Singapore Government Press Release
Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 6837-9666

SPEECH BY DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN MINISTER OF STATE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE & INDUSTRY AT THE 8^TH WORLD DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS - PART I ON WEDNESDAY, 14 APRIL 2004, 8.30 A.M. AT SUNTEC SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, and, to our guests from overseas, a warm welcome to Singapore!

The 8^th World Down Syndrome Congress bears two notable firsts. This is the first time, the World Congress is held in Asia bringing together about 700 delegates from a total of 30 countries. It is also the first time that a specialized medical track has been organized as part of the Congress to focus on Medical and Scientific issues.

Down Syndrome is the most common cause of congenital cognitive disability. Recent advances in the mapping of the human genome open up tremendous opportunities to understand the biological causes of impaired cognitive development and maintenance of cognitive agility in persons with Down syndrome. For example, researchers are now able to genetically engineer a mouse with features reminiscent of those seen in persons with Down syndrome.

Foremost in this field is Dr David Patterson, Senior Scientist and President of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, whom we are honored to have with us today to deliver the plenary lecture. Dr Patterson was one of the key researchers involved in the mapping of chromosome 21 of the human genome.

Dr Patterson is here in Singapore at the invitation of A*STAR’s Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) under its Distinguished Visitor Programme. The BMRC Distinguished Visitor Programme (DVP) aims to foster stronger ties between the local scientific community and internationally renowned scientists. Since inception, a total of 35 scientists and researchers have been to Singapore through this programme. The hosting of this conference dovetails with our efforts to develop Singapore into a biomedical hub and to enhance medical care by capitalizing on scientific advances.

While this groundbreaking work takes place, there is still much more that can and should be done. I look forward to the researchers and practitioners latest findings on antenatal detection, assessment of medical disorders, eye and dental issues and other medical concerns. Quality of life issues will also be discussed, as will issues of neurology and medical intervention for behavior management.

We need to re-visit old paradigms and mindsets. Goals that in the past seemed distant now appear as real possibilities. Many of these new approaches will however challenge traditional models of provision of medical services. Increasingly, we see the need for a convergence of medical expertise from genomics to intervention strategies. Government policies and approaches need to facilitate and not frustrate this metamorphosis. A case in point is the increasing life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome brought on by advances in medical care. Cognitive difficulties, especially Alzheimer disease, faced by persons with Down syndrome, their families and society will continue to be a significant problem for years to come.

In conclusion, I congratulate the 8^th World Down Syndrome Congress Organising Committee which has worked tirelessly to put together this World Congress. I’m sure you are all as eager as I am to hear the findings and recommendations of our speakers. I wish you a meaningful and thought-provoking Congress and success in your continued endeavors for the person with Down syndrome.

Thank you.

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