It is with immense pleasure that I welcome all invited speakers, delegates and honoured guests to the 2025 Asian Cellular Therapy Organisation (ACTO) congress held in Singapore.  This congress is happening at a pivotal moment in the fast-evolving field of cell and gene therapy. There are bewilderingly rapid developments in diverse areas from approved gene therapy in congenital diseases like haemoglobinopathies to the increasingly upfront use of CAR-T cells in B cell malignancies and extending into non malignant diseases like autoimmunity.  Equally, progress is being seen with the use of stem cells in tissue repair and regeneration as well as the ancillary manufacturing advances that underpin the therapeutic quality of these cellular products.

ACTO is unique in its commitment to focus on the entirety of the landscape for cell and gene therapy in Asia.    I have been involved with ACTO from its formation and have witnessed the increasing prominence of Asia in this field. China is a world leader in CAR-T development and clinical trials while Japan has invested significantly into induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology stemming from its recent Nobel prize winning discovery by Yamanaka. This revolutionary potential of cell and gene therapy is being recognised by many governments in Asia as a game changer, certainly in Singapore too with enthusiasm for helping to nurture home grown cell therapy companies and building an ecosystem from science to training, manufacture and regulation.   The result would of course be the promise of substantial medical and economic benefit. 

This annual meeting will bring a diverse group of speakers, guests and participants.  There is intentionally a focus on regulatory issues, again unique to ACTO and recognising the urgent need for harmonisation in Asia.  In addition, we encourage the active participation of Asian cell and gene therapy companies to facilitate a dialogue between science, manufacturing, clinical indications, safety and regulations.  

I would like to thank the local organising committee who have done most of the work.  The committee hopes that your time spent in Singapore will be a scientifically stimulating one, that you will forge collaborative opportunities with other attendees in this meeting and I hope you also find some time to enjoy Singapore- a safe, modern and beautiful city state with many world class attractions and a passion for food and eating that is second to none.

Thank you for attending and contributing to this meeting

Professor Mickey B C KOH