored joint research and personnel training opportunities with the Lahore University of Biosciences and Applied Sciences (UBAS). 

Wang Jian delivered a speech in Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).Wang Jian met with Nadeem Javed, Chief Economist of Pakistan.

Advancing Genomic Research and Aging Studies in Thailand

On January 31, Wang Jian delivered a keynote speech titled "Omics For All" at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025, where he highlighted BGI's latest advancements in genomics and stressed the importance of democratizing genomic technologies to ensure accessibility for all. He also emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence in genomics research. 

Wang Jian delivered a keynote speech at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025. (Courtesy of PMAC)

On the same day, Wang Jian signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, to jointly promote Comprehensive Health Analysis of Aging Cohort (CHANGS) Project in Thailand. 

He also witnessed the official launch of a joint training program between BGI and Chulalongkorn University, aimed at fostering talent development in genomics and healthcare.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Chulalongkorn University and BGI.

Promoting Rare Disease Research and Genomics Innovation in Indonesia 

In Indonesia, Wang Jian met with Satrio Sumantri Brodjonegoro, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and Azhar Jaya, Director General for Health Services at the Ministry of Health. As part of his visit, he engaged with key partners, hospitals, and research institutes to expand genomics research efforts.

A key milestone was the signing of an MoU for the Rare Disease Alliance (RaDiAnce), a collaborative initiative between BGI Group and the Indonesian Ministry of Health focused on rare disease research. Indonesian government officials acknowledged BGI's contributions to the country's genomics industry and agreed to launch rare disease screening and research pilot programs, alongside multidisciplinary talent training initiatives.

Wang Jian met with Satrio Sumantri Brodjonegoro, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (fifth from the right).

BGI Group executive signed an MoU for the Rare Disease Alliance (RaDiAnce) with Azhar Jaya, Director General for Health Services at the Ministry of Health (first from the right).

Enhancing Health and Sports Science Research in Nepal

In Nepal, Wang Jian held discussions with Pradip Paudel, Minister for Health and Population; Tanka Lal Ghising, Member Secretary of National Sports Council; and Dilip Subba, Vice Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). 

The conversations centered on rare disease screening and prevention, the potential applications of BGI’s mountaineering technology, and opportunities for clinical and sports-related research collaborations.

 Wang Jian held discussions with Pradip Paudel, Minister for Health and Population (third from the left).

Wang Jian met with Tanka Lal Ghising, Member Secretary of National Sports Council.

Wang Jian met with Dilip Subba, Vice Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

Wang Jian’s visit underscores BGI Group's commitment to advancing global scientific cooperation in genomics, precision medicine, and agricultural biotechnology. By forging new partnerships and strengthening existing collaborations, BGI continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering talent development worldwide. These efforts are expected to drive transformative innovations that benefit not only South Asia but also the broader global scientific community.