Welcome to the website of the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC).

When Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the structure of DNA in 1953, they probably did not know that they had opened up a new scientific frontier. Their work provided the basis for molecular biology and genetic modification (GM) technology which we now know offers exciting promises in biotechnology applications in agriculture, medicine, industrial technology, and numerous other disciplines.        

Singapore’s ambitions in biotechnology started off in the mid-1980s. We have since built up a core of hard and soft infrastructure and a growing number of our researchers are working on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, genetic modification (engineering) is a new technology and people have valid concerns on the safety of GMOs. In order for Singapore’s biotechnology industry to grow, we needed to have a biosafety framework which meets international GMO safety standards.

It was in this light that the Singapore government established the GMAC in 1999 to oversee and advise on the research, development, production, and use of GMOs.

In the initial phase, GMAC’s focus was on biosafety regulations for agriculture-related GMOs. The international trend of increasing production of GM foods had started and as the then Chief Executive Officer of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, it was my duty to ensure that these new foods are safe for our market. As an advocator of agrotechnology and as someone who is deeply interested in farming, I have also been intrigued by the promises that GM technology can bring to agriculture. With the help of scientists and fellow regulators on the GMAC, we successfully developed and implemented a national framework for the safe commercialization and use of agriculture-related GMOs.

GM technology has the potential to rapidly improve not only agriculture, but also the biomedical sciences. Singapore has committed much resource to build up its biomedical sector. The biotechnology research activities that our scientists are pursuing extend beyond GM crop development to areas such as biologics R&D, gene therapy, and diagnostics.

However, there were previously no national biosafety standards for research on GMOs and scientists had asked if they were doing the right things in the right way. To guide these scientists and to ensure public safety, we reviewed numerous national and international publications on GM research biosafety and adapted these into a single set of guidelines. This set of guidelines, which was officially launched in May 2006, provides scientists with a single reference on what constitutes internationally-acceptable research practices. In the field of science, creditability is of great importance. We therefore need to promote a culture of biosafety to enable the responsible and safe use of science.

I believe that there is no such thing as “zero-risk”. As with every powerful new technology, there are uncertainties associated with GM technology and we are constantly receiving new information on the subject. We therefore need to minimize the risks through proper, science-based management so that we can reap the benefits of GM technology without compromising public safety.  GMAC will continue to have an overview on advances in GM technology and GMOs and provide additional biosafety and food safety guidelines when necessary.

GM technology is likely to become increasingly common in our everyday lives, be it in food, medicines, or other biotechnology products. Yet, it involves concepts that the average person will find difficult to grasp. Misunderstanding or the lack of understanding may lead to fear or even paranoia of this technology. GMAC is pleased to share its knowledge on GM technology, so that members of our public will be able to make educated and rational decisions on GM products.

I dedicate this website to everyone wishing to know more about GM technology and GMOs.

Dr Ngiam Tong Tau
Chairman, GMAC (Singapore)