4 days ago
Razer's Tan Min-Liang and his brother Tan Min-Han are breaking new ground in gaming technology and cancer detection
A CLEAR CALLING
Min-Han, in contrast, has charted a more clinical yet equally ambitious course. His work focuses on non‑invasive diagnostics and precision oncology, developing technologies to detect and treat diseases, particularly cancers. 'As a cancer doctor and geneticist, it's heartbreaking to see patients when their cancer is already advanced, as there's often little we can do,' he says. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with the World Health Organization reporting an estimated 10 million lives lost to it in 2020 alone—roughly one in six deaths. 'And that's 10 million too many,' Min‑Han states.
This is the driving force behind Lucence's work to improve patient outcomes through earlier cancer detection and personalised therapy. The company does this through liquid biopsies—simple blood tests that provide a less-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies, which often involve surgery or radiation-based imaging.
Lucence achieved a major breakthrough in February 2023, becoming the first Asian-headquartered company to receive coverage for its flagship LiquidHallmark test under Medicare, the US government-funded healthcare programme. The Singapore-developed test provides insights that can inform treatment decisions and track tumour changes over time for 15 different cancers, including lung, breast and colon cancer. 'Doctors can choose treatments that specifically target the unique genetic changes driving the cancer's growth. By matching the right therapy to the individual's tumour, patients can receive more effective care with fewer side effects, improving their overall quality of life,' Min‑Han explains.
In May that same year, Lucence launched LucenceInsight, a groundbreaking early cancer detection tool that analyses a single blood sample to screen for indicators of over 50 types of cancer. 'By detecting cancer before symptoms arise, it enables earlier treatment, potentially leading to better outcomes,' says Min-Han. The test is currently available in clinics and screening centres across Singapore and Hong Kong.
Earlier this year, Lucence announced a strategic collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories, a leader in diagnostics that operates primarily in the US and has an international presence, to expand access to cutting‑edge cancer testing services globally. Alongside its laboratories in Singapore and Palo Alto in California, Lucence's innovative LiquidHallmark liquid biopsy technology is now accessible worldwide through Mayo Clinic Laboratories and its healthcare partners, enhancing the global landscape of oncology diagnostics for better decision‑making and patient outcomes.
'With the US healthcare sector exceeding US$4 trillion annually, and Medicare covering more than 65 million lives, this move grants us access to a vast patient pool and positions us within a key innovation hub. The [estimated] 1.9 million [new] cancer diagnoses in the US [in 2022] highlights the market's potential,' says Min‑Han. 'This expansion validates our technology and fosters collaborations with leading institutions. Globally, we aim to revolutionise cancer care by democratising diagnostics, potentially impacting the [millions of ] annual cancer deaths worldwide.'
Having made significant inroads into the US—the world's largest healthcare market and a hub for leading pharmaceutical companies—Lucence has come a long way since its beginnings in 2016 as a spin-off company for Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research, where Min-Han led a research laboratory for six years. 'Building the technology was just the beginning,' he says. 'Changing the world around it is a life's mission.'
One of the key challenges ahead lies in navigating the complex regulatory landscapes of different countries while scaling operations to meet growing demand. To tackle this, Min-Han draws on the steadfast support of his younger brother, Min-Liang, whose keen business insight and investment support have been instrumental to Lucence's growth.
'As an investor in Lucence, I strongly believe in its mission to revolutionise cancer detection and improve patient outcomes,' says Min‑Liang, who regularly connects with the team, offering guidance and support on business strategy, fundraising efforts and technological advancements. He shares that his own journey with Razer—and deep understanding of the power of technology in transforming industries—has taught him 'the importance of fostering innovation and understanding customer needs to create a brand that resonates with a global target audience'.
'Being Min‑Han's brother,' he goes on to say, 'adds another layer to my commitment to Lucence. Witnessing his dedication to this critical cause first‑hand fuels my passion to see the vision come to life. I actively participate in discussions, provide emotional support and celebrate milestones alongside him.'
The Tan brothers' approach to innovation is deeply influenced by their upbringing, which emphasised discipline, critical thinking and a thirst for knowledge. These values were instilled in them from an early age by their parents, who prioritised education and encouraged curiosity. 'Our parents emphasised two principles: work hard and be useful to others,' Min-Han shares. 'They did their best to expose me to science, arts and sports, and succeeded in instilling an enduring interest in hiking. I did well in school—topping the national exams at age 12—but often found it more interesting to pursue abstract questions around science and history. I like solving difficult questions, particularly when information is sparse and even conflicting.'
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