The trailblazer in Hong Kong bioscience who embraced new technology for detecting cancer early
- ‘We did things nobody wanted to deal with at the time,’ says liquid biopsy innovator Stanley Sy
- Sy was in his 20s when he founded Sanomics and forged ahead with pioneering technique for testing blood samples
Stanley Sy Ming-yiu fears not treading his own path. Just when many scientists remained wary of a new technique for testing blood samples to detect cancer at an early stage, he decided to take the plunge.
Under his leadership, a team at Sanomics has invested their time heavily in developing the application of liquid biopsy, a relatively novel alternative to the more complicated process of surgically removing tissue from the body for analysis.
According to Sy, the new genetic-testing method is gaining trust and recognition for its accuracy, leading to its increasing popularity among medical practitioners.
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Sy said he believed the company, established in 2015 when he was in his 20s, and an “incubatee” of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, made the right move in embracing the technology, which he described as less risky and a faster diagnosis tool than traditional methods.
“As a start-up, we did things nobody wanted to deal with at the time,” Sy said. “We wouldn’t have got the opportunity if people then had all agreed the technology was OK.”
The annual event, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group, celebrates the achievements of remarkable people whose endeavours may otherwise go unnoticed.
Alfa Lun, of Hong Kong Science Park, recommended Sy for this year’s Spirit of Innovation award, which recognises individuals who are behind breakthrough technologies or innovation that benefits society.
Sy, the CEO of Sanomics, said the company aimed to improve the quality of life for patients by giving doctors the tools to help them compile treatment plans.
The company provides genetic tests that can detect the mutations of certain genes that may lead to cancers of the breast, ovary, pancreas and prostate.
It works with oncologists and surgeons in both the public and private sectors.
Though the company does not deal directly with patients, according to Sy, it attaches importance to increasing public awareness of the advent of new technology.
“We have to put a lot of effort into convincing doctors, who are very particular about evidence of the tests’ efficacy,” he said.
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The executive describes himself as a plucky character who never gives up easily.
Born in 1986, Sy said he had witnessed Hong Kong’s ups and downs in recent decades.
“The spirit of Hong Kong is: just do it and overcome the barriers ahead,” he said, quoting the principle that motivates him.
He added the company was eager to provide a platform for young people interested in biotechnology and business development to develop their careers.
