HANOI, Vietnam, May 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Established in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre offers advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities and quality medical services. Mahkota Medical Centre is the flagship hospital of Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group).

At the recent 16th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2024, Mahkota received the Silver Award for Empowerment of Women Award for Less Than $500 Million Market Capitalization category, reflecting its focus on empowering women within its organization.

In an interview with ACN Newswire, Ms Teo Chin Yee, CEO of Mahkota, talks about the organization’s strategies and processes throughout its journey in promoting women empowerment and gender equality.

ACN: Can you share with us Mahkota Medical Centre’s journey in promoting women empowerment within the organization, and how it aligns with your core values and mission?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre’s journey in promoting women empowerment within the organization is deeply rooted in our core values of Competence, Compassion, and Collaboration.

Competence: We acknowledge and appreciate the competence and capabilities of women in our organization. Through continuous training, mentorship programs, and development opportunities, we empower women to enhance their skills and expertise, enabling them to excel and advance in their careers.

Compassion: Our dedication to compassion extends to all individuals, including our female staff members. We prioritize cultivating a supportive and nurturing work environment where women feel valued, respected, and supported in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities. Our leadership team is committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women, ensuring they receive the compassion and support necessary to thrive.

Collaboration: We believe in the strength of collaboration and teamwork in achieving our objectives. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we encourage women to share their ideas, insights, and experiences, leading to numerous innovations within the organization. Additionally, this culture enables women to support and learn from one another, driving positive change collectively.

At Mahkota Medical Centre, our commitment to promoting women empowerment aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services. By empowering women within our organization, we will be able to not only enhance the professional growth and development of our female staff, but also strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care to our patients.

ACN: Mahkota Medical Centre is known for its commitment to international accreditation. How has this accreditation process contributed to fostering women empowerment within the organization?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: The accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota Medical Centre has played a pivotal role in fostering women empowerment within the organization, primarily by promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for career advancement.

Firstly, through international accreditation, Mahkota Medical Centre has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism. This commitment creates an environment conducive to the success of women in various roles within our organization. By adhering to these rigorous standards, women are provided with a level playing field where their skills and contributions are recognized and valued, thus facilitating their growth and advancement within the organization.

Moreover, the attainment of accreditation promotes inclusivity and diversity within the workplace. By striving for and achieving recognition on an international scale, Mahkota Medical Centre sends a clear message that all individuals, regardless of gender, have a voice and are valued contributors to the organization. This inclusivity allows women to actively participate in decision-making processes, shaping the organization’s culture and practices to be more supportive and conducive to their professional growth and development.

A concrete example of how accreditation has contributed to women empowerment within our organization is evident in the role of nurse navigators within various clinical care programs. These nurse navigators play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans and receive the necessary support throughout their journey. Empowered to bring patient issues to interdisciplinary meetings for discussion and improvement, nurse navigators exemplify how accreditation has enabled women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change within our organization.

In summary, the accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota Medical Centre reinforces our dedication to promoting women empowerment and advancing gender equality within our workplace. By adhering to international standards and fostering inclusivity, accreditation creates an environment where women are able to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organization’s mission of providing quality healthcare services.

ACN: Could you elaborate on any specific programs or initiatives implemented at Mahkota Medical Centre aimed at empowering women across borders?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has spearheaded impactful programs aimed at empowering women across borders, with the Jakarta PinkCare Wellness Program 2023 in Indonesia standing out as a notable example.

This initiative was carefully crafted to raise awareness among women about the critical importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard their well-being, particularly in preventing breast cancer. Central to the program’s objectives was the emphasis on regular healthcare screenings and early detection as vital components of maintaining optimal health and preventing the onset or progression of breast cancer.

Highlighting Mahkota Medical Centre’s commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to women, the program showcased various screening options available at the centre. By doing so, it underscored the organization’s dedication to ensuring that women have convenient access to essential healthcare resources, thus empowering them to take charge of their health proactively.

