On August 29, 2024, the National Institute of Health in Setia Alam witnessed the launch of the groundbreaking MyGenom project, a major initiative involving a collaboration between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). This ambitious project aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 Malaysians to create a comprehensive genetic reference tailored to the local population, enhancing health care delivery and precision medicine in the country.

The project was officially inaugurated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad and Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Mr. Chang Lih Kang.

At the launch event, Mr. Chang Lih Kang highlighted the significance of the MyGenom project. He explained that the initiative is designed to build a reference genome based on healthy individuals, addressing the gap in current genomic research which predominantly focuses on populations from Europe, America, and East Asia. The MyGenom project is currently in its initial phase, which involves establishing rigorous procedures for sampling, quality control, DNA extraction, and sequencing. This foundational work is crucial to ensure that the data collected meets high standards and is reliable.

Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad underscored the transformative potential of the MyGenom project for precision medicine in Malaysia. He pointed out that the availability of detailed genetic information could lead to more effective treatments, such as in the management of diabetes. With precise genetic data, health professionals can better predict patient responses to medications, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy, minimizing side effects, and achieving better long-term health outcomes.

The MyGenom project is a collaborative effort involving researchers from various agencies under MOSTI and MOH, including the Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI), National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), and Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health (NIH). To facilitate the collection of genomic data, the project will use three sampling methods; 1) continuous sampling at seven blood donation centers in selected hospitals across the country, 2) periodic sampling at three other centers, and 3) targeted community sampling.

This innovative project marks a significant step forward in personalized medicine and health care in Malaysia, setting a new standard for genomic research and its applications in improving public health.