Honoring Dr. Eng Chon Boon: A Visionary in Biobanking and Cancer Research

Dr. Eng Chon Boon, Director of the Tissue Repository (TR) at the National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, and Platform Lead for Cancer Databases & Tissue Banks at the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC), passed away on December 18, 2024. His remarkable contributions to the fields of biobanking, cancer research, and biotechnology leave an enduring legacy that has profoundly shaped the scientific community in Singapore and beyond.

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Photo courtesy of Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS).

Eng began his scientific training at the University of Leeds in the UK, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with first-class honors and where he also completed his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. He then returned to Singapore in 2003 and joined the newly formed TR (https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/research/research-facilities/tissue-repository) at the NUH. Over the next 6 years, he played a key role in the development of the TR and the allied Hospital-based Cancer Registry (HCR). In 2009, he became director of both TR and HCR, positions he held for the rest of his career. He eventually became the principal person-in-charge of tissue banks across the National University Health System public health care cluster. In 2011, he became a lecturer at the National University of Singapore, teaching on the topic of “Tissue banking and ethics” at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Eng’s career was defined by his unwavering commitment to advancing biobanking and cancer research. As co-lead of the Cancer Databases and Tissue Banks platform at STCC (https://www.stcc.sg/platform-2/cancer-databases-and-tissue-banks/), Dr. Eng played a pivotal role in establishing robust infrastructure for cancer research in Singapore. His directorship at the NUH TR and leadership of the HCR at the National University Cancer Institute underscore his dedication to building and managing vital resources for biomedical research.

Eng represented Singapore as convenor for ISO/TC 276 Biotechnology, shaping international standards in the field through the development of ISO20387: General Requirements for Biobanking.

Eng was also deeply engaged with the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), earning the ISBER Special Service Award in 2010. His roles included serving as Councillor, Chair of the ISBER Marketing Committee, and member of multiple committees, including Finance, Nominating, Strategic Planning, and Program. He cochaired the local organizing committee for the 2007 ISBER Annual Meeting in Singapore, helping to elevate Singapore’s prominence in the global biobanking community.

Dr. Alison Parry-Jones, ISBER President 2023/24, commemorated Eng’s contributions to ISBER and global biobanking: “Eng’s commitment to biobanking and medical research was unparalleled. I will miss him and his enthusiasm and input at conferences and working groups greatly. His loss will be felt not only in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region but globally, by the biobanking community around the world.”

In recent years, Eng continued to advocate for international collaboration, serving on the advisory panel for Biosample Hub, a not-for-profit organization fostering partnerships between academic biobanks and industry. His expertise was sought worldwide, evidenced by his numerous publications, book chapters, patents, and invitations to speak, conduct workshops, and consult for biobanking initiatives over the past 15 years.

Eng’s guidance and astute leadership spearheaded impactful partnerships. He was instrumental in forming the Singapore Integrated Network of Biobanks, an infrastructure network connecting academic tissue repositories in Singapore. Furthermore, he led STCC’s first cross-border partnership with the Australian Victorian Cancer Biobank, expanding access to tissue samples and promoting best practices in translational oncology research across the region and beyond.

To further empower researchers, Dr. Eng oversaw the development of the STCC Research Warehouse. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence and federated analytics, this initiative provided researchers with a powerful suite of tools to facilitate harmonized cancer research projects.

“Eng is so instrumental in establishing all the platforms we have today, as well as the international networks. He is a true giant and someone that we will be hard-pressed to ever truly replaced,” by Prof. Chng Wee Joo, Executive Director, STCC.

“He was a visionary leader within the biobanking sector” by Kiraely Wong, STCC.

“Biobanking is synonymous with Eng; What I remember most is his generous support.” by Assoc. Prof. Tan Ern Yu, STCC.

As a member of the Editorial Board for the journal Biopreservation and Biobanking, Eng lent his expertise to advancing biobank quality and operations globally. These contributions were commemorated by Marianna Bledsoe, Editor-in-Chief of Biopreservation and Biobanking, along with his fine personal qualities: “In addition to his other scientific contributions, Eng made major contributions as a member of the Biopreservation and Biobanking editorial board. In addition to being a fine scientist, Eng was kind, gracious, and generous; I will fondly remember him going out of his way to escort me to the wild bird park and bring me local fruits to try during my visit to Singapore for the 2007 ISBER Annual Meeting. He touched the lives and will be missed by many across the globe.”

Eng’s great leadership in the biobanking sector and exemplary personal qualities are also well demonstrated with quotes from other colleagues (refer to Supplementary Data for full quotes):

“His face was always lit up with sincere smiles that came straight from the heart. They weren’t just gestures but reflections of his genuine warmth and kindness.” by Tan Kee Peck.

“I found Eng to be a very humble and sweet-natured gentleman. A kind, compassionate, and generous soul. Not once during my work at TR did I see him frown or get angry.” by Dr. Rajeev Singh

“Dr. Eng transcended the role of Head of the Tissue Repository; he was a mentor and a friend to each of us. His dedication to those around him created a positive and supportive environment where everyone felt valued and empowered.” by Lyn Xu

“He exemplified generosity through his willingness to always share knowledge, ideas and resources. Eng was a person who would champion and be genuinely happy for your successes, a rare gem indeed.” by Kelly Lim.

“As the Director of the Tissue Repository, Dr. Eng was always down-to-earth and never sought co-authorship, instead graciously acknowledging the contributions of the Tissue Repository.” by Dr. Lee Lee Wong.

“Dr. Eng’s legacy extends far beyond the 10 years I was fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside. His mentorship and leadership helped shape my career, and his passion for biobanking was truly inspiring, always pushing the boundaries.” by Samson Chow.

“You embody a rare quality—working quietly behind the scenes, giving your very best without seeking recognition or accolades.” by Hoi Ai Peng.

“Dr. Eng is a great and caring person, and he has worked hard in the biobanking scene. He also trusted us in delivering the results for the department.” by Edwin Yeo

“His contributions laid the foundation for our successes, and his legacy will forever remain a guiding light for the department.” by Gan Fei Fei.

“Eng is one with big dreams and takes small practical steps to achieve them. Eng will definitely be missed dearly by the TR family and his wide circle of collaborators friends.” by Dr. Sharon Pek.

Dr. Eng Chon Boon’s passing marks the loss of a luminary whose work transformed the biobanking and research landscape. His vision, leadership, and mentorship touched countless lives, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for generations. He will be remembered for his outstanding personal qualities, particularly his kindness, warmth, and devotion to others. He was always taking care of arrangements and looking after others, both at home and at work. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that will continue to inspire.

We extend our deepest condolences to Eng’s family, friends, and colleagues. May his contributions continue to illuminate the path for future advancements in biobanking and cancer research.