The launch event was held at Plaza Indonesia, a renowned venue in Jakarta, and was met with a resounding success which drew considerable attention from stakeholders and the public alike. Among the distinguished guests in attendance was the Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, lending further prestige to the occasion. Notably, the representatives from Mahkota Medical Centre who graced the event were all women, including the Oncologist, Breast Surgeon, and nurse navigators. Their presence not only represented the organization’s commitment to women’s health, but also served as a testament to the integral role that women play in healthcare leadership and service delivery.

An impactful aspect of the event was the heartfelt testimonies shared by two Indonesian breast cancer survivors. Their narratives shed light on the transformative power of early detection and accessible healthcare services in their journey towards recovery. These testimonials served as poignant reminders of the importance of women’s health empowerment and left a lasting impression on the attendees, inspiring them to prioritize their own well-being and seek preventive healthcare measures.

Overall, the Jakarta PinkCare Wellness Program exemplifies Mahkota Medical Centre’s unwavering dedication to empowering women across borders by promoting health awareness, facilitating access to healthcare services, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to proactive health management.

ACN: Collaboration with governmental and NGOs can significantly enhance women empowerment efforts. Can you discuss any partnerships Mahkota Medical Centre has established in this regard and the impact they’ve had?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has recognized the importance of collaboration with governmental organizations and NGOs in enhancing women empowerment efforts, particularly in the realm of breast cancer awareness and prevention.

One significant partnership is with Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN), where we collaborated to facilitate free yearly breast screenings for women in the local community. Through this partnership, we extend our reach and ensure that more women have access to crucial screenings, empowering them to take control of their breast health. By combining resources and expertise, Mahkota Medical Centre and LPPKN work together to remove barriers to healthcare access and promote overall well-being within the community.

Moreover, our annual Mahkota Charity Run serves as another testament to our commitment to collaborative efforts for women empowerment. In this initiative, we join forces with both governmental organizations and NGOs to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer patients. For instance, in our latest run, we partnered with Skyhawk Melaka and raised an impressive RM122,788. These funds were channeled to support breast cancer patients through contributions to the National Cancer Society Malaysia and the Seck Kia Eenh Cancer Fund. Notably, over 100 breast cancer survivors participated in the event, symbolizing resilience and hope within our community.

Through these partnerships, Mahkota Medical Centre demonstrates its dedication to empowering women by providing essential healthcare services, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. By leveraging collaborative efforts with governmental organizations and NGOs, we amplify our impact and work towards a future where women have equal opportunities for health and well-being.

ACN: In what ways does Mahkota Medical Centre leverage its strong female leadership at the helm to drive women empowerment initiatives within the organization and beyond?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre leverages its strong female leadership to drive women empowerment initiatives within and beyond the organization. With more than 70% of our workforce being female, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, women play a crucial role in ensuring round-the-clock patient care and emergency response.

Leading by Example: Female leaders set a compelling example for women within the organization and beyond. They demonstrate that gender should never be a barrier to success and inspire women to aspire to leadership roles.

Fostering a Supportive Culture: Mahkota Medical Centre prioritizes fostering a supportive culture where effective communication and listening skills are valued. Female leaders nurture an environment where women feel empowered to voice their ideas, contribute their expertise, and lead positive change.

Advocating for Change: Female leaders advocate for change both within the organization and in the broader community. They champion gender equality in healthcare and advocate for women’s rights, striving to create a future where women are empowered to thrive professionally and personally.

By leading through example, fostering a supportive culture, and advocating for change, Mahkota Medical Centre’s strong female leadership inspires and empowers women to realize their full potential, contributing to a future where women make a lasting impact in every aspect of society.

ACN: How does Mahkota Medical Centre ensure gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions, and what benefits have you observed from having a diverse leadership team?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre upholds gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles through deliberate efforts. Despite having a predominantly male presence among doctors in leadership, and a female-dominated nurse workforce, the organization ensures equal opportunities for career advancement.

