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  • Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s novel approach to address cardiovascular risks in Type 2 diabetes, with support from the Tanoto Foundation Medical Research Fund

    Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s novel approach to address cardiovascular risks in Type 2 diabetes, with support from the Tanoto Foundation Medical Research Fund

    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with diabetes are two-to-four-times more likely to suffer from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) — a specific form of CVD caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes — compared to individuals with no diabetes. Furthermore, ASCVD events tend to occur a decade earlier in diabetes patients. In Singapore alone, about 23 people die from CVD, heart disease and stroke every day, with CVD accounting for over 30% of all deaths in 2023 (Singapore Heart Foundation).

    Studies show that one in five Singaporeans has one or more risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes (commonly known as the ‘three highs’), smoking, and obesity. The combination of these risk factors can increase the baseline risk of a heart attack by more than three times (National Heart Centre Singapore). Despite the advancements in cardiometabolic care, evidence-based interventions to manage low-grade inflammation, remain inefficient.

    Colchicine, a low cost-effective generic medication costing around S$0.26 a day, has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties in treating gout by targeting the inflammation pathway through neutrophils. While it is currently employed for secondary prevention of ASCVD, Associate Professor Rinkoo Dalan, Senior Consultant from the Department of Endocrinology at  Tan Tock Seng Hospital (a healthcare institution of the National Healthcare Group), is embarking on a novel journey to explore colchicine’s potential in primary prevention for patients with T2DM.

    This groundbreaking research seeks to uncover whether this humble medication can play a vital role in safeguarding the heart health of high-risk individuals. Associate Professor Dalan’s interdisciplinary team, comprising of clinicians, engineers, and immunologists, sets out to confirm these promising findings and refine its benefits using a precision medicine approach, by first identifying the specific patients who stand to gain the most from this innovative treatment.

    Associate Professor Dalan said, “Understanding and mitigating cardiovascular risks is critical for the long-term health of diabetes patients. One of the gaps in cardiometabolic risk management is inefficient evidence-based interventions to manage low-grade inflammation. Through the support of the Tanoto Foundation Medical Research Fund (MRF), our research team will be investigating the potential of Colchicine as a low-cost solution to reduce cardiovascular risk for type 2 diabetes patients.”

    Colchicine’s potential to prevent ASCVD stems from its ability to inhibit neutrophil-driven inflammation, a key factor in cardiovascular events for diabetes patients. By targeting low-grade inflammation, Associate Professor Dalan’s team hopes to reduce the cardiovascular risks associated with T2DM in a cost-effective manner.

    Precision medicine is a key component of Associate Professor Dalan’s research, focusing on tailoring treatment to the specific biological characteristics of each patient. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, precision medicine enables clinicians to develop therapies that are more personalized and effective by accounting for individual variations. In this case, her team aims to identify specific T2DM patients who have a higher risk of cardiovascular events due to their unique inflammatory profile, particularly neutrophil-driven inflammation.

    To achieve this, Associate Professor Dalan’s research will develop a clinical-friendly microfluidics blood testing workflow and define a novel inflamed “neutrophil signature panel” to identify T2DM patients with higher risk of ASCVD. The research will culminate in a Phase II randomized controlled trial to study the impact of colchicine on subclinical atherosclerosis (arterial health) in T2DM patients stratified by neutrophil biomarkers.

    The findings from this study will pave the way for the potential use of colchicine in patients T2DM within Singapore’s diverse multi-ethnic population, complementing existing risk factor-based therapies.

    Associate Professor Dalan remarks, “The MRF is providing us not only with financial resources, but also other invaluable support to build up this study. It allows us to conduct a randomized controlled trial within our population to evaluate whether Colchicine truly fulfils the purpose that we hypothesize it does.”

    She adds, “Through this funding, we are able to establish collaborations between multiple institutions in a multidisciplinary manner, involving scientists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, immunologists, and ophthalmologists. This shared mission of delaying and preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes brings us all together. The fund also helps us to train the younger generation of clinical scientists to embark on studies aimed at this common mission.”

    Looking ahead, Associate Professor Dalan’s team envisions that using Colchicine at an early stage in patients with diabetes may help arrest the inflammatory processes that lead to cardiovascular disease. The next steps will involve exploring how early intervention with Colchicine can reduce long-term cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable group, with the ultimate goal of integrating this approach into routine clinical practice for diabetes management.

    Ko Zin Thet

  • Driving Impactful Philanthropy: Insights from the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024

    Driving Impactful Philanthropy: Insights from the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024

    At the Tanoto Foundation, we are dedicated to fostering meaningful change in our communities. Our participation in the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024 in Hong Kong, organized by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), reinforced this commitment. The forum brought together a diverse group of philanthropists, thought leaders, and social entrepreneurs united in the pursuit of impactful philanthropy.

