From August 7 to 8, 2023, the International Society of Organoid Research (ISoOR) held its inaugural annual meeting in Singapore. Hosted by ISoOR and co-organized by the Pharmacological Society (Singapore) and Scipolis, the conference was themed "Organoid: Accelerate Your Research." It delved into subjects such as "Organoids and Precision Medicine," "Organoids and Regenerative Medicine," "Organoids and New Drug Development," as well as "The Organoid Market from an Investor's Perspective." The event focused on the entire spectrum of the organoid industry, from basic research to industrial advancement, and the ongoing development and challenges faced in clinical applications. Participants engaged in rich discussions and exchanges, and initiated global standards for organoid banks. The conference brought together globally renowned experts and industry leaders, facilitating international top-tier academic exchanges and fostering collaboration to explore new frontiers in the field of organoids.
Session 1 Future Perspective of Organoid Industry: Trends and Opportunities Moderator: Gautam SETHI | |
9:15-9:35 | Welcome and Opening Remarks Dean HO National University of Singapore |
9:35-9:55 | The Opportunities and Challenges of Organoids in New Drug Development Xun ZHU Tongxieyi New Drug Elite Club |
9:55-10:15 | Thermogels for Biomedical Applications Xian Jun Loh A*STAR, IMRE |
10:15-10:35 | Investigation of early neoplastic transformation and premalignant biology using genetically engineered organoid models Wei LI Transfong Ventures Pte Ltd |
10:35-10:50 | ISoOR Establishment Ceremony |
10:50-11:10 | Coffee Break |
Session 2 Establishment of Organoid Models: Discoveries and Directions Moderator: Sheng YE | |
11:10-11:30 | Application of Structural information to organoid development Sheng YE Tianjin University |
11:30-11:50 | Kidney organoid - How much tissue complexity we could reconstruct? Yun XIA Nanyang Technological University |
11:50-12:10 | Modeling cardiac disease using organoids Boon Seng SOH A*STAR, IMCB |
12:10-12:30 | Investigation of early neoplastic transformation and premalignant biology using genetically engineered organoid models Dechen LIN University of Southern California |
12:30-13:30 | Lunch |
Session 3 Round Table Discussion: Emerging Market of Organoid - Investor's Point of View Moderator: Selena XIAO | |
13:30-14:00 | Yuxing CHENHuaan Pu Chu Funds |
Yijian LIANGCSPC Venture Capital | |
Wei MAGrains Valley Venture Capital | |
Selena XIAOBairong Capital |
Session 4 Biomaterials: Fundamental of Organoids Moderator: Zibiao LI | |
14:00-14:20 | Micro-nanostructured Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration Linping WU University of Chinese Academy of Sciences |
14:20-14:40 | Generation of spinal cord organoids with defined hydrogel for modeling development and diseases Wai Hon CHOOI A*STAR, IMCB |
14:40-15:00 | Biodegradable polymeric therapeutic applications Zibiao LI A*STAR, IMRE |
15:00-15:20 | Coffee Break |
Session 5 Organoids and Drug Discovery: Current Status and Future Prospects Moderator: Ariel XING | |
15:20-15:40 | Accelerating Cell Therapeutics development by Organoid models Yijun CHEN Macera Biotechnology Ltd. |
15:40-16:00 | Modeling Human Cancers In Vitro & In Vivo for Drug Discovery and Translational Oncology Research --Matched patient-derived living biobanks Jessie WANG Crown Bioscience Inc. |
16:00-16:20 | Tumor Organoids Models Accelerate Personalized Medicine and Drug Development Ariel XING AimingMed |
16:20-16:40 | Peptidomimetic drug discovery and radionuclide targeted theranostic use Jian GAO Hangzhou Healthytide Biotechnology Co., Ltd. |
16:40-17:00 | Understanding cell states and metabolic reprogramming in cancer Wai Leong TAM A*STAR, GIS |
17:30-19:30 | Welcome Reception |
Session 6 Organoids and Regenerative Medicine: Advancements and Challenges Moderator: Eugene J WANG | |
9:00-9:20 | Cardio-regeneration: iPSC-derived cell therapy for affordable innovation Eugene J WANG Help Therapeutics Co., Ltd. |
9:20-9:40 | Scaffold-Free Bioprinting of Organoids for Regenerative Medicine Yang WU Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) |
9:40-10:00 | Understanding human midbrain dopamine neuron development and degeneration with organoids Alfred SUN Duke-NUS Medical School |
