Leading the society to fulfill its mission
Our representatives and leaders represent 11 different countries and multiple disciplines
Society Leadership
Yoyo Chu
President, Hong Kong SAR
Yoyo Chu is a pioneer of genetic counselling practice in Hong Kong and the first HGSA-certified genetic counsellor in the region. As President, she brings deep clinical breadth and a strong focus on professional development, education, and public engagement across Asia.
Yoyo is a genetic counsellor based in Hong Kong S.A.R., currently practicing privately. She holds a Master of Genetic Counselling from the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her clinical journey began at the University of Hong Kong, where she specialized in pediatrics, prenatal, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. She also contributed to the Department of Clinical Genetics at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, extending her expertise across pediatric, neurology, cardiac and prenatal genetics. Yoyo’s experience also spans direct-to-consumer genetic testing, with a keen emphasis on carrier screening and hereditary cancer syndromes. As the first certified genetic counsellor by the Human Genetic Society of Australasia in Hong Kong, Yoyo plays a pioneering role in developing genetic counselling practice, education, and public outreach across the region. She is committed to advancing both clinical care and community support, striving to make genetic information accessible and meaningful to families and healthcare teams. Outside of her professional work, Yoyo is passionate about exploring new places, and enjoys pilates and yoga.
Sook-Yee Yoon
President-Elect, Malaysia
Sook-Yee Yoon leads genetic counselling services across multiple hospitals in Malaysia and is deeply involved in hereditary cancer care and psychosocial research. As President-Elect, she supports sustainable service growth and professional training in multicultural settings.
Sook-Yee is a certified Genetic Counsellors in Malaysia and accredited by the Human Genetics Society Australasia (FHGSA). She is currently the Head of Genetic Counselling at GENETIX Cancer Research Malaysia, Visiting Genetic Counsellor in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and other private hospitals in Malaysia. Her research focus is on hereditary cancers, with an interest in the psychosocial aspects of genetic testing and counselling in multi-cultural Malaysia. She is a member of the International Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Hereditary Cancer (IMPAHC) Scientific Committee and the HUGO Education Committee. Sook-Yee believes in the development of the genetic counselling profession and teaches in the Masters of Genetic Counselling programme in the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) as a visiting lecturer. She is also currently the Vice President of the Genetic Counselling Society Malaysia and through the society, aims to increase the awareness of genetic tests and genetic counselling in Malaysia and to develop the registration and certification pathway for genetic counsellors in the country. Sook-Yee loves music and has an eclectic spotify playlist including classifical, anime, musicals, Cantopop, Kpop, and local hits in Bahasa Melayu.
Breana Cham
Past President, Singapore
Breana Cham is a Senior Principal Genetic Counsellor at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital with a strong track record in education and regional collaboration. As Past President, she provides continuity in leadership while strengthening standards and workforce development across South-East Asia.
Breana is a Senior Principal Genetic Counsellor at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s Genetics Service, is a University of Melbourne graduate and certified genetic counsellor. She is passionate about helping families navigate complex genetic health decisions and access appropriate services. Breana’s commitment extends beyond patient care to developing the genetic counselling profession locally and regionally. She actively educates current and future genetics professionals, contributes to curriculum development, and defines local practice standards. Through active participation in the Genetic Counsellors Society Singapore, Professional Society of Genetic Counsellors in Asia and Asia-Pacific Society of Human Genetics, Breana shapes the landscape of genetic counselling in Singapore and South-East Asia. Her work in professional development, education, and regional collaboration has contributed to genetic counselling practices and standards across the region. She enjoys roller blading, gardening, and listening to music. She also has a fish and a lovebird that gives her joy to take care of.
Chinmayee B. Nagaraj
Treasurer, USA/ Australia
Chinmayee B. Nagaraj brings over a decade of experience spanning molecular diagnostics, paediatric oncology, and academic training. As Treasurer, she applies her international leadership and research experience to support PSGCA’s governance and long-term sustainability.
Chinmayee is from India, works as a Genetic Counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, USA and is pursuing her doctoral degree in Genetic Counseling at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the field, she has expertise in multiple specialties; molecular diagnostics and reporting, neuromuscular conditions, and pediatric oncology. She has trained graduate students, residents, and fellows through lectures, supervision, and research mentorship. Her research interests have included her clinical areas with a special focus on professional issues in genetic counseling internationally. She has also remained active in professional service and community engagement efforts and holds multiple leadership positions. Chinmayee is also an Indian classical musician and enjoys learning through travels, reading, hiking, and basketball.
Peter Ivan
Treasurer-Elect, Indonesia
Peter Ivan is a medical doctor and genetic counsellor whose work focuses on psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes in genetic conditions. As Treasurer-Elect, he contributes a patient-centred perspective to financial planning and future leadership within PSGCA.
Peter Ivan is a medical doctor and a recent graduate in genetic counseling, holding a Master’s in Biomedical Science from the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang (2025). His master’s thesis focused specifically on the sexual quality of life in patients with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), highlighting his dedicated interest and expertise in psychosocial and patient-centered genetic care. He currently practices as a genetic counselor at Naleya Genomic Indonesia (NGI) and Diagnos Clinic, Bunda Maternal and Child Hospital, Jakarta (RSIA Bunda Jakarta). Peter is an active member of the Indonesian Society of Human Genetics (InaSHG) and the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring new places, fishing, and listening to music.