    As a global ‘think-fund-do’ tank, the IoP promotes thought leadership and collaboration by connecting leaders, sharing knowledge, building professional capacities, and commissioning relevant research. The IoP is poised to enhance the philanthropic landscape in Asia.

    Collaborative Philanthropy

    At this year’s Forum first plenary session, “Delivering Impactful Philanthropy in the Real World,” our CEO, Benny Lee, emphasized the need for philanthropic organizations to adopt a collaborative approach to philanthropy. He noted that true collaboration extends beyond financial support, incorporating knowledge, experience, and networks. Benny highlighted that tackling significant societal issues requires strong partnerships among public, private, and philanthropic sectors. He introduced a framework for examining the multi-dimensional aspects of impact, focusing on the critical questions of “who,” “how,” and “why” in measuring our initiatives.

    In line with the theme of the forum, the Bridgespan Group launched their report, “High-Impact Philanthropy: Giving Better Across Asia and the World,” which highlights the vast potential for philanthropy in our region and encourages us to explore new avenues for enhancing our contributions.

    Launching the Commission on Asian Philanthropy

    Building on the momentum, a highlight of the forum was the launch of the Commission on Asian Philanthropy, co-convened by the IoP and the Asia Philanthropy Congress. As a Founding Commissioner, Tanoto Foundation is excited to contribute to this initiative aimed at elevating and professionalizing philanthropy across Asia. Over the next three years, the Commission will foster collaboration among leaders in philanthropy to drive research and generate insights tailored to our region’s diverse needs. We believe that harnessing the expertise of various stakeholders will lead to innovative solutions for pressing social challenges.

    A Collective Commitment to Change

    The insights from the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum motivate us to collaborate with fellow stakeholders on our journey toward social good. We recognize that impactful philanthropy thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. Inspired by the forum’s collaborative spirit, we are eager to implement the lessons learned in our ongoing initiatives.

    Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem for philanthropy in Asia, addressing immediate community needs while laying a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term change. As we move forward, the Tanoto Foundation remains dedicated to driving impactful philanthropy that fosters better cities and brighter futures for all.

    Ko Zin Thet

  • Tanoto Foundation Inspirative Talkshow on Soft Skills and Scholarship

    Tanoto Foundation Inspirative Talkshow on Soft Skills and Scholarship

    In this episode of Podcast Bincang Inspiratif Live on Stage, host Rachel Amanda talks with YouTuber and mathematician Jerome Polin Sijabat. He shares his experiences of winning a prestigious Japanese scholarship to study his favorite subject, mathematics, at a top Japanese university. Then he also tells Rachel about his passion and ambition to participate in advancing quality education in this country.

    Jerome was born in Surabaya, Indonesia, on May 2, 1998. He won a full grant from Mitsui Bussan Scholarship Indonesia to continue his education in Applied Mathematics at the Waseda University in Japan in 2016. Out of the 16,000 applicants, only two were accepted, including Jerome in 2016. He graduated with a GPA of 4.00.

    “All lectures use Japanese completely. I should pass the Japanese proficiency test first. Textbooks are also written in Japanese. In the beginning, I found big difficulties with language,” Jerome explained.

    The question is why mathematics?

    “I want to learn what I like and in what I am excel. When we are not passionate about what we study then it will be very difficult for us to survive. Why should I choose a subject when I am not good at it and I also do not like it?”

    Jerome is a co-founder of the Nihongo Mantappu YouTube Channel, where he shares his knowledge and experience, including in mathematics, both in Indonesia and the Japanese language.

    When asked what is the key to his education success, he answers,” I always stick to the principle. You do not need to follow or imitate other people”.

    Instead, “You should make other people follow you because of your position. stick to what you believe. Do not just be a follower but make other people become your follower”.

    How about social media?

    It is an effective vehicle for personal branding. In the past, people had to make CVs or appear on TV for their branding, but now we can have our TV on social media platforms. You can easily create your TV channel.

    “People will see your profile there. You may still need LinkedIn, and that is alright.  But you can also use TikTok or Instagram as your tool. Personal branding and rebranding are very essential for your career,” Jerome emphasized.

    “But it is useless to have plans and dreams when you do not materialize them. You may do many things, but if you do not have a clear goal, then it becomes useless. Consistency is needed. Again, you must set up your own goal and achieve it.”

    Jerome also added that young people should divide their time between what their parents wants them to do. For instance, if they want their child to become a medical doctor, and all they want to do is their passion. We should fulfil the responsibility to our parents and do whatever we want during your free time.

    “When you are already stable and independent enough, then you can pursue your dream, like what I am doing now. I try to make my own business so I can have my income.”, he explained.

    Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sql2hhpBywk

    Ko Zin Thet

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