**5. Conclusion**

Etiology and epidemiology of NTM infections highlight that NTMs are emerging pathogens, warranting more research. Clinical features, barriers in the diagnosis of NTM and a lack of more effective treatment strategies were discussed for NTM infections in lung, skin and eye system. This overview prompts comments that can be made for NTM infections for future research. (1) NTM infections are considered emerging pathogens around the world including Singapore. (2) Better understanding of microbial life in real human clinical scenarios is important in dealing with the easy biofilm forming NTMs. (3) More research is critically needed to fill a huge gap of host-pathogen interactions in NTM infections. (4) A Multidisciplinary approach, better diagnostic tools, increase public awareness and standard treatment guidelines and new therapeutic research is urgently required.
