Asia Centre for Health Security

20/02/2026

The Simon Fraser University/Asia Centre for Health Security public lecture entitled “Managing borders during global public health emergencies: Lessons learned from COVID-19”, was held on 22 January 2026 at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.

Speaking at the lecture was Professor Kelley Lee, Canada Research Chair Tier I in Global Health Governance, Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia, Canada, who discussed the various travel measures issued during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of keeping the discussions going to improve measures during the next outbreak.

A panel discussion on border control – and its impact – in Southeast Asia followed and included topics such as different border control policies in the region and the need for multi-stakeholder involvement in enacting measures. The discussion featured Prof Lee and experts from the region including:

- Adj Assoc Prof Marc Ho, Director, Manpower Standards and Development, Ministry of Health, Singapore
- Datuk Dr Chong Chee Kheong, Senior Advisor, ASEAN Mitigation of Biological Threats Program, Malaysia
- Asst Prof Borame Dickens, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Prof Hsu Li Yang, Director, Asia Centre for Health Security, Singapore (moderator)

18/09/2025

The Deliberate Biothreat Events (DBE) workshop, organised by the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), was held on 11-12th September. It was attended by senior policy, public health, clinical, laboratory, military, and law enforcement leaders from the Asia-Pacific region.

Held in Singapore, the workshop presented the 34 participants with the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced and resources available in strengthening preparedness and response against DBE in their respective countries. These included topics as diverse as emergency and surge capacity planning, challenges in coordinating responses from different responders, and national and international laws in place to address DBE. The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to network and learn from multidisciplinary experts in the field of biosecurity.

04/07/2025

Just a little more than a year since its inception, the Asia Centre for Health Security has steered forward multiple endeavours to help guard against biosecurity threats in the Asia Pacific region.

A key goal of ACHS is to train future health security leaders in Asia who will go on to contribute towards capacity development in the region. In line with this goal, two of ACHS’s flagship initiatives are:

• ACHS Webinar Series
• ACHS Fellowship Program

The most recent webinar, “Digital Technologies for Epidemic Intelligence”, was presented by Dr Oliver Morgan, Director of Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Systems, World Health Organization (WHO), who explored the role of digital technologies in improving the detection of and response to public health threats (https://asia-chs.org/webinar/achs-webinar-series/). The next instalment, entitled “Risk Assessment for Deliberate Biothreat Events”, will take place on 24 July 2025, Thursday at 5:00pm (GMT +08:00). To register, visit https://asia-chs.org/webinar/achs-webinar-series/.

The inaugural ACHS Fellowship Program was launched in October 2024. To find out more about the Program, visit https://asia-chs.org/fellowship-programme/achs-fellowship-program/. The call for the next intake will start next month, so keep an eye on this page!

ACHS is based at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore. For more information about the many education and engagement activities conducted by ACHS, visit https://asia-chs.org/.

29/05/2025

The Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS) based at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a strategic collaboration to advance global health emergency preparedness through cutting-edge research, targeted capacity building, and dynamic knowledge sharing.

As part of the collaboration, a global academic network will be established, with ACHS hosting the secretariat to support WHO and Member State States on key research topics and priorities in health security.

With the aim of helping countries prepare, respond, and recover more effectively from health emergencies, ACHS will also support operational research projects, WHO capacity building activities and training programmes, and events to disseminate knowledge and evidence-based practices to connect academic researchers, policy experts, and health professionals.

Learn more about the collaboration at https://extranet.who.int/sph/who-and-saw-swee-hock-school-public-health-national-university-singapore-forge-strategic

The SPH Portal is an interactive digital platform that facilitates the sharing and exchange of information regarding multisectoral health security investments, activities, and capacities at national, regional, and global levels.

24/04/2025

One year since the launch of ACHS, and what a journey it has been! From fostering regional dialogues to building capacity and nurturing future leaders, we’ve made great strides in advancing health security across Asia 💪✨

Here is a look at our key milestones:

✅ Engaging policymakers and experts through various discussions such as Southeast Asia Health Security Roundtable Series
✅ Training professionals in biosafety and biosecurity through the Laboratory Biosafety & Biosecurity Workshop
✅ Empowering future leaders with the launch of the ACHS Fellowship Program
✅ Building strategic partnerships, including partnering on the High-Level Meeting on Risk Communication for Public Health Emergencies
✅ Providing opportunities for professionals to learn from top-tier speakers through the ACHS Webinar Series

Looking ahead, ACHS is dedicated to strengthening health security in Asia by promoting evidence-based recommendations, knowledge-sharing, and strategic partnerships. We are committed to driving impactful biosecurity policy-making and strengthening best practices across the region. This is just the beginning— together we advance health security for Asia.

📸 Check out the 1st year highlights!

🔗 Read more about ACHS’s journey over the past year: https://asia-chs.org/event/celebrating-the-1st-anniversary-of-achs/.

17/04/2025

🎉 ACHS 1st Year Anniversary – A Night to Remember! 🎉

From heartfelt conversations to inspiring insights, our 1st year anniversary dinner commemorated the milestones we've achieved together.The evening wasn’t just about looking back—it also renewed our commitment to strengthening health security across Asia.

In the past year, ACHS has led capacity-building initiatives, facilitated knowledge exchange, and built strategic partnerships to enhance Asia’s preparedness against catastrophic biological threats. ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here's to another year of progress, resilience, and innovation!

📸 Check out moments from our anniversary dinner✨

🔗Explore ACHS first-year milestones: https://asia-chs.org/event/celebrating-the-1st-anniversary-of-achs/

27/03/2025

Emerging infectious diseases can quickly escalate from local outbreaks to global threats. But how do risks evolve during such events? Traditional surveillance methods often struggle in fast-moving situations, while digital technologies and event-based surveillance provide innovative solutions that could transform our approach to managing outbreaks.

