About Us
Overview
Genetic modification (GM) is a technology with numerous applications, be it in agriculture, in biomedical research, or in industrial uses. It is a powerful technology with implications for various disciplines.
In order to holistically deal with all complexities that can be associated with GM technology, there is a need to bring together experts from the various fields. It was thus in this light that in April 1999, the multi-agency Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) was established under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to oversee and to provide scientifically-sound advice on the research and development, production, release, use and handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Singapore.
To fulfill its various roles, GMAC has set up three subcommittees to specialize on different issues related to GM technology. These are the subcommittees for:
Subcommittee for Release of GMOs and GMO-Related Products
Subcommittee for Research on GMOs
Subcommittee for Public Awareness
As an advisory committee, GMAC works very closely with and leverages on the authorities of regulatory agencies such as the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). We have formulated the Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs and the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs, and these have been effectively implemented through inter-agency cooperation and communications.
GMAC is also monitoring international developments on the labelling of GM products to see how these may be of relevance to Singapore. Efforts to disseminate scientifically-sound information to enhance public awareness on GM-related issues have been ongoing.
For more background information on GMAC, please see our archived articles:
regulatory agencies we work with
what we do
The objective of GMAC is to ensure public safety while maintaining an environment that is conducive for commercial exploitations of GMOs and GMO-derived products. Specifically, it falls within the responsibilities of GMAC to:
To fulfill its various roles, GMAC has set up four subcommittees to specialize on different issues related to GM technology. These are the subcommittees for:
As an advisory committee, GMAC works very closely with and leverages on the authorities of regulatory agencies such as the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
We have formulated the Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs and the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs, and these have been effectively implemented through inter-agency cooperation and communications.
GMAC is also monitoring international developments on the labelling of GM products to see how these may be of relevance to Singapore. Efforts to disseminate scientifically-sound information to enhance public awareness on GM-related issues have been ongoing.
A NOTE FROM GMAC CHAIR
Welcome to the GMAC Website. The Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) was established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in 1999. GMAC serves as an expert body providing guidance on the use and safety of gene technology products in Singapore. It oversees and advises on the research, development, production, applications, and release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) within Singapore, specifically to the government agencies, institutions, companies and the public. Committee members are drawn from various local regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and consumer care groups.
Gene technology, also known as biotechnology, has undergone significant advancements over decades. GM crops like corn, soybean, and cotton have been commercially cultivated for decades with established safety profiles, despite initial concerns. Recent breakthroughs in gene editing, such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology, have revolutionized biotechnological applications. CRISPR enables precise modification of DNA sequences, offering unprecedented potential in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. For example, CRISPR has facilitated the development of gene-edited crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and improved resistance to pests and diseases such as high-oil-content soybeans and drought-resistant maize that have been developed and approved for cultivation in certain jurisdictions.
In addition to crops and agricultural applications, gene editing plays a crucial role in gene therapy, a field focused on treating genetic disorders by correcting faulty genes. This approach holds promise for addressing inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Gene therapy techniques involve delivering therapeutic genes into the body to replace defective ones or to supplement missing or dysfunctional proteins.
Furthermore, gene editing has been successfully applied to animals. For instance, pigs have been genetically engineered to be a sustainable organ donor for human, and dairy cows have been modified to enhance milk production efficiency. Some countries have approved the commercial cultivation of gene-edited salmon for aquaculture purposes.
In Singapore, rigorous approval processes are in place to regulate the introduction of new genetically modified (GM) products, which are aligned with internal standards. Singapore GMAC works closely with various government agencies to address regulatory concerns and ensure public safety while sustaining an environment that is conducive for commercial exploitations of GMOs and GMO-derived products.
We live in an era where technological advancements continuously shape our lives and environment. Responsible adoption of gene technology holds promise for enhancing food security, advancing medical treatments, and addressing environmental challenges. GMAC remains committed to monitoring global advancements in gene technology and ensuring Singapore’s safe and competitive utilization of biotechnological innovations.
Dr Hong Yan
Chair, GMAC (Singapore)
2 July 2024
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The Main Committee
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The Main Committee
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Subcommittee for Release of GMOs and GMO-Related
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Subcommittee for Research on GMOs
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GMAC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS
the main committee
The Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) was established under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in April 1999 to oversee and advise on the research and development, production, use and handling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Singapore.
The Committee is currently chaired by Dr Hong Yan from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and consists of members drawn from 17 agencies/institutions. Each member of GMAC contributes a different area of expertise to the committee, thereby enabling GMAC to make decisions based on holistic views of issues related to genetic modification.
what we do
The Terms of Reference for the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee are:
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To advise and recommend for approval, or otherwise, the research and development, production, use and handling of Genetically Modified Organisms ("GMOs").
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To monitor and oversee the release of GMOs into the environment.
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To review proposals related to the release of GMOs into the environment. Where appropriate, GMAC will establish subcommittees of experts in specific areas to conduct risk assessment.
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To provide advice on matters relating to the release of GMOs.
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To establish mechanisms for exchange of information with overseas agencies and to facilitate the harmonisation of guidelines with regional and international guidelines.
