SETTING ethical recommendations for cloning and other genetic research will pose

a special challenge for Singapore because of its multi-religious and

multi-cultural society.

Religious groups will be consulted on the matter, besides scientists and members

of the public, said the chairman of the new Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC)

Lim Pin.

'We will have to move with caution and understanding so our findings and

recommendations will be acceptable to society,' he added.

He said that the 11-member group, which includes experts in diverse areas such

as science, law and ethics - would focus on two main areas.

It would develop principles governing the legal, ethical and social implications

of human biology research, and also promote public understanding of the life

sciences and the related issues.

'One of the greatest things we have to overcome is the lack of information and

the ethical and social issues involved,' said the former National University of

Singapore vice-chancellor.

'One of the first frontiers will be the kind of issues which trigger deep moral

objections,' he added.

It is understood that the committee's first meeting yesterday, which lasted

about 1 1/2 hours, was mainly administrative.

Sub-committees were set up to look into areas such as genetic testing, gene

therapy and embryonic stem-cell research.

Members of BAC will head the sub-committees.

The diversity of cultures and religions in Singapore meant that the committee

had to move with caution.

'We hope to be able to arrive at a collective morality on this whole issue,'

said Prof Lim.

He explained that a balance had to be struck, between individual rights and

welfare on one hand, and on the benefit of such research to mankind as a whole.

The BAC will submit its recommendations to the Life Sciences Ministerial

Committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan.

Any suggestions that are taken up will then be implemented by the appropriate

ministries or bodies, said Prof Lim.

He added that the committee would source for ideas from all over the world, and

adapt what was useful, in true Singapore style.

'Singapore is a small country, we're a late beginner; we would like to look at

what other countries have done.

'We will probably not try to reinvent the wheel.'