Illumina Singapore, subsidiary of US-based biotech firm Illumina Inc, has announced an inaugural partnership with the Science Centre Board to inspire 2,800 students through the power of genomics.

STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning sessions will also be conducted for students from charity organizations and selected schools to grow their interest in life sciences and learn about different careers in the STEM sector.

The year long initiative begins with 2,500 primary and secondary students attending the DNA themed sessions at the Science Centre to learn about DNA and life sciences through hands-on DNA extraction experiments on fruits and other living organisms.

Illumina is expanding its Future is Bright programme in Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2023 by more than doubling its outreach to close to 5,000 students, from 1,400 in 2022. Future is Bright is Illumina's flagship programme that seeks to increase equitable access to STEM education for all.

Last year, the programme reached more than 90,000 learners, 1,600 community partners and 130 events with 1,500 employee volunteer hours. Illumina aims to reach five million STEM learners by 2030 globally.