Lukanisman: MyGENOM Program Aids the Development of Precision Medicine and Promotes an Inclusive and Equitable National Health System

(Miri, 21st) "The National Genome Research Data Collection Program (MyGENOM) is not only an important milestone in the construction of our country's genomic data but also a crucial step in promoting precision medicine and a data-driven public health system."

The statement was made by Deputy Minister of Health, Dato' Lukanisman Awang Sauni, today while presiding over the "MyGENOM Sarawak Zone Launch Ceremony" at the Pullman Hotel in Miri.

He pointed out that the MyGENOM program, as part of the Ministry of Health's strategic plan from 2021 to 2025, aligns with the core values of social justice and the well-being of all people advocated by the Malaysia Madani government, and showcases the country's forward-looking vision in the fields of medicine and biotechnology.

"A resilient and sustainable healthcare system must be built on a foundation of scientific evidence and data, and MyGENOM is an important platform towards this goal. It not only helps us understand the genetic diversity of Malaysians but also provides crucial evidence for developing more effective and fair public health strategies in the future."
 
Lukanisman emphasized that Sarawak, as an important implementation area for the MyGENOM program, stands out in representativeness and importance in the national genome map due to its diverse racial, cultural, and genetic background.

"Especially the indigenous groups of Sarawak, who have been underrepresented in past genomic research. Their active participation now will help in creating a more inclusive and balanced national genetic database. In this way, related health interventions and policies will better meet the real needs of all ethnic groups."

Collaboration is Key to the Success of the Program

He also specifically thanked the Deputy Director General of Health (Research & Technical Support) Datuk Dr. Nor Fariza, the main promoter of MyGENOM, as well as the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) for their technical support and cross-ministerial cooperation spirit.

"The success of this program hinges on the cooperation from blood bank units and clinical research centers (CRC) from hospitals nationwide, especially the professionalism and coordination ability displayed by the frontline teams of Sarawak hospitals."

He also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak State Health Department, relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities for their active participation and support in advancing MyGENOM's work.

Lukanisman stated that the MyGENOM program should not end here; it should serve as a starting point and extend to become the foundation for more future national health projects.

"We hope to promote more data-driven projects in medical research, disease prevention, and public health planning through this strategic cooperation model, ultimately constructing a more responsive, fairer, people-centered health care system."

Finally, he officially announced: "Hereby I declare that the 2025 'National Genome Research Data Collection Program (MyGENOM) Sarawak Zone' is officially launched."

The ceremony was held this morning at the Pullman Hotel in Miri, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives from research units, heads of medical institutions, and local community representatives from Sarawak.