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Tan Rasab
CEO & Co-Founder at SiGenex- Clinical Genetics For Everyone Everywhere - Oxford & Kuala Lumpur
Professional Background
Tan Rasab is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology expert on a significant mission to revolutionize the delivery of clinical genetic data. Recognizing the major obstacles in genetic testing accessibility around the globe, he founded SiGenex, a pioneering company that provides point-of-need sequencing as a service in hospitals and medical centers worldwide. His vision is to ensure that clinicians can obtain vital genetic information faster and at lower costs, enabling better-informed therapy decisions at the earliest possible time.
As a two-time founder, Tan boasts an impressive career trajectory that includes developing and leading innovative startups as well as collaborating with multinational corporations and public sector organizations across three continents in the fields of technology, health, energy, and strategy consulting. His extensive experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced in the clinical genetics landscape.
He thoroughly researched the reasons behind the high costs and prolonged wait times associated with genetic testing. His insights revealed that the establishment of genetics laboratories is both capital and resource-intensive, requiring sophisticated equipment, purpose-built facilities, and highly skilled personnel. With SiGenex, Tan addresses these challenges head-on, making vital genetic tests accessible to all, especially focusing on newborn screening and early diagnosis of inherited disorders.
Education and Achievements
Although Tan pursued an MBA, he is known as a dropout who instead leveraged his hands-on experiences in startups and technology-driven organizations. His non-traditional educational path did not prevent him from attaining extraordinary professional accomplishments.
In addition to founding SiGenex, Tan co-founded SenseHere Technology, an IoT company focused on targeted signal processing of embedded sensors. The innovative contributions of SenseHere Technology were significant enough to earn a position in an MBA case study, highlighting the company's impacts and approaches in the technology arena.
Tan also played an essential role in establishing Wcities, a company that celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2019, demonstrating his aptitude for driving companies to long-term sustainability and impact.
Industry Contributions
Tan is not only recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures; he is also a valuable member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel, joining a select group of influential business professionals who offer insights on technology's role in modern society. Furthermore, he has actively contributed to the Wyss Institute's Diagnostic Accelerator Industry Participants Programme as the chair of the POC and Genetics subcommittee, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of genetics and diagnostics.
Achievements
Tan’s career is decorated with numerous achievements that underscore his capabilities as a leader and innovator. Through his various roles at notable organizations, including:
- SiGenex Inc: Formerly Chief Executive Officer, where he has driven efforts to make genetic testing more accessible and timely.
- New Asia Services: As Managing Partner, he streamlined operations that blended technology with service delivery in the Asian market.
- RegTech (FinTech): Engaged in corporate development and consulting engagement that emphasized innovative financial technologies.
- SenseHere Technology: As Co-founder and CEO, he was instrumental in weaving IoT solutions into practical applications, which gained academic recognition through case studies.
- Wcities: As Founder and CEO, he ensured that the company thrived through two decades in an ever-evolving market landscape.
- His domain expertise spans multiple sectors including strategy consulting with TikCell and Romtrac Plc, business development in wireless technologies with SiRF Technology, and management consulting at Telefónica and Airwave.
Tan continues to push boundaries in genetic diagnostics, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that inherited disorders are diagnosed in a timely manner, making genetic tests universally available. His innovative ideas and leadership skills are illustrative of how technology can be harnessed to benefit global health, and he remains an inspiring figure in his field.
