New Singapore-based think-tank to prepare Asia for biological threats

A newly launched academic think tank, Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), aims to prepare Asia for current and emerging biological threats, as well as improve health security in the region.

- Joyce Teo

"The focus includes all manner of catastrophic biological threats, rather than just zoonoses. So laboratory biosafety and deliberately released or man-made biological agents are also a part of our work," said the centre's director, Professor Hsu Li Yang.

"Rather than hardcore biomedical science and technology, we work on health systems, global health law and regulations, and global relations where it pertains to health security issues." Prof Hsu is also the vice-dean of global health at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, where the new centre is primarily based.

Established with the help of generous philanthropic funding, ACHS is steered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in areas from public health and clinical practice to global health law and policymaking.

It will work closely with the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in areas such as research and training.

The launch, held at One Farrer Hotel on April 17, was attended by Adjunct Professor Derrick Heng, deputy director-general of health (public health) at the Ministry of Health.