Illumina selected to sequence 450,000 genomes for Singapore’s national precision medicine study
The initiative marks a shift from earlier phases, which focused primarily on healthy volunteers, towards including people with a wider range of medical conditions.
SINGAPORE—Illumina has been selected to provide whole-genome sequencing services for Singapore’s SG-INSIGHT study, a national initiative aimed at using genomic and health data to improve disease prevention and treatment.
The study forms part of Phase III of Singapore’s National Precision Medicine (NPM) programme and is expected to involve approximately 450,000 people, representing one in 10 Singapore residents.
It will combine genomic information with real-world health data to examine how genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors influence health and disease.
The initiative marks a shift from earlier phases, which focused primarily on healthy volunteers, towards including people with a wider range of medical conditions.
Through this approach, researchers aim to better understand disease patterns and treatment responses while generating evidence to support introducing genetic screening into Singapore’s public healthcare system.
Illumina Chief Executive Officer Jacob Thaysen said the programme demonstrates how countries can integrate genomics into healthcare delivery at population scale.
He noted that linking genomic information with routine healthcare could improve understanding of diseases, support better-informed clinical decisions and enable earlier, more targeted interventions.
Local sequencing operations to support programme delivery
Illumina will conduct the sequencing in Singapore through its local genomics facility.
Scientific, laboratory and bioinformatics teams will oversee sample preparation, sequencing and genomic data analysis.
The facility operates alongside Illumina’s manufacturing and research and development (R&D) operations in Singapore.
It will seek the required accreditation and comply with the country’s Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA), supporting quality assurance, patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The selection followed an international competitive tender and builds on Illumina’s previous engagement with the Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE).
During Phase II of the NPM programme, known as PRECISE-SG100K, the company supported the sequencing and delivery of more than 100,000 genomes from healthy volunteers.
PRECISE Executive Director Professor Patrick Tan said Phase III builds on nearly a decade of precision medicine research in Singapore.
By extending genomic research to patients across the public healthcare system, the programme will examine how genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors interact to influence health outcomes.
He noted that the initiative also reflects Singapore’s efforts to develop a sustainable precision health ecosystem that accounts for the needs and diversity of its population.
Singapore strengthens its regional genomics hub
Illumina Asia Pacific Head of Region Nilesh Shah said the company’s longstanding relationship with PRECISE builds on its investment in Singapore as a centre for genomics, manufacturing and innovation.
He highlighted the role of local capabilities and regional expertise in advancing the responsible use of genomic technologies.
Illumina established its Singapore operations in 2008.
The country now hosts the company’s Asia Pacific regional headquarters and one of its largest operational hubs outside the United States, employing more than 1,700 people across three locations.
Its Singapore operations span commercial activities, manufacturing and R&D, supporting the development of sequencing platforms, software and emerging technologies.
The SG-INSIGHT contract also places local sequencing and bioinformatics infrastructure at the centre of a large-scale public healthcare initiative.
Its implementation will involve managing substantial volumes of genomic and clinical data, with implications for laboratory capacity, data analysis, regulatory oversight, and integrating genomic insights into routine healthcare.
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