Ma-Am Joy Tumulak
Secretary, Philippines
Ma-Am Joy Tumulak is a physician-genetic counsellor and leader in genetic counselling education and newborn screening in the Philippines. As Secretary, she supports organisational coordination while strengthening training and capacity-building across the region.
Ma-Am is a medical doctor with over 15 years of clinical and research experience in genetics, newborn screening, and genetic counseling. She finished her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at the University of the Philippines Manila. She has contributed to the advancement of these fields through her work in patient care, research, and advocacy. As a Research Faculty at the Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, UP Manila, she is instrumental in training future genetic counselors. She currently serves as the President of the Philippines Society of Genetic Counselors (PSGC). A self-confessed Swiftie and an Army, her idea of relaxing time is reading a good book, listening to music, or drinks with friends.
Ziske Maritska
Secretary-Elect, Indonesia
Ziske Maritska is an academic leader and practising genetic counsellor shaping professional ethics and standards in Indonesia. As Secretary-Elect, she strengthens PSGCA’s governance with a strong focus on ethical, patient-centred practice.
Ziske is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Biology at Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia. A practicing genetic counselor for nearly a decade, she is deeply committed to advancing the integration of genetics into medical education and clinical practice in Indonesia. As Head of the Committee for Professional Practice and Ethics of the Indonesian Society of Genetic Counseling, she actively contributes to the ongoing development of professional standards in her home country. Ziske is committed to patient-centered, ethical care. She believes every condition matters, no matter how rare, and she continues to support patients and their families while helping grow and strengthen genetic counseling services in Indonesia. In her free time, Ziske loves reading children’s storybooks and manga. Her guilty pleasures include diving into zombie-apocalypse novels and movies. She also finds peace in drawing while listening to the same song on repeat.
Sommon Klumsathian
Communications Director, Singapore
Sommon Klumsathian brings cross-regional experience as a genetic counsellor who was working in Thailand and now in Singapore, with strengths in clinical care and systems thinking. As Communications Director, he focuses on clear, practical communication that connects PSGCA with its diverse regional community.
Sommon is a genetic counsellor at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore, working closely with families navigating pediatric and prenatal genetic conditions, focusing on translating complex genomic information into clear, actionable insights that support informed decision-making for both patients and clinicians. He began his career in Thailand as the country’s first HGSA-registered genetic counsellor, practicing across laboratory and clinical settings at Ramathibodi Hospital and Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, where he developed expertise spanning variant interpretation, test development, and patient counselling. He holds a Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling from the University of Technology Sydney. He continues to explore how digital tools and data-driven systems can enhance the efficiency and accessibility of genetic services, guided by a core commitment to helping individuals understand their genetic information in a way that is human, practical, and empowering. He enjoys playing video games, trekking, and exploring new gadgets like 360 cameras and drones. He also likes to read books. These hobbies allow him to combine outdoor adventures, technology, and relaxation.
Suraj Manikandan
Membership Director, India
Suraj Manikandan is a senior genetic counsellor with extensive experience in clinical service development, training, and professional leadership in India. As Membership Director, he focuses on growing an engaged, connected genetic counselling community across Asia-Pacific.
Suraj is a native of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India is a Consultant Senior Genetic Counsellor with over a decade of diverse experience in many facets of professional genetic counselling regionally and internationally. He is a senior board (India) certified genetic counsellor who is also currently serving as the Executive Board Member of the Board of Genetic Counselling, India. His expertise in Community genetic counselling, Pediatric genetics, Prenatal & Reproductive, Cancer genetics and in the genomics industry has currently led him to take up leadership roles such as set up Genetic clinics and curate & conduct genomics and counselling training courses in his region. He has been passionately involved in professional development, patient support & advocacy, training & teaching early-career GC professionals and facilitating peer support activities. He envisions integrating GCs across the Asia Pacific region to share best practices in the field and proudly throw light on the unique cultural fabric of this part of the world. In his leisure time travels to explore different cultures and geography, does adventure treks, dedicates some time in community service engaging in activities to benefit people with less social privilege and for equity.
Mercy Laurino
Professional Development Director, USA/Philippines
Mercy Laurino is an international leader in genetic counselling education, cross-cultural collaboration and workforce development, with over 20 years of clinical experience. As Professional Development Director, she promotes regional training and knowledge-sharing initiatives that strengthen genetic counselling capacity across Asia.
Mercy has been a driving force in advancing genetic counseling in the Philippines and across Asia. She collaborated with local leaders to launch the first Philippine genetic counseling training program and continues to champion regional capacity-building and collaboration. She is Director of the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines–Manila. With over 20 years of clinical experience, her work focuses on return of results, public health genetics, and strengthening genetic counseling education. She earned her MS from the University of Colorado and her PhD in Public Health Genetics from the University of Washington. She received the 2016 International Leader Award from the National Society of Genetic Counselors for her global contributions. As Professional Development Director, she is committed to expanding training and knowledge-sharing to keep genetic counselors across Asia at the forefront of emerging science and best practices. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, bonding over great food, travelling, and music. She absolutely loves her pet dog and spoils him as much as she could.