Edison Liu
Executive director, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
Research Interest
Molecular biology of breast cancer and cancer genomics
Profile
Edison Liu received his bachelor's degree in chemistry and psychology and his MD from Stanford University. This was followed by an internship and residency in internal medicine at Washington University, St. Louis, clinical cancer fellowships at Stanford University and the University of California at San Francisco and post-doctoral studies at the University of California at San Francisco in the laboratory of J. Michael Bishop. He held the position of Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry, Epidemiology and Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1987 to 1996, and from 1996 to 2001, he was a director of the Division of Clinical Sciences at the National Cancer Institute (USA). In 2001, Liu assumed the position of executive director at the Genome Institute of Singapore. Liu has contributed over 220 articles, reviews and book chapters to the scientific literature. Liu received the Leukemia Society Scholar Award (1991–1996), the Brinker International Award for basic science research in Breast Cancer (1996), the Rosenthal Award from the American Association for Cancer Research (2000) and the President’s Public Service Medal for his work in helping Singapore resolve the SARS crisis.
http://www.gis.a-star.edu.sg
Speech Abstract
Substantive Pan-Asian scientific collaborations in biomedical research culminating in joint projects with a high level of impact have been rare. Some of the obstacles have been regional rivalries, large disparities in capabilities, funding limitations, a post-colonial mindset and even governmental resistance. Pan-Asian scientific collective initiatives will become progressively important as we seek to solve regional- and ethnic-specific problems. We will describe one such collective project, the Pan-Asian Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Initiative, a collaboration between ten Asian countries that takes advantage of our ethnic heritage and culture to forge a unique alliance.

Hiroshi Komiyama
President, University of Tokyo, Japan
Research Interest
Chemical engineering, global environment engineering and the structuring of knowledge
Profile
Hiroshi Komiyama became the 28th president of the University of Tokyo in 2005, after serving a year as vice president and a year as executive vice president. Prior to this, he served as the dean of the School of Engineering from 2000 to 2002. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees all from the University of Tokyo in chemical engineering. As president, he has initiated new projects to reform the University of Tokyo through endeavours to achieve the 'Structuring of Knowledge' and create 'Autonomous and Decentralized yet Cooperative Systems'.
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/gen01/b01_01_e.html
Speech Abstract
The University of Tokyo has been actively developing its international networks in the pursuit of excellence in education and research. We have established the Asian Studies Network (ASNET) with the aim of promoting Japanese and Asian studies. We also play an active role in a number of global networks, including the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) comprising ten world-leading research universities, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the Alliance for Global Sustainability (AGS) and the Forum of Four East-Asian Universities (BESETOHA).

Chak-Sing Lau
Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Research Interest
The pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Profile
Chak-Sing Lau is professor of medicine and assistant dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. At present, he is also the chairman of the Hong Kong Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation and president of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology.
Lau graduated with an MBChB from the University of Dundee in 1985. He was awarded an MD with Honours by the university for his work on Raynaud’s phenomenon. He joined the University of Hong Kong as Lecturer in Medicine in 1992 and was successfully promoted to senior lecturer in 1997 and professor in 2000. In July 2007, Lau will return to Dundee to take up the position of Chair in Rheumatology.
http://www.aplar.org/aplar-message.html
Speech Abstract
The Asia-Pacific has a population of over 3.7 billion (about 60% of the world’s population) with diverse ethnic, cultural and economic differences. Variations exist in types of rheumatic disease, clinical manifestations and the response to treatment. Asia-Pacific provides a great opportunity for researchers in rheumatic diseases. In 1963, APLAR (the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology) was formed to facilitate the promotion of rheumatology in the region. Although much has been achieved, more needs to be done and help is needed for developing countries to improve their standard of care. Collaboration with the rest of the world will further ensure the continued growth of rheumatology in this region and beyond.