Introduction The aim objective of the International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Technology (ICBBT) is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academicians as well as industrial professionals from all over the world to present their research results and development activities in Bioinformatics and Biomedical Technology. Previous ICBBT 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were held in Singapore, Chengdu, Sanya and Singapore respectively. The 2013 5th International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Technology will be held in Macau during March 17-18, 2013.