The People Behind SMART CAMP: Dr Sin Wei Xiang, Research Scientist

Behind every breakthrough in science lies the passion, perseverance, and purpose of the people who make it possible. At the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology’s (SMART) Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-medicine (CAMP) interdisciplinary research group (IRG), this spirit is embodied by Dr Sin Wei Xiang, a Research Scientist who is helping to shape the future of cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

From advancing the use of cutting-edge microfluidic platforms to leading cross-functional research collaborations, Dr Sin is at the forefront of translational research that aims to overcome some of the toughest bottlenecks in bioprocessing. His work not only advances scientific understanding, but also addresses real-world challenges in making life-saving treatments like CAR-T cell therapies more accessible, affordable, and scalable.

Driven by both scientific curiosity and a deep sense of purpose, Dr Sin brings a unique blend of technical expertise and resilience to SMART CAMP. In this feature, we delve into his journey, motivations, and the groundbreaking projects that inspire him — both in and beyond the lab.

What do you do at SMART CAMP?

At SMART CAMP, I work as a Research Scientist leading projects that develop advanced processes and platform technologies to enhance the manufacturing of cell and gene therapy products, including lentiviral vectors and anti-cancer CAR-T cell therapies. My work is rooted in translational research, with a strong focus on addressing key bottlenecks in the bioprocessing pipeline — such as high costs, inconsistent product quality, and long production timelines — that limit patient access to these life-saving therapies.

I collaborate with a cross-disciplinary, international team of biologists, engineers, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) faculty to identify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs), and to develop process analytical technologies (PATs) in CAR-T cell manufacturing that can improve the consistency, efficacy, and safety of these advanced therapies.

Beyond research, I also contribute to project ideation, grant development, mentoring junior researchers, and managing industry collaborations. Together, our efforts aim to advance next-generation tools and scalable manufacturing solutions that can transform how cellular immunotherapies are produced and delivered to patients.

How did you first become interested in your field of work, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career then?

My interest in biomedical research began during my undergraduate years, but it was during graduate training that I became deeply fascinated by the potential of cellular immunotherapy and translational science. Working on genetically engineered cell-based therapies revealed both the immense promise of these treatments and the significant challenges of bringing them to patients.

As I delved deeper into the field, I realised that producing these therapies is not only scientifically complex, but also prohibitively costly and time-consuming. What struck me most was reading reports that the supply of lentiviral vectors and autologous cell therapies were so constrained that some patients had tragically passed away while waiting for their personalised treatment. These heartbreaking realities motivated me to focus my research on solving the practical bottlenecks in cell therapy manufacturing — because no patient should miss their chance at a potentially life-saving therapy due to production and delivery limitations.

What is the biggest motivation that keeps you going at work now, especially during the hard/challenging times? Is there something—or someone—that inspires you, or perhaps a personal mantra you live by?

What keeps me going, especially during challenging times, is the belief that our work can truly transform how cell therapies are manufactured and delivered — making them more accessible to the patients who need them most. While small wins like a successful experiment, publication, or grant help build momentum, what truly sustains me is knowing that we’re contributing to science that not only advances knowledge, but also has the potential to save or improve lives.

There are certainly difficult moments in translational research — failed experiments and shifting timelines — but I stay motivated by both the mission and the people around me. I’m fortunate to work with an inspiring and supportive team at SMART CAMP, as well as past and present mentors and colleagues who are not only brilliant scientists but also deeply committed to real-world impact. Many of them trained at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, and I’ve learned a great deal from their thoughtful, rigorous approach to science. Their ability to bridge deep research with meaningful, real-world applications continues to shape the way I think about my own work and fuels my drive for impact-driven innovation.

One mantra I live by is: “The greatest lesson I have learned in life is that I still have a lot to learn.” It’s a powerful reminder to stay humble, curious, and open to growth — qualities that are essential in research. For me, lifelong learning is not just a philosophy, but the core of scientific work: reading new papers, absorbing different perspectives, and contributing back through discovery. That mindset of always learning and always improving is what keeps me inspired and moving forward.

How does your work benefit the society/research communities?

Our work benefits both society and the research community by seeking to transform — not just improve — how cell and gene therapies are manufactured. By addressing critical inefficiencies and developing advanced analytical tools, we aim to make these therapies cheaper, better, and faster to produce — ultimately improving access and patient outcomes.

