Recently, a momentous event took place at the 28th Saha Group Fair held at BITEC Bangna on June 27, 2024. The fair witnessed a groundbreaking partnership between Saha Group and Quark Biosciences, aiming to revolutionize the biotechnology landscape. This collaboration was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that garnered attention and admiration from industry experts and attendees alike.
The ceremonious occasion was graced by the presence of Ms Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation of Thailand, who presided over the event as an honorary witness. Adding to the prestige, Professor Dr Piyamitr Sritara, Chairman of the Executive Board at The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), also honored the MOU signing with his esteemed presence.
Ms Supamas Isarabhakdi eloquently addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of this partnership in light of Thailand’s transitioning demographics. “As Thai society steps into an ageing society, having good healthcare is essential for building a strong foundation. Rapid technological change affects innovation that can enhance healthcare and beauty technologies to be more efficient, precise, and safe. This is considered a new wave in the health and beauty industry,” she stated, underscoring the importance of advanced healthcare solutions.
Echoing her sentiments, Mr Boonsithi Chokwatana, Chairman of SAHA Group, shared his vision for the collaboration. “This MOU signing ceremony marks a good start between SAHA Group and Quark Biosciences Inc., experts in innovative medical technology from Taiwan. This collaboration is the beginning of elevating the future of the health and beauty industry for Thailand’s ageing population. It aims to develop high-quality products for the market and run a sustainable business. Moreover, it is a significant step in shaping the future of Thailand’s health and beauty industry,” he articulated, highlighting the long-term goals and benefits of this strategic alliance.
Dr Johnsee Lee, Chairman of Quark Biosciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, outlining the promising prospects it holds. He pledged to leverage the MOU as a comprehensive blueprint to collaborate closely with local experts and scholars. “We aim to bring state-of-the-art technologies to Thailand, launching the best products and technologies tailored to meet local needs,” he said, showcasing his commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.
At the heart of this collaboration is Quark Biosciences’ pioneering NextAmp™ platform. Described by Dr Johnsee Lee, this multi-gene analysis system is a marvel of modern technology, merging expertise from electronics, semiconductors, biology, and chemistry. “Quark Biosciences’ NextAmp™ platform enables rapid, accurate, and convenient quantitative analysis of up to 100 genes within two hours at an affordable cost. This technology, akin to a capsule coffee machine in simplicity, has been applied to early cancer detection, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and microbial genome testing. Additionally, the company offers health risk assessment and microbiome testing products, providing comprehensive analytical information and solutions through precise personal health and beauty AI applications for every user,” explained Dr Lee, painting a vivid picture of the transformative potential of their technology.
The MOU signing at the 28th Saha Group Fair marks a pivotal entry into the biotechnology sector for Saha Group. This venture promises not only to elevate the standards of healthcare and beauty products but also to ensure sustainable and innovative business practices. The resultant impact on Thailand’s ageing population and the broader health and beauty industry is poised to be profound and long-lasting.
For further details and media inquiries, representatives are encouraged to contact the Public Relations Department at the 28th Saha Group Fair. Coordination is managed by Integrated Communication Co. Ltd., available at Tel: 0 2354 3588 or visit www.incom.co.th. Specific queries can be directed to Usanee Tavornkarn at Tel: 081 984 5500 or via email at [email protected].
This is fantastic news for Thailand’s healthcare and beauty industries! The partnership will definitely bring some cutting-edge technology to the country.
Agreed! The multi-gene analysis system sounds revolutionary. Early detection in healthcare can save lives.
Absolutely! It’s exciting to see such technology becoming accessible. I hope this will also be affordable for everyone.
I wonder how they will address the cost factor. High-end tech often comes with a hefty price tag.
The NextAmp platform seems really cool, but it makes me wonder about data privacy. How will they handle sensitive genetic information?
Good point! Data privacy in medical tech is a big issue. They need to ensure stringent measures are in place.
Exactly, and I hope the authorities will keep a close eye on these as well.
Why is everyone so excited about this? Big companies just want more money. I doubt they’ll really make things better for regular people.
I understand your concern, but partnerships like these can bring real advancements to healthcare and benefit everyone.
I’ll believe it when I see it. We’ve been promised a lot before with little to show.
It’s not just about one company; it’s about bringing in new technology that can make a huge difference.
I’m skeptical about how this will really impact the aging population in Thailand. Tech isn’t always the best solution.
True, but tech can offer solutions where traditional methods might fall short. It’s about integrating with existing systems.
Innovation is the key. Without trying new things, we won’t progress.
I get that, but I just hope they don’t ignore the human aspect in all this.
I’m excited to see how the partnership unfolds. New biotech advances can have far-reaching impacts beyond just health.
What about local Thai biotech companies? Are they getting pushed out by this big partnership?
That’s a concern. Local companies need support as well to ensure balanced growth in the sector.
Hopefully, collaboration will include local companies too. Inclusivity is key.
I hope this also brings job opportunities for local scientists and researchers. There’s so much potential in Thailand.
That’s the plan. We aim to collaborate closely with local experts and scholars.
This sounds great in theory, but implementation is where many projects fall short. I’d like to see clear timelines and tangible milestones.
Personalized health and beauty AI applications? Sign me up! As long as it respects my privacy, I’m all for it.
I’m curious about how they will integrate the NextAmp technology with existing healthcare systems in Thailand.
Integration is always tricky, but if done right, it could streamline a lot of processes.
True, but it needs meticulous planning and execution. Let’s hope they have a solid strategy.
Multinationals investing in local markets usually have mixed results. Will this really benefit the regular Thai consumer?
We aim to ensure that these advancements reach and benefit every citizen.
It’s always inspiring to see international collaborations in science and tech. The possibilities are endless!
I wonder how this will impact traditional Thai practices in health and beauty. Will they be sidelined?
Good question! Hopefully, modern and traditional methods can coexist and complement each other.
Economic implications are huge. If successful, this partnership could boost Thailand’s position in the global biotech market.
Not to be a downer, but many MOUs lead to nothing substantial. Will this be any different?
It’s true, but you’ve got to start somewhere. If they have a clear vision and follow through, it can be different.
I think everyone is overlooking the beauty aspect. Will there be new products on the market soon based on this tech?
That’s likely part of the plan. High-quality beauty products come from these kinds of biotech advancements.
How reliable are these multi-gene analysis systems? Any known issues or limitations?
Like any tech, they have limitations, but the key is how they’re implemented and used.
Exactly, no system is perfect. It’s about continuous improvement.
Great to see Thailand at the forefront of biotech innovation. Proud moment!
Will be interesting to track the progress of this partnership. Hoping for positive outcomes.