In this upcoming Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS) Webinar Series, learn how digital technologies can enhance epidemic preparedness and what they mean for the future of public health.

🗓️ Date & Time: 22 April 2025, Tuesday at 7:00PM (GMT +08:00)
🔬 Topic: Digital Technologies for Epidemic Intelligence
🎤 Speaker: Dr Oliver Morgan, Director of Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Systems, WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, World Health Organization

Dr Oliver Morgan is a public health leader and epidemiologist with extensive international experience in public health surveillance and emergency response. In his talk, he will discuss potential uses and limitations for new digital technologies which are used to enhance multidisciplinary approaches to preventing, predicting and preparing for epidemics.

Register here: https://for.sg/achswebinar-2

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

13/03/2025

💡 Stay Informed with the ACHS Webinar Series!

The ACHS Webinar Series brings together experts, public health professionals, and policymakers to discuss key global health security challenges. From pandemic preparedness to emerging biothreats, our quarterly webinars offer valuable insights and practical recommendations to strengthen health systems across Asia and beyond.

In our first webinar, we were honoured to have Dr Filippa Lentzos, Reader in Science & International Security at King’s College London speak on the urgent need for stronger oversight in research on pathogens. Referencing key insights from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 and the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Guidance Framework for the Responsible Use of Life Sciences, she highlighted how:

1️⃣ AI-Driven Biotech & Dual-Use Research: A Growing Risk
Rapid advances in AI-powered biotechnology are lowering barriers to pathogen manipulation, increasing the potential for misuse and health security threats if not properly regulated and monitored

2️⃣Research That Truly Benefits Public Health
Research involving high-risk pathogens should focus on projects that have a real, positive impact on public health, and use resources effectively to tackle the most urgent health needs

3️⃣ Stronger Regulations to Manage Research on Pathogens
Tougher regulations and oversight are needed to ensure that research involving high-risk pathogens are conducted safely, ethically, and in line with global standards to protect public health

🎥 Missed it? Watch the full recording and download the slides here: https://asia-chs.org/webinar/achs-webinar-series/.

🚀 Join us at the next ACHS webinar in April 2025, and stay tuned for updates!

02/12/2024

We are excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS) Webinar Series! This webinar series will feature a diverse lineup of experts, including leading academics, biosecurity and healthcare professionals, who will discuss and share innovative developments in health security across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

🗓️ Date & Time: 23 January 2025, Thursday at 8 PM (GMT +08:00)
🔬 Topic: How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics
🎤 Speaker: Dr Filippa Lentzos, Reader in Science & International Security at King’s College London

Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully.

Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question, Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?

Register here: https://for.sg/achswebinar-1

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

18/11/2024

The effectiveness of risk communication during public health emergencies (PHEs) is frequently challenged by various factors, with a key issue being the quick evolution of information that can foster misinformation, thereby undermining public trust and impacting public behaviour. To bolster global preparedness for future public health emergencies, the Asia-Europe Foundation - ASEF (ASEF-PHN), the Asia Centre for Health Security, and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health National University of Singapore, convened a High-Level Meeting on Risk Communication for Public Health Emergencies (PHEs) in Singapore.

Held from the 6 and 7 November 2024 at One Farrer Hotel in Singapore, the meeting brought together more than 50 officials from health ministries, NGOs, academia, and the private sector from 27 countries to work towards strengthening global capabilities for effective risk communication. A series of panel discussions at the meeting focused on integrating risk communication into overall pandemic strategies, engaging diverse communities, and enhancing international and multisectoral cooperation.

A highlight of the high-level meeting was the fireside chat with Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health, who shared valuable insights into Singapore’s effective communication strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic, using the "4Cs" approach. The "4Cs" emphasised the importance of messages to minimise errors and ensure the public receives coordinated information, maintaining communication to address public concerns promptly, demonstrating by proactively serving as a reliable source of truth to foster public trust, and consistently sharing information to counter misinformation and strengthen credibility.

Let’s work together to share only accurate information from reliable sources, so we can better protect ourselves and our communities.

04/10/2024

We are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural ACHS Fellowship Program 2025! The ACHS Fellowship Program aims to inspire and collaborate with future biosecurity leaders and innovators across Asia.

The ACHS Fellowship is open to individuals from the Asia-Pacific region, who are passionate about advancing health security and want to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through this Fellowship, they have the chance to deepen their expertise, expand their professional network, and engage in critical conversations around biosecurity.

Fellows will also benefit from access to resources and participation in biosecurity events, mentorship by ACHS faculty, and networking opportunities that will enhance their leadership skills.

Visit our website to download a copy of the application form and for more details: https://asia-chs.org/fellowship-programme/achs-fellowship-program-2025/

🗓️ Applications close on 3 November 2024, 5 PM (GMT+8:00).

26/09/2024

On 12-13 September 2024, top experts from across Asia came together to share the latest updates in lab biosafety and biosecurity. Our distinguished faculty provided insight into issues such as responsible use of life sciences (RUL), dual use research (DUR), and biosafety concerns specific to enhanced pandemic potential pathogens (ePPP).

A particularly engaging aspect of the workshop was the group discussions, which served as a platform for participants to exchange innovative solutions and strategies. This collaborative dialogue was instrumental in identifying critical resource gaps and developing actionable steps to enhance laboratory biosafety and biosecurity throughout the region.

The case studies provided practical guidance on improving staff capabilities and managing high-level pathogens, highlighting key workflows and pandemic preparedness to ensure laboratories handle emergencies with optimal safety and continuity.

By bringing together experts committed to advancing lab biosafety and biosecurity, we are paving the way for future collaboration and support in biosafety and biosecurity.

A huge THANK YOU to all our amazing participants and faculty for making a success! 🙌