Forensic DNA Challenges with Massively Parallel Sequencing in Southeast Asia
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
15th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 27-28 October 2025 | Paris, France
Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) is revolutionizing forensic DNA analysis by enabling the simultaneous examination of multiple genetic markers with unprecedented accuracy. This high-resolution technology holds great promise for forensic investigations, but its adoption in Southeast Asia remains limited.
A recent survey conducted with the Asian Forensic Sciences Network – DNA Workgroup (AFSN-DNAWG) revealed insights from 19 forensic laboratories across seven countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Among respondents, eight laboratories are currently using MPS, while 10 of 11 non-users plan to implement it within the next five years.
Current users face challenges such as limited population-specific genetic data, lack of standardized international nomenclature, and incompatibility with national DNA databases that rely on traditional STR-based profiling. Non-users report obstacles including limited infrastructure, budget constraints, and insufficient training in sequencing data management.
To bridge this gap, experts recommend a strategic approach: combining capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based DNA profiling for routine cases with MPS for complex investigations, establishing at least one MPS-capable forensic DNA laboratory per country, and fostering regional collaboration. By leveraging genomic data from both mainstream and Indigenous populations, Southeast Asia can enhance forensic investigations while respecting the region’s diverse genetic landscape shaped by trade, migration, and cultural interactions.
With these steps, integrating MPS into forensic casework and databasing becomes not just feasible but transformative, promising more accurate and inclusive DNA analysis across Southeast Asia.
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