BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 26 (NNN-ANN) – The Ministry of Health (MoH) received a genome sequencing machine, along with other equipment and materials, donated by IDG Capital yesterday, which will enable it to carry out genomic testing for infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Minister of Health, Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar received the contribution from Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, at the Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Services, in Kampong Bukit Bendera, Tutong District.
Permanent Secretary at the MoH, Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin and Acting Managing Director of Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), Haji Sofian bin Mohammad Jani were also present.
The donation consists of a genetic sequencer DNBSEQ-G50; a MegaBOLT bioinformatics analysis workstation; ATOPlex SARS-CoV-2 software; kits for sequencing reaction, reagent and circularisation; and RNA prep sets.
The contribution from the senior partners of IDG was made possible through its close partnership with MGI Tech Co Ltd (MGI), with assistance from Brunei’s national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines. The shipment was brought on board flight BI636 on Aug 24, from Hong Kong.
Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew thanked BIA for helping to make the arrangement with IDG, a leading investment firm in public health, which has worked closely with BIA.– NNN-ANN
