Dr. Wee Joo Chng to Receive Asian Myeloma Network Distinguished Service Award at the 10th AMN Summit in Shanghai

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to hold AMN Awards Ceremony at the 10th AMN Summit in Shanghai, China on Saturday, October 17. 

SHANGHAI, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be holding the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) awards ceremony on Saturday, October 17, during the 10th Annual AMN Summit in Shanghai, China from October 15-18, 2026. 

This year's 10th Annual AMN Summit will be Asia's largest gathering ever of myeloma specialists, along with patients and caregivers. 

Launched in 2023 by the AMN Executive Committee, the Asian Myeloma Network Distinguished Service Award recognizes and honors the lifelong achievements of deserving AMN myeloma specialists, who have made a considerable impact in the field of myeloma research, clinical trials, and patient support. 

This year's AMN Distinguished Service Awardee is Wee Joo Chng, MB ChB, PhD, FRCP (UK), FRCPath (UK), FAMS.

Dr. Chng is the Chairman of the Asian Myeloma Network; a member of the IMF Scientific Advisory Board; Vice President of Biomedical Sciences Research, Office of the Deputy President at the National University of Singapore; Yong Loo Lin Professor in Medical Oncology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Senior Consultant, Division of Haematology, Department of Haematology-Oncology at the National University Cancer Institute; and Group Chief Scientist at the National University Health System.

Dr. Chng obtained his medical degree from the University of Leeds, UK, and did his internal medicine residency in the United Kingdom.

He completed his fellowship training in hematology in Singapore, prior to receiving an A*STAR international fellowship in 2004 in multiple myeloma genetics at the Mayo Clinic.

Currently, Dr. Chng is highly involved in translational research — particularly, in the use of high-resolution global genomic techniques to understand biology, identify drug targets, understand drug resistance, and improve disease prognosis in hematological malignancies, with the ultimate goals of improving patient outcomes and personalizing treatment.

Dr. Chng has received numerous awards in the field of myeloma, including the 2021 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Graduate Mentor of the Year (GRAMAY) Award; 2020 Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award; 2020 National Day Awards – Public Administration Silver Medal; 2017 NUS YYL SOM Outstanding Researcher of the Year Award; 2017 NMRC Senior Translational (STaR) Research Award; 2016 26th Seah Cheng Siang Memorial Lecture; and the 2016 NMEA National Outstanding Clinician-Scientist Award.

He has co-authored a number of publications, with some of his notable work published in prestigious medical journals such as Leukemia, Haematologica, Blood, Cancer Research, and Blood Cancer Journal.

Dr. Chng has professional memberships in numerous organizations, including the American Society of Haematology (ASH), American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), and the Singapore Society of Haematology.

"It is a real honor to receive this award. It has been a real privilege to be trusted by the International Myeloma Foundation and all my colleagues at the Asian Myeloma Network to lead the AMN. One of the biggest joys in my career so far has been the opportunity to work with my colleagues to make impact on the lives of myeloma patients in Asia, to develop the next generation of myeloma experts, to provide an avenue for the voice of Asian myeloma patients to be heard and all wild establishing strong friendships across the countries and regions. We are by no means done. Expect more to come!" said Dr. Chng.

"Dr. Chng has been instrumental in advancing myeloma research and care throughout Asia, while also making important contributions to the field globally," said S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, Chair of the International Myeloma Working Group and Chair of the IMF Board of Directors. "His scientific leadership, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to developing the Asian Myeloma Network have helped create an increasingly strong platform for research, clinical trials, physician education, and improved patient care across the region. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition."

"Dr. Chng embodies the spirit of the Distinguished Service Award because his impact extends far beyond his own extraordinary scientific accomplishments," said Heather Cooper Ortner, President and CEO of the International Myeloma Foundation. "He has invested in building a community of clinicians, researchers, and leaders across Asia who are working together to improve the lives of people with myeloma. Under his leadership, the Asian Myeloma Network has grown into an important force for collaboration, education, research, and patient support. The IMF is incredibly proud to recognize Dr. Chng for his years of service and for the lasting impact he continues to have on the myeloma community throughout Asia and around the world."

"Prof. Chng has been a central figure in the AMN since its inception. For several years he led the AMN clinical trial work and was responsible for many AMN initiatives, including the AMN Tissue Bank project and the creation of the AMN Young Investigators Committee. Now as the Chair of the AMN, Prof. Chng is leading the network to new heights. He is very much deserving of this recognition," said IMF Senior Vice President of Global Affairs Daniel Navid. 

"The AMN Distinguished Service Award is an important milestone in the continued development of this important regional initiative. The AMN's body of work—including clinical trials, basic myeloma research, physician training, and patient support—is becoming increasingly recognized. The AMN Distinguished Service Award provides a spotlight to honor leading Asian myeloma specialists," said Daniel about this award.

IMF Executive Vice President of Research and Operations Lisa Paik and IMF SVP of Global Affairs Daniel Navid will be presenting the award to AMN Chairman Dr. Wee Joo Chng on Saturday, October 17, during the 2026 AMN Summit Award Dinner.

To learn more about the Asian Myeloma Network and its annual summit and programs, visit myeloma.org/asian-myeloma-network 

ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells — white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called "multiple" because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It often involves damage to bone and kidneys. Multiple myeloma is still incurable, but great progress has been made in terms of survival over the last two decades. The disease is twice as common and is diagnosed at a younger age in African Americans than white Americans. The most common presenting symptoms include fatigue and bone pain.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world's leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma. The IMF is steadfast in its mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families.

The IMF serves people impacted by myeloma at every stage of the disease by combining world-class research, trusted education, global advocacy, and direct support. A cornerstone of this work is the International Myeloma Working Group® (IMWG)—a network of more than 380 internationally renowned researchers and clinicians who establish the guidelines that shape how myeloma is diagnosed, treated, and managed across the globe.

Through its global network of support groups, educational programs, its 24/7 generative-AI myeloma assistant Myelo®, its InfoLine, and its advocacy for greater healthcare access, the IMF helps people living with myeloma and their care partners navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. At the same time, the IMF ensures scientific advances translate into better care and outcomes.

Learn more at www.myeloma.org or contact the IMF InfoLine at (800) 452-CURE (2873) (U.S. & Canada), +1 (818) 487-7455 (worldwide), or [email protected].

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SOURCE International Myeloma Foundation