Building Capability in Clinical Marker Measurement
for Non-Communicable Diseases in the APEC Region

 News from Member - HSA, Singapore

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) hosted the APEC Workshop on Capability Building for Measurement of Clinical Markers for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Singapore from 22 to 23 April 2025. The workshop is part of regional efforts to strengthen measurement capabilities for NCDs by establishing frameworks that ensure global comparability, accreditation, and long-term sustainability of clinical testing.

Distinguished experts shared insights on accreditation, regulatory standards for in-vitro diagnostic manufacturers, metrological traceability, method validation, measurement accuracy, and the role of external quality assessment programmes (EQAPs) in reliable patient care:

·           Dr Robert Wielgosz, Executive Secretary, Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) & Director, Chemistry Department, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)

·           Dr Ji-Seon Jeong, Principal Researcher, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS)

·           Ms Gillian Treloar, Deputy Sector Manager (Legal and Clinical Services), National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), Australia

·           Dr Tianjiao Zhang, Head of Clinical Chemistry Division, National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL), China

·           Clin. Prof Aw Tar Choon, Senior Consultant, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore

·           Dr Ong Lizhen, Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Alexandra Hospital & National University Hospital, Singapore

·           Dr Rama Sethuraman, APAC Head of Quality and Regulatory, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific

·           Ms Wong Woei Jiuang, Assistant Group Director, Medical Devices Cluster, HSA, Singapore

·           Dr Liu Qinde, Consultant Scientist, Chemical Metrology Division, HSA, Singapore

The workshop brought together a diverse range of institutions across the region, including public health agencies and ministries of health, which oversee national healthcare systems and disease control; national public health and medical research institutes, responsible for advancing clinical and epidemiological research; national metrology institutes, which ensure measurement accuracy and international comparability; accreditation and standards bodies, which uphold conformity assessment and regulatory standards; as well as professional associations and scientific societies, representing the clinical biochemistry community.

The programme combined expert presentations, panel discussions, and round-table dialogues, encouraging participants to exchange best practices and develop action plans to address capability gaps. Study tours to HSA’s Chemical Metrology Laboratory and Singapore General Hospital’s Clinical Laboratory provided practical exposure to measurement science in action.

The workshop concluded with actionable outcomes: strengthening regulatory and accreditation frameworks for traceability, expanding accuracy-based EQAPs, and fostering closer collaboration with in-vitro diagnostic manufacturers.

HSA extends its sincere appreciation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP), Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and the Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF) for their invaluable support, and to all participants for their active engagement. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for sustainable healthcare measurement and improved patient outcomes across the region.

Dr. Fransiska Dewi

Fransiska_dewi@hsa.gov.sg