From September 19 to 21, more than 30 of the world’s leading figures in the biomedical sciences arena will be featured speakers at the inaugural BioMedical Asia 2001 Symposium and Exhibition (BMA 2001), to be held at the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre (SUNTEC City).

BMA 2001 is expected to bring together 1,000 participants world-wide comprising delegates, trade visitors and invited guests. Of these, 40% are targetted from outside Singapore – countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA.

Organizers claim this is the first time that any event of this nature is able to bring together in one place such a large number of top scientists and industry experts.

“BMA 2001 promises to be a breakthrough event for Asia in one of the hottest fields of scientific endeavour on the planet,” said Ellis Rubinstein, editor of the journal Science.

“By assembling experienced and knowledgeable people to focus on key issues, we believe we are offering participants an excellent opportunity to gain an inside track on the latest views and developments in the field," said Louis Lim, Chairman of the BMA 2001 Steering Committee. Lim added, “In view of the excellent quality of the speakers, I am sure BMA 2001 will offer an exciting and lively exchange for all participants.”

Keynote speakers include:
Dr Sydney Brenner, Distinguished Professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, well known for his pioneering contributions to molecular biology and latterly, his research on C.elegans, establishing it as a powerful experimental system for the analysis of complex biological processes.
Dr Leroy Hood, President and Director, Institute of Systems Biology, whose work focuses on the study of molecular immunology and biotechnology. His interests include autoimmune diseases, cancer biology and mammalian development. Dr Hood has published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers and co-authored textbooks in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology and genetics. He also co-edited “Code of Codes,” a book discussing scientific, social and ethical issues raised by genetic research.

Dr David Baltimore, President, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and winner of the 1975 Nobel Prize for his work in virology.
Dr Frank Douglas, Executive Vice President, Head Drug Innovation and Approval, Aventis Pharma AG, a member of the board of directors and chief scientific officer of Aventis Pharma AG. He is also chairman of the executive committee, science & regulatory section of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

With the theme “Biomedical Sciences in the Post Genomic Era: Challenges and Opportunities”, the BMA 2001 symposium will provide a forum for delegates to meet colleagues in various disciplines and discuss new discoveries, important findings and forge new partnerships.

At BMA 2001, symposium delegates will have the opportunity to find out first hand the latest developments in research and development work currently taking place in Singapore at the following leading institutes:
The Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology (IMCB)
Kent Ridge Digital Labs (KRDL)
National Cancer Centre (NCC)

From these visits, delegates can gain a clearer understanding of Singapore’s R & D capabilities in the international arena and the progress it has made in all the major biomedical fields - pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare services and biotechnology.

BMA 2001 is organized by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the National Science and Technology Board (NSTB), with Science magazine as the scientific partner. The objective of this event is in line with Singapore’s vision to be a World-Class Hub for Biomedical Sciences, with capabilities across the entire value chain, from research to manufacturing, regional headquarters and healthcare delivery.

More information on BMA 2001 can be found at www.biomedicalasia.com.sg