Press releases

Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) update report for media conference

The Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) works through three subcommittees to examine ethical, legal, and social issues in biomedical research while engaging experts and the public to develop policy recommendations.

Bioethics Advisory Committee recommends tightly regulated human stem cell research and complete ban on reproductive cloning in Singapore

In 2002, Singapore’s Bioethics Advisory Committee recommended strict regulation of human stem cell research and therapeutic cloning, banned reproductive cloning, ensured informed consent, prohibited embryo trade, and protected conscientious objection after thorough public and expert consultation.

Bioethics Advisory Committee seeks community feedback on genetic testing and genetics research

BAC sought feedback from 114 groups on genetic testing guidelines covering ethics, privacy, vulnerable groups, and professional standards, stressing voluntary informed consent and responsible use of genetic data.

Bioethics Advisory committee seeks community feedback on human stem cell research

In November 2001, the Bioethics Advisory Committee consulted 38 community groups on human stem cell research, addressing scientific, ethical, and legal issues to gather feedback before finalizing policy recommendations for the Life Sciences Ministerial Committee.

Bioethics Advisory Committee seeks community feedback on human tissue research

BAC seeks community feedback on human tissue research through consultation papers sent to 66 organizations, addressing ethical guidelines, consent, and governance frameworks for tissue banking in Singapore.

Bioethics Advisory Committee seeks public feedback on Ethics Guidelines for Human Biomedical Research

BAC released 2012 draft Ethics Guidelines for Human Biomedical Research, updating past reports with new rules on research integrity, participant compensation, and handling incidental findings.

Bioethics Advisory Committee seeks public feedback on the donation of human eggs for research

BAC sought public input on ethical issues of human egg donation for research, focusing on fair compensation, preventing exploitation, and ensuring informed consent amid advancing stem cell studies.

Bioethics Advisory Committee seeks public feedback on the use of personal information in biomedical research

BAC consulted 70 organizations on protecting personal data in biomedical research, proposing guidelines on informed consent, privacy safeguards, and a legal framework balancing research needs and individual privacy.

Donation of Human Eggs for Research

BAC recommended allowing healthy women to donate eggs for research with fair compensation, under strict ethics to prevent commercialization and exploitation, ensuring informed consent.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Neuroscience Research - Release of a Consultation Paper by the Bioethics Advisory Committee

BAC’s 2013 consultation examined ethical, legal, and social issues in neuroscience research, covering neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and brain-computer interfaces, focusing on informed consent and brain research challenges.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues Arising from Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

From May to July 2023, BAC consulted on ethical, legal, and social issues of big data and AI in biomedical research, focusing on data privacy, consent, responsible use, and AI transparency and explainability.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Human Nuclear Genome Editing

From June to August 2024, BAC held a public consultation on ethical, legal, and social issues of Human Nuclear Genome Editing (HNGE), covering safety, equity, genetic enhancement, and resource allocation in research and healthcare.

Human-animal combinations for biomedical research

BAC consulted the public on ethical, legal, and social issues of human-animal combinations in research, especially chimeras and hybrids in stem cell studies, weighing scientific benefits against ethical concerns.

Human-Animal Combinations in Stem Cell Research

BAC supported regulated human-animal combination research in stem cell studies, focusing on cytoplasmic hybrids and chimeras, with ethical safeguards and clear boundaries to address public concerns.

Judge (ret.) Richard Magnus is the First Singaporean to be Elected as Vice-Chair of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee

In 2015, Judge Richard Magnus became the first Singaporean Vice-Chair of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee, recognizing his key role in Singapore’s bioethics policy and legislation since 2000.

NLB launches Bioethics Corner (8world)

Press Release: The National Library Board (NLB) has partnered with the Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) to launch a new Bioethics Corner at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

NLB launches Bioethics Corner (Youthopia)

Press Release: NLB and the BAC have launched a Bioethics Corner at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, offering 160+ books on AI in healthcare, organ transplants, and genetics, with plans to grow the collection over three years.

Public Consultation on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues Arising from Mitochondrial Genome Replacement Technology

In 2018, BAC launched public consultation on allowing Mitochondrial Genome Replacement Technology (MGRT) in Singapore to prevent mothers from passing mitochondrial disorders to children via genetic modification.

Release of second report by the Bioethics Advisory Committee on Human Tissue Research in Singapore

BAC’s second report recommends national guidelines for human tissue research and banking in Singapore, focusing on donor welfare, informed consent, and institutional self-regulation via statutory licensing; these were accepted by the Life Sciences Ministerial Committee.

Release of the Fifth Report by the Bioethics Advisory Committee – Personal Information in Biomedical Research

BAC’s report recommended a comprehensive framework for ethical use of personal data in research, balancing privacy and research with consent rules, de-identified data handling, and special protections for vulnerable groups.

Release of the Fourth Report by the Bioethics Advisory Committee – Genetic Testing and Genetic Research

BAC issued recommendations on genetic testing, highlighting voluntary consent, privacy, ethical standards, banning non-consensual tests, and protecting vulnerable individuals through clinical practice and counseling norms.

Release of third report by the Bioethics Advisory Committee – Research Involving Human Subjects: Guidelines for IRBs

BAC’s third report sets comprehensive guidelines for Institutional Review Boards in Singapore, requiring ethics oversight for all human biomedical research and detailing responsibilities of institutions, researchers, and review boards to protect research subjects.

The Bioethics Advisory Committee Launches its Website

BAC launches website to inform public on biomedical research ethics and gather feedback.