10:00-10:20 | Eyes on the Future: Advancements and Challenges in Modelling Inherited Retinal Diseases with Retinal Organoids for Regenerative Therapy Xinyi SU A*STAR, IMCB |
10:20-10:40 | Organoid engineering in liver disease and regeneration models Hanry YU National University of Singapore |
10:40-11:00 | Coffee Break |
Session 7 Organ-on-a-Chip: Automation and Standardization Moderator: Chris ZHANG | |
11:00-11:20 | High-throughput Tumor Organoid Platform for Anticancer Drug Discovery , Development and Precision Medicine Shaohua MA Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School |
11:20-11:40 | Organoids Model in Molecular Tissue Biology Chris ZHANG Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences |
11:40-12:00 | Single-cell dynamic transcriptome dissects anti-tumor mechanism of BET inhibitor in the organoids of metastatic mucosal melanoma Mingzhu YIN Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital |
12:30-13:30 | Lunch |
Session 8 Organoids and Precision Medicine: Impact for Companion Diagnosis Moderator: Edward Kai-Hua CHOW | |
13:30-13:50 | Ex vivo 3D cell cultures in predictive personalized cancer medicine front Arindam BANERJEE LifeSenz Cancer Research Labs |
13:50-14:10 | A Functional Precision Medicine Platform to Guide Combination Therapy in Cancer Edward Kai-Hua CHOW National University of Singapore |
14:10-14:30 | Canine Hemangiosarcoma: A Gateway to Comparative Oncology Advancements Benefiting Both Human and Veterinary Medicine Keisuke AOSHIMA Hokkaido University |
14:30-14:50 | Engaging Adoptive NK Cell Transfer for Successful Cancer Therapies Xuewen DENG Biotherapy Institute of Japan, Inc |
14:50-15:10 | Personalised therapy with gastric cancer organoid Wei Peng YONGNational University Hospital |
15:10-15:30 | Coffee Break |
Session 9 Round Table Discussion: Organoids in Clinical and Translational Research Moderator: Lingzhi WANG | |
15:30-16:00 | Lingzhi WANG Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore |
Bing XIA Hangzhou Cancer Hospital | |
Huacui CHEN Guangzhou First People's Hospital | |
Teresa YANG Binxia Cargene therapeutics | |
16:00-16:10 | Closing |
Itinerary | Distance | Estimated Cost & Duration by Taxi |
Singapore Changi Airport - Designated Hotel | 29.9km | S$40-50 25min |
Designated Hotel - Venue | 6.8km | S$15-20 12min |
Venue - Singapore Changi Airport | 33.3km | S$40-50 30min |
Singapore Changi Airport: 80 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819642
Designated Hotel (Momentus Hotel Alexandra): 323 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159972
Venue (NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House): 9 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119241
You can proceed to the taxi stand following the on-site instructions at the airport.
It is recommended to have cash prepared, which can be exchanged at the airport.
You can provide the destination address and zip code to the driver.
Grab, Gojek, RYDE, TADA
Original and photocopy (validity of at least six months)
Fill it out online in 3 days before arrival in Singapore.
Website for application: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Application via App: MyICA Mobile
Note: It is recommended to have the original and hard copies of the above important documents for any unforeseen circumstances.
The official currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, abbreviated as SGD or simply S$.
It is recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially at local markets and food stalls.
Singapore Dollars can be exchanged at domestic banks or the airport, and can also be withdrawn directly from ATM.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore, especially in establishments like hotels, restaurants, shops, and malls. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. It is recommended to check with the merchant whether credit cards are accepted before making a purchase.
UTC+8
In Singapore, taxis generally operate on a metered fare system, but drivers may also charge additional fees based on the time and location of the trip. You can either wait at designated taxi stands, use a ride-hailing app or call to book a taxi, or simply hail one by the roadside (except in the central business district).