For example, one of our projects adapted a novel microfluidic cell culture device to achieve ultra-high cell densities in a remarkably small working volume and form factor for CAR-T cell manufacturing. This kind of process miniaturisation and intensification could fundamentally reshape how these therapies are made, enhancing scalability, throughput, and cost-effectiveness. Through SMART CAMP’s connections in Boston and Singapore, we contribute to global innovation while supporting local capacity-building to help position Singapore as a hub for advanced therapy manufacturing.

Could you share any milestones that you have worked on at SMART CAMP?

One of my key milestones at SMART CAMP has been leading a cross-functional, multi-institutional team of research engineers and postdoctoral fellows to advance a novel microfluidic cell culture platform for scalable CAR-T cell manufacturing. This work resulted in a high-impact publication in Nature Biomedical Engineering and was featured on MIT News and other science media. 

I also had the opportunity to present this research at both international and regional conferences, including the ECI Advancing Manufacture of Cell and Gene Therapies and the SCGT-ISCT Pan Asia Summit, where I was honored to receive the Best Oral Presentation Award.

Another major highlight was leading projects funded by the Singapore Therapeutics Development Review (STDR) Pre-Pilot and Pilot grants, which supported our efforts to improve lentiviral vector manufacturing. Through these projects, I also participated in the SMART Innovation Centre’s Venture Exploration and Venture Design programs, where I developed commercialisation strategies for a potential biotech startup — bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application.

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging. What are your current hobbies/guilty pleasures to relax and recharge?

Balancing work and personal life is important to me, and I find renewal through a blend of movement, mindfulness, and music. I stay active with regular gym sessions, jogging, and practising yoga and meditation — routines that help me stay grounded and maintain both physical and mental clarity. I also draw energy from nature — whether it’s hiking or simply wandering through parks and gardens, these moments provide space to reset and reflect.

Music is another constant in my life, especially classical and instrumental pieces that foster calm and focus. Some of my favourite ways to recharge include attending outdoor concerts or yoga sessions at places like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and joining charity walks or runs such as the NUS120 Hongbao Charity Walk. These experiences bring together my love for music, nature, and giving back — keeping me centred, energised, and inspired in both my personal and professional life.

Can you share with us something that would surprise us, or that you think is unique about you?

Something that might surprise people is that earlier in my career, I had to navigate the abrupt closure and relocation of not one, but two research labs — first during my PhD, and again during my postdoctoral fellowship. In both instances, my advisers left the institute before I could complete my training and contractual obligations. I’m deeply grateful to the mentors who took me into their labs and supported me through these transitions.

These experiences — moving labs while trying to sustain scientific output and momentum — taught me how to adapt quickly, keep projects on track through uncertainty, and build resilience into what is already a demanding research career. They weren’t easy moments, but, looking back, they were pivotal in strengthening both my mindset and my ability to persevere under pressure.

What do you hope to see happen in your research field in the next 10 years? And what excites you most about the possibilities ahead?

In the next decade, I hope to see cell and gene therapies become more affordable, accessible, and globally equitable — with greater standardisation in manufacturing and quality control to support widespread clinical adoption. I’m particularly excited about how the convergence of digital tools, AI, and microfluidics with biomanufacturing could enable decentralised, point-of-care production platforms and personalised therapeutic solutions.

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the potential of in vivo CAR-T therapies, which may transform how we think about cell therapy altogether. Instead of the current complex and costly process that requires specialised facilities and inpatient care, we could one day see outpatient treatments where engineered immune responses are generated directly within the patient. That kind of leap could be truly revolutionary, both scientifically and in terms of patient impact, and I am driven by the possibility of contributing to innovations that bring life-changing therapies to more people, more efficiently.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter a similar role or field of work?

At every stage of a scientific career, I believe having a growth mindset is essential — staying curious, embracing lifelong learning, and remaining adaptable in the face of change. For those aspiring to enter this field, my advice would be to be open to learning across disciplines. Today, biotech isn’t just about biology, it intersects with engineering, data science, and even entrepreneurship. To make a meaningful impact and solve complex societal issues, we must stay abreast of emerging trends, overcome inevitable challenges and failures, and be willing to think outside the box to explore new and innovative approaches.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and say yes to opportunities that stretch your capabilities or push you out of your comfort zone. A youthful mindset — one that stays open, resilient, and forward-looking — helps us keep going, even when the path is difficult, and helps us navigate the ups and downs of a career in research.