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To develop and approve biosafety guidelines for the research and development, production, use and handling of GMOs.
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To inform the public, where deemed necessary by the GMAC, on planned release(s) of GMOs.
members
Dr Hong Yan
Chair
Designation:
Senior Lecturer
School of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
Nanyang Technological
University (NTU)
A/Prof Raymond Lin
Deputy Chair
Designation:
Senior Consultant
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Organisation:
National University Hospital (NUH)
A/Prof Joanne Chan
Member
Designation:
Centre Director
National Centre for Food Science
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
A/Prof Lau On Sun
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor & Assistant Head (Research and Graduate Matters)
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Prof Paul Teng
Member
Designation:
Managing Director
Organisation:
National Institute of Education International (NIEI)
Dr Se Thoe Su Yun
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director
Biosafety Branch
Public Health Group
Organisation:
Ministry of Health (MOH)
Mr Derek Loh
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director-General
International Affairs Division
Organisation:
Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC)
Prof Prakash Kumar
Member
Designation:
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Yin Zhongchao
Member
Designation:
Senior Principal Investigator
Molecular Plant Pathology Group
Organisation:
Temasek Life Science Laboratory
Prof John Hayball
International Advisor
Designation:
School of Pharmacy and Medical Science
Organisation:
University of South Australia (UniSA)
A/Prof Jonathan Loh
Member
Designation:
Research Director
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
Organisation:
A*STAR
Ms Chong Nyet Chin
Member
Designation:
Director
Food Safety & Quality
Organisation:
Fairprice Group
Dr Chew Wei Leong
Member
Designation:
Group Leader & Associate Director,
Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
Organisation:
A*STAR
Mr Zhou Boyi
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director, Biodiversity (Terrestrial)
National Biodiversity Centre
Organisation:
NParks
Dr Prakash Arumugam
Member
Designation:
Principal Scientist II
Strain Engineering Department
Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)
Organisation:
A*STAR
Dr Kenneth Choy
Member
Designation:
Senior Consultant, OSH Specialist Department, Occupational Safety and Health Division
Organisation:
MOM
Dr Azlinda Anwar
Member
Designation:
Executive Director
Biomedical Research Council
Organisation:
A*STAR
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To maintain and update the Singapore Guidelines on the Release of Agriculture-Related GMOs.
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To designate the various agencies (ie. SFA, NEA, MOH, NParks) to implement the Guidelines using their existing legislation.
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To assess the risks associated with the release of GMOs and GMO-related products or recommend to GMAC to appoint an expert panel if necessary.
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To make recommendations to GMAC on the approval for release of GMOs and GMO-related products.
Members
Dr Yin Zhongchao
Subcommittee Chair
Designation:
Senior Principal Investigator
Organisation:
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL)
A/Prof Justin Chu
Member
Designation:
Assistant Professor
Laboratory of Molecular RNA, Virology and Antiviral Strategies
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
A/Prof He Jianzhong
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Prof Stefan Wuertz
Member
Designation:
Professor
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Organisation:
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Dr Chng You Rong
Member
Designation:
Senior Scientist, Veterinary Microbiology (Centre For Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional & Scientific Services)
Organisation:
NParks
Asst Prof Ooi Yaw Shin
Member
Designation:
Assistant Professor, Principal Investigator, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Virology, Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme
Organisation:
Duke NUS
A/Prof Pan Shen Quan
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Tan Yong Quan
Member
Designation:
Covering Specialist Team Lead (Bioengineering)
Microbiology & Molecular Biology Branch
Food Science Rapid Response Department (FSRRD)
Organisation:
National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency
Prof Lee Kok Onn
Member
Designation:
Professor and Senior Consultant
Division of Endocrinology
University Medicine Cluster
Organisation:
National University Hospital (NUH)
Dr Ang Ee Lui
Member
Designation:
Group Leader, Strain Engineering, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)
Organisation:
A*STAR
A/Prof Oliver Martin Muller-Cajar
Member
Designation:
Assistant Chair (Research)
School of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National Technological University (NTU)
Asst Prof Kit Wayne Chew
Member
Designation:
Assistant Professor
School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Organisation:
National Technological University (NTU)
GMAC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR RESEARCH ON GMOS
The Singapore Biomedical Sciences (BMS) initiative was launched in June 2000 to develop the Biomedical Sciences cluster as one of the key pillars of Singapore’s economy. Biotechnology, together with pharmaceuticals, medical technology and healthcare services, form the key sectors of the BMS cluster.
Today, the biotechnology R&D scene in Singapore is a vibrant one with numerous activities such as in the areas of vaccine development, diagnostics and gene therapy being actively pursued. In order to further promote the biosafety culture among Singapore scientists working on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and to enhance the creditability of local research practices, the GMAC Subcommittee on Research formulated and released the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs in May 2006. The Guidelines were tailored from other national and international guidelines to suit Singapore’s research landscape. In Jan 2013, the GMAC Subcommittee on Research revised the Guidelines to keep the content relevant to the rapid advances of technology. The latest updated Guidelines can be found here.
what we do
Under the Guidelines, the GMAC Subcommittee on Research should be consulted for all medium to high-risk projects on GMOs.
