On April 16, 2024, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat hosted a significant meeting at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur with two representatives from Thermo Fisher Scientific: Mr. Ed McConnell, Business Development Manager, and Mr. Jack Lim, Business Development Specialist. The meeting focused on introducing advancements in DNA profiling technology, specifically a solution for rapid DNA profiling which can quickly establish DNA profiles of suspects at crime scenes and disaster sites.
Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Plans & Programmes at the Secretariat, warmly welcomed the Thermo Fisher Scientific team. He praised their informative presentation and demonstration, highlighting the Secretariat's interest in developing technical platforms to aid victim identification in both natural and man-made disasters. He also expressed enthusiasm about potentially collaborating with Thermo Fisher to enhance police investigations and modernize forensic capabilities in DNA profiling. Also attending from the Secretariat were DSP Suresh Subramaniam, Plans and Programmes Officer I; DSP Chan Yew Hiok, Police Services Officer I; and ASP Nithia Perumal, Police Services Officer II.
During the discussion, both parties agreed in principle that ASEANAPOL might seek Thermo Fisher Scientific's assistance in terms of expertise, capacity training, and rapid mobilization of DNA profiling equipment during urgent disaster responses across the ten member countries.
This visit marked a pivotal step towards enhancing the ASEANAPOL Secretariat's capabilities in forensic science, specifically through rapid DNA profiling. The potential collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific represents an opportunity to strengthen day-to-day police operations and improve regional security by employing cutting-edge technology in law enforcement and disaster response. This proactive approach in adopting innovative technologies underscores ASEANAPOL's commitment to enhancing safety and justice across the region.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”