Accelerating Genomic Innovation Across Southeast Asia
DKSH is revolutionizing genomic research across Southeast Asia. We have installed cutting-edge sequencing systems in Thailand and Indonesia, while propelling advanced cancer testing and groundbreaking research to new heights.
PacBio, a leading genomics technology company, specializes in providing both long-read and short-read sequencing solutions. Renowned for its innovative mindset, the company plays a key role in advancing genomic research and reshaping the landscape of DNA sequencing technologies worldwide.
Challenge
Funding for genomics in Southeast Asia has seen a sharp rise during and after COVID-19. With a large and aging population, governments are incentivized to invest early in population and translational genomics to meet the anticipated healthcare demands of the future.
High-quality genomics data on this ethnically diverse region will be essential for making informed decisions on new precision medicines, immunotherapies, as well as cell and gene therapies.
Approach
As the sole distribution partner for the entire Southeast Asian region, we can offer PacBio access to each market, including full regulatory and compliance capabilities for its expanding product portfolio.
We invested in human resources with a deep understanding of the market, technology, and competition. We focused on recruiting technical sales and managerial talent to thrive in a highly complex solution sales environment.
We also helped develop the global brand image to align with local market needs. Marketing collateral and brand guidelines were translated into local languages and promoted through appropriate local media channels, such as LINE, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Recognizing the influential role of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in shaping the landscape of genomics and healthcare, PacBio and DKSH actively collaborated with renowned experts in the field. Through strategic partnerships and advisory boards, KOLs were involved in shaping product development strategies, providing feedback on market trends, and offering insights into the specific needs of the Southeast Asian region.
Result
Within just three months of our partnership, we successfully installed the first Revio HiFi Sequencing instrument at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. This cutting-edge demo system is now being used to provide advanced cancer testing services.
Expanding our reach, we also installed Onso systems at the Dharma Setia Foundation in Indonesia, complementing the earlier deployment of the Revio system. This installation strengthens the Foundation’s research efforts in whole-exome sequencing, oncology, whole-genome sequencing of microbes, and microRNA sequencing.
Plans are underway to install an Onso system at KTest, a leading service lab in Vietnam, further enhancing the availability of state-of-the-art genomic solutions across the region. These advancements underscore our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and diagnostics in Southeast Asia.