For more information on the work of the Subcommittee, please see:
Business Times, 19 May 2006
New Guidelines for Research Involving Genetic Modification
The Straits Times, 19 May 2006
New Safety Guidelines for Scientists
GMAC, 18 May 2006
GMAC Releases the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs
The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2005)
Biosafety Laws to Instill Research Confidence
The terms of reference of the Subcommittee are as follows:
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Establish issues concerning the biosafety of research involving genetic modification or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for the creation of an enabling environment for biotechnology R&D.
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Deliberate on the policy, scientific and economic aspects of biosafety safeguards covering GMOs for research purposes.
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Formulate recommendations regarding the Singapore Biosafety Guidelines for Research on GMOs. These will include recommendations for the establishment and review of guidelines for physical and biological containment for GMOs in R&D activities.
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Evaluate submitted research proposals involving genetic manipulative work or GMOs and to provide expert advice for the risk assessment of these.
Members
A/Prof Lau On Sun
Subcommittee Chair
Designation:
Associate Professor & Assistant Head (Research and Graduate Matters)
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
A/Prof Raymond Lin
Member
Designation:
Senior Consultant
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Organisation:
National University Hospital (NUH)
A/Prof Tan Yee Joo
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Patrik Johansson
Member
Designation:
Senior Lecturer
School of Chemical & Life Sciences
Organisation:
Nanyang Polytechnic
A/Prof Luo Dahai
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor of Infection and Immunity
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Organisation:
Nanyang Technological University
A/Prof Gan Yunn Hwen
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Organisation:
National University of Singapore
A/Prof Tan Boon Huan
Member
Designation:
Director
Organisation:
DSO National Laboratories
A/Prof Tan Meng How
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Organisation:
National Technological University
Dr Chua Tze Hoong
Member
Designation:
Group Director
Veterinary Health Division
Organisation:
NParks
Dr Tan Li Kiang
Member
Designation:
Branch Head
Microbiology & Molecular Biology Food Safety Monitoring & Forensics Department
National Centre for Food Science
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency
Dr John Chen
Member
Designation:
Assistant Professor
Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Matthew Zirui Tay
Member
Designation:
Principal Investigator
Antimicrobial Biologics Lab
Infectious Diseases Labs (ID Labs)
Organisation:
A*STAR
Dr Yan Chuan
Member
Designation:
Principal Investigator
Cancer Therapy Resistance Modelling Laboratory
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
Organisation:
A*STAR
GMAC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS
Genetic modification (GM) is a technology with numerous applications, such as in the production of GM foods, in diagnostics, or in disease treatment. Therefore, GM is a subject relevant to the average Singaporean. Yet, the topic can be extremely difficult to understand for people with little scientific background. Indeed, past surveys commissioned by GMAC revealed that in general, Singaporeans have limited knowledge on GM-related issues.
The GMAC Subcommittee on Public Awareness is therefore tasked with the responsibility to disseminate information that is objective, factual and scientific, so that members of the public can make educational, rational decisions on GM technology and its products.
The Subcommittee has made active efforts to fulfill its tasks. We have granted interviews to the media and to students who wish to learn more. We have also organized talks, seminars and public forums, sometimes in collaborations with other local and overseas organizations.
In order to help members of the public understand a complex technology in simpler terms, GMAC has published and distributed an educational brochure. The brochures can be assessed through here.
We have also dedicated this website for the enhancement of public awareness. Members of the public with enquiries or suggestions are welcome to contact us.
For more information on the work of the Subcommittee, please see:
GMAC, May 2009
Launch of the GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge 2009
The Straits Times, 25 Feb 2008
Genetics Website Launched
GMAC, 22 Feb 2009
GMAC Launches Revamped Website and the GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge
The Straits Times, 25 Jan 2007
Few Know of GM Foods: Survey
what we do
The terms of reference of the Subcommittee are as follows:
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To identify issues, whether controversial or otherwise, which the public needs to be aware of, in order to alleviate their concerns regarding genetically modified organisms and their derived food.
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To plan strategies by which information can be effectively disseminated to the public so that the public can understand the underlying issues.
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To implement public awareness programmes through various agencies, in consultation with GMAC.
Members
A/Prof Joanne Chan
Subcommittee Chair
Designation:
Centre Director
National Centre for Food Science
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
Mrs Anne Dhanaraj
Member
Designation:
Senior Director
Education Programmes Division
Organisation:
Science Centre Singapore
Ms Tay Wee Beng
Member
Designation:
Senior Curriculum Specialist
Sciences Branch
Curriculum Planning & Development Division
Organisation:
Ministry of Education (MOE)
Ms Chang Ai-Lien
Member
Designation:
Science Editor
The Straits Times
Organisation:
Singapore Press Holdings (SPH)
Ms Elaine Pong
Member
Designation:
Director
Communications & Service Quality Division
Corporate Communications Department
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)