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 four 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 Labelling of 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 CHAIRMAN
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 platform to provide information/advice relating to the use and safety of products of gene technology to government agencies, institutions and fellow Singaporeans. GMAC monitors and advises on the research, development, production and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Singapore. The committee members from various local regulatory agencies and academic institutions serve on a voluntary basis.
In an effort to constantly improve our lives, human creativity and ingenuity periodically leads to game-changing technological advancements. A couple of decades ago it would have been impossible to imagine the incredible convenience provided by the smartphone technology! When it started out, the technology was riddled with problems, including the issue of unacceptably high radiation from the handsets. Sustained research and development (R&D) made it safe for mass usage, revolutionizing communication, finance and banking. This is an excellent illustration of how technology can be safely developed, despite the inherent dangers.
Gene technology or biotechnology is similarly a technology that has been developing over the last several decades. The development of enabling technologies such as recombinant DNA, genome editing and other associated disciplines have led to the rise of plant and animal biotechnologies. Judicious use of available technologies to ensure our food security and healthcare needs must be continuously explored. It is even more urgent in the face of increasing global concerns, such as the adverse effects of climate change on food productivity and the environment. Gene technology is helping to advance agriculture, medicine and environmental science. New and beneficial products are coming at regular intervals.
The scientific community acknowledges the need to ensure the safety of products arising from gene technology. Stringent approval frameworks have been developed to regulate new genetically modified (GM) products. GM crops such as corn, canola, soybean, cotton and papaya have been in commercial cultivation for over three decades now. GM salmon has been approved for commercial aquaculture in North America. The safety of such commercial GM materials have been established, despite some reservations in the early days.
The benefits of using such technology and the need to carry out constant improvements to advance them are apparent. Singapore recognizes this and has established GMAC as the national platform to address various issues concerning the use of gene technology and to also meet relevant international standards in a bid to progress competitively in the global landscape.
GMAC also participates in educating the public on the science behind GM technology. Based on the view that fear and paranoia arise largely due to the lack of information on new technologies this committee strives to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information.
We belong to an age where technology is continually harnessed to improve our lives and our environment. We are just beginning to harvest the benefits of what GM technology can provide us. Hence it will be irresponsible of our generation to hinder knowledge creation in this technology, which may hold the key to open tremendous opportunities to enhance future food production and medical advances.
GMAC will strive to keep abreast of advances in the use of gene technology and related R&D activities locally and globally, while contributing to ensure Singapore’s safety in the application of such biotechnology.
Prof Prakash P. Kumar
Chairman, GMAC (Singapore)
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The Main Committee
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The Main Committee
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Subcomittee for Release of GMOs and GMO-Related
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Subcomittee for Research on GMOs
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Subcomittee For Labelling of GMOs
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GMAC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS
the main comittee
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 Prof Prakash Kumar from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and consists of members drawn from 13 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
Prof Prakash Kumar
Chair
Designation:
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Hong Yan
Deputy Chair
Designation:
Senior Lecturer
School of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
Nanyang Technological
University (NTU)
A/Prof Raymond Lin
Member
Designation:
Senior Consultant
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Organisation:
National University Hospital (NUH)
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)
Ms Wendy Yap
Member
Designation:
Director
International Biosafety Conservation Division
Organisation:
National Parks Board (NParks)
Mr Derek Loh
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director-General
International Affairs Division
Organisation:
Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC)
Prof Yu Hao
Member
Designation:
Provost’s Chair Professor and Head of Department
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Mr Malminderjit Singh
Member
Designation:
Chief Operating Officer and Regional Director
Organisation:
APAC, Speyside Group
Ms Elaine Heng
Member
Designation:
CEO (Retail Business)
Organisation:
FairPrice Group
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
Dr Raffael Osen
Member
Designation:
Group Leader of Food Process Engineering
Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)
Organisation:
A*STAR
Dr Chew Wei Leong
Member
Designation:
Group Leader & Associate Director,
Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
Organisation:
A*STAR
A/Prof Joanne Chan
Member
Designation:
Centre Director
National Centre for Food Science
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
Dr Kenneth Choy
Member
Designation:
Senior Consultant, OSH Specialist Department, Occupational Safety and Health Division
Organisation:
MOM
Dr Foo Ngee Chih
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director
Research Integrity, Compliance and Ethics, Research Office
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 Hong Yan
Subcommittee Chair
Designation:
Senior Lecturer
School of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
A/Prof Matthias Maiwald
Member
Designation:
Senior Consultant
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Adjunct Associate Professor
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Organisation:
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
National University of Singapore and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
Dr Yin Zhongchao
Member
Designation:
Senior Principal Investigator
Organisation:
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL)
Asst Prof Lau On Sun
Member
Designation:
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
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
Dr Ng Siew Bee
Member
Designation:
Senior Principal Investigator, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation
Organisation:
A*STAR
A/Prof Pan Shen Quan
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Organisation:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Ms Emily Teo
Member
Designation:
Senior Scientist
Food Safety Monitoring & Forensics Department
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)
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 Raymond Lin Tzer Pin
Subcommittee Chair
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
Asst Prof Ling Hua
Member
Designation:
Principal Investigator, NUS SynCTI
Department of Biochemistry
Organisation:
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
A/Prof Tan Meng How
Member
Designation:
Associate Professor
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Organisation:
National Technological University
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
GMAC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR LABELLING OF GMOS
The issue of labelling genetically modified (GM) foods is a complex one and so far, no international consensus has been reached on it. Singapore does not currently have any legislation or guideline specific for the labelling of GM foods.
GMAC has set up a subcommittee to monitor international trends and developments and to consider the issue of labelling in relation to Singapore. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the international body jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop food standards and its work is carried out by subsidiary bodies such as the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). The CCFL is studying the various facets of the labelling issue, such as threshold levels and methods of implementation, to come up with a comprehensive position. Singapore, being a member of Codex, is working with other countries in the CCFL to look into acceptable guidelines on labelling of GM foods.
Singapore’s current position on labelling of GM food can be found at the following page: Labelling on Genetically Modified Food, Singapore Food Agency
For more information, please see our archived articles:
The Straits Times , 28 Apr 2008
GM Labelling in Line with International Practice
The Straits Times, 9 Apr 2008
Don’t be too quick to endorse GM foods
what we do
The terms of reference of the Subcommittee are as follows:
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To consider the issue of labelling of Genetically Modified foods.
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To monitor developments internationally at the national and regional levels and at international fora (specifically at Codex) in relation to labelling of genetically modified foods.
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To study these developments to see which and how they are of relevance to Singapore.
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To make recommendations on the labelling of Genetically Modified foods in Singapore.
Members
Prof Paul Teng
Subcommittee Chair
Designation:
Managing Director
Organisation:
National Institute of Education International (NIEI)
Mr Jeremy Woon
Member
Designation:
Senior Manager (Biodiversity)
International Biodiversity Conservation Division
Organisation:
National Parks Board (NParks)
Mr Derek Loh
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director-General
International Affairs Division
Organisation:
Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC)
Ms Seah Peik Ching
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director
Food Regulatory Management Division
Organisation:
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
Ms Chong Nyet Chin
Member
Designation:
Director, Food Safety and Quality
Organisation:
NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd
Ms Janice Cai
Member
Designation:
Deputy Director
International Trade Cluster
Organisation:
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
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)