Ride-hailing App: Grab, Gojek, RYDE, TADA
In Singapore, the MRT is the most convenient and fastest mode of transportation. Many famous attractions are just a few steps away from MRT stations, making it easy to explore and enjoy Singapore by taking the subway.
Payment Methods: EZ-Link or FlashPay card / Purchase Single Journey Standard Ticket
In addition to the MRT, buses are another important mode of transportation in Singapore. It is important to note that when you want to board a bus, you should signal the driver by waving your hand as the bus approaches the bus stop. Unlike some systems in other countries, most buses in Singapore do not announce the upcoming stops. Instead, passengers need to press the bell in advance to indicate that they want to alight at the next stop. Some buses have electronic screens displaying the names of the next stop to assist passengers.
Note: Traffic moves on the left-hand side.
Singapore has a hot and humid climate with minimal year-round variation and no distinct seasons. The average daytime temperature is around 31ºC, while the temperature drops to about 24ºC at night.
The weather forecast during the conference is provided for your reference. Please take note of the temperature variations and be prepared with suitable clothing for the day's weather changes.
You need to contact your mobile operator in advance to activate international roaming and order relevant packages.
Singapore SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or convenience stores.
3 major telecom operators: Singtel (the largest in Singapore), StarHub, and M1
You can purchase the "FlashPay" or "EZ-Link" card at the service counters in MRT stations or 7-Eleven convenience stores.
This card can be used for traveling on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), public buses, and also for making payments at selected convenience stores. It offers a convenient and cashless way to pay for public transportation and certain retail purchases during your stay in Singapore.
National Day of Singapore
After the conference, on 9th August, Singapore will celebrate its National Day, which commemorates the country's independence in 1965. On this day, there will be spectacular air force flypasts and grand fireworks displays, making it a magnificent and not-to-be-missed celebration.
Police: 999
Ambulance (Emergency Medical Services): 995
Map: Google Maps, Baidu Maps
Transportation: Grab (Ride-hailing), Moovit (Public Transport Route Inquiry)
Hotel Booking: Agoda, Booking, Trip.com
Food Delivery: GrabFood, FoodPanda, Deliveroo
Smoking is strictly prohibited.
Smoking is NOT ALLOWED in places with air-conditioning systems such as shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment venues, and cinemas. It is also prohibited in the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), public buses, taxis, and elevators. Smoking is ONLY permitted in designated smoking areas.
Carrying durians on the MRT or public buses is strictly prohibited.
Due to their strong odor, carrying durians on the MRT or public buses may result in fines.
Eating is not allowed on MRT platforms and in train carriages.
Eating is prohibited on public transport, and violators may be fined.
Maintain environmental cleanliness.
Spitting and littering in public areas may result in fines of up to SGD 1000.
Merlion Park
The Merlion is the iconic symbol of Singapore, with its "fish body" representing the country's development from a small fishing village, and the "lion head" reflecting Singapore's ancient name "Lion City."
Gardens by the Bay
Located in the heart of the city, this magnificent garden is a super park built at a cost of 1 billion SGD and has become the latest landmark of Singapore.
Universal Studios Singapore
Situated on Sentosa Island, it is the first and only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia, offering a fantastic array of rides and entertainment.
Sentosa Island
Often regarded as the crown jewel of Singapore's tourism and entertainment industry, Sentosa Island offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Chicken Rice
A classic Singaporean dish, Chicken Rice features tender and flavorful poached chicken served on fragrant rice cooked with chicken broth and pandan leaves. The dish is typically accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Chili Crab
Chili Crab is Singapore's national dish. Fresh crabs are stir-fried in a tangy and mildly spicy chili-tomato sauce, offering a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Don't forget to dip the golden mantou (fried buns) in the rich sauce for an extraordinary experience.
Bak Kut Teh
Originating from Malaysia, Bak Kut Teh is a flavorful soup made by simmering pork ribs with a variety of medicinal herbs and spices. The dish is aromatic and soothing, and the tender pork ribs perfectly complement the fragrant herbal broth.
Laksa
Laksa is a popular noodle dish originated from Malaysia, and in Singapore, the Katong Laksa has been further improved from the original version. The highlight of this dish is the rich coconut milk flavor, the sweetness of fresh prawns, and the spiciness of chili oil, creating a delightful combination of Southeast Asian flavors.