2019 BIO Asia-Taiwan Exhibition

Assistive Technology for Life (ATLife) was launched in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from July 25th to 28th, 2019. BIO Asia-Taiwan Exhibition which concerned and highly related with rare disease was hold at the same time. It was a great honor for TFRD to be serve as the keynote speaker in the reception and shared the changes that biotechnology has brought to the rare disease patients' families.

The reception was opened by Mr. Zhong-Xi Li, the president of Taiwan Bio Industry Organization on July 24th. Mr. Shih-Chung Chen, the Minister of Ministry of Health and Welfare delivered a speech. Besides, there were professionals and entrepreneurs from about 25 countries participated in the event. TFRD Executive Director took “Transforming Rare Lives with Technology, Love and Commitment” as a topic, brought six stories of rare disease patients' families and illustrate with four orientations:

1.Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) technical assists undiagnosed patients to find the pathogen.
2.Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) helps rare disease patients' families reassured to embrace greet new life.
3.Gene therapy bring the miracle to children with AADC.
4.Technology Devices aids the Muscular dystrophy (MD) children to express their feelings and ideas.

The transformation of rare disease patients' families not only depended on the development of science and technology, but accompanied by a sound legal system and the strong support of patient groups, in order to build the most complete support system. The TFRD Executive Director also encouraged all biotechnologists, while developing new technologies to help human beings, we should not forget love and commitment.

After that, Mr. Yi-Qun Wei sang "You Raise Me Up", and the pleasant sound touched the guests. After the meeting, there was a participant said that he thought he was just a backstage planner in the biotechnology industry, but he didn't expect that his work could bring change for rare disease family. President Li said that the biotechnology exhibition arranged a variety of lectures about the latest technology, but this singing performance was the most warm-hearted section and he thank the TFRD for long-term supported for rare disease patients' families.

Translator: Maggie Chao (Glutaric Aciduria), Reviewer: Joy Yin