Secteurs & marchés
Singapore Brings Together Southeast Asian Nations to Launch First Regional Dementia Consortium
PHOTO: NTU Singapore
Market Info | Health & Lifestyle | Pharmaceuticals and Biotech
Date: 1 January 2026
Region: ASEAN-O
Country: Singapore
Sector: Health & Lifestyle
Sub-sector: Pharmaceuticals and Biotech
Section: Market Trends
Theme: Public Health & Regional Collaboration
Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is leading a major initiative to strengthen dementia research and regional collaboration with the official launch of the Southeast Asian Consortium on Neurocognition, Neuroimaging and Biomarker Research Plus (SEACURE+). The consortium brings together 24 clinicians and researchers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, and Myanmar, with China and India participating as honorary members. SEACURE+ is positioned as the first structured regional platform focused on studying cognitive characteristics specific to Asian populations and developing harmonised approaches to dementia prevention and management.
This initiative comes at a strategically important time. Dementia in Asian populations often presents with unique cognitive symptoms, highlighting the need for region-specific solutions. The consortium aims to mobilise resources and data representative of 700 million people to better understand the biological, environmental, and cultural factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. The inclusion of China and India as honorary members allows for comparative studies between local populations and those of broader Asian origin, enriching the scientific depth of the research.
SEACURE+ will build upon ongoing clinical trials led by the Dementia Research Centre Singapore (DRCS), which are testing new pharmacological interventions and lifestyle-based strategies to improve cerebrovascular health. In parallel, digital cognitive diagnostic tools developed by the Centre will be rolled out across member countries, standardising assessments and facilitating regional data sharing.
Beyond clinical research, SEACURE+ reflects Singapore’s broader regional strategy to strengthen its position as a scientific and medical hub in Asia, combining innovation, cross-border collaboration, and large-scale data integration. The consortium showcases Singapore’s ability to unite expertise and resources to address emerging public health challenges, while offering concrete pathways for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective dementia care in a region with growing demographic needs.