Administrative and support functions implement unbiased recruitment and promotion processes, prioritizing merit-based considerations over gender. Moreover, the organization invests in tailored nursing competency and leadership development programs to empower female leaders. These initiatives offer mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, fostering the professional growth of women within the organization.

A gender-diverse leadership team cultivates an inclusive workplace culture, promoting a sense of value, respect, and empowerment among all employees. This inclusivity positively impacts employee morale, engagement, and retention rates, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre remains steadfast in its commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions. By ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of gender, the organization strives to create a conducive environment for thriving and succeeding, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of its healthcare delivery system.

ACN: Can you share any success stories or milestones achieved through Mahkota Medical Centre’s women empowerment initiatives, particularly those related to international accreditation and cross-border partnerships?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has witnessed significant success through its women empowerment initiatives, particularly in international accreditation and cross-border partnerships.

One notable achievement is the regional expansion of our PinkCare program beyond Malaysia, offering tailored breast care education to communities in neighbouring countries like Indonesia. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of breast cancer and provides culturally sensitive education, recognizing the unique needs of women in different regions.

Additionally, Mahkota Medical Centre has implemented nurse navigators as trusted guides to assist individuals in navigating through breast health concerns. This program, coupled with our follow-up study into breast cancer, continues to generate results which emphasized the importance of inclusivity, personalized care, and equitable access to women’s health services.

Challenges in implementing women empowerment initiatives are inevitable, particularly in recognizing the holistic needs of women and ensuring comprehensive healthcare services. However, Mahkota Medical Centre is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of everyone involved in empowering women’s health. Through collective efforts, barriers are broken down, inequalities are challenged, and the voices of women in healthcare are uplifted. Together, Mahkota Medical Centre is making a tangible difference in the lives of women, their families, and communities.

ACN: What are some of the challenges Mahkota Medical Centre has encountered in implementing women empowerment initiatives, and how have you overcome them?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Implementing women empowerment initiatives at Mahkota Medical Centre has posed challenges, notably regarding balancing work and family responsibilities for female employees.

A significant hurdle arises from the need for women to manage professional duties alongside family commitments which are particularly prevalent among younger women with childbearing responsibilities or caregiving duties. In response, Mahkota Medical Centre prioritizes compassion and flexibility.

To address this, we’ve implemented policies and practices accommodating female employees’ needs, such as offering flexible working arrangements. This includes options to transfer to non-shift duties or adjust work hours, ensuring they can fulfill family obligations without sacrificing professional responsibilities.

By fostering a compassionate and flexible work environment, Mahkota Medical Centre empowers women to manage their work-life balance effectively. This approach supports the well-being of female employees and contributes to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture overall.

ACN: How do you measure the effectiveness and impact of Mahkota Medical Centre’s women empowerment programs, especially in terms of promoting gender equality and advancing women’s leadership?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Tracking the progression of female employees within the organization through promotions to leadership positions is a tangible measure of the empowerment programs’ effectiveness in supporting women’s career growth. By monitoring the number of women advancing into leadership roles over time, Mahkota Medical Centre can assess whether empowerment initiatives are successfully facilitating career advancement opportunities for women.

Gathering feedback from female employees through surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews provides valuable insights into their experiences with empowerment initiatives. This feedback helps identify perceived benefits, challenges faced, and areas for improvement in the programs. It also enables Mahkota Medical Centre to tailor empowerment initiatives to better meet the needs and aspirations of female employees.

Analysing retention rates among female employees is another important measure of the impact of empowerment programs. Higher retention rates among women may indicate increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and the organization’s ability to retain talented women in leadership roles. Understanding retention trends allows Mahkota Medical Centre to assess the effectiveness of empowerment efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for women.

By systematically evaluating career advancement, gathering employee feedback, and monitoring retention rates, Mahkota Medical Centre can assess the overall impact of its women empowerment programs and make informed decisions to further enhance gender equality and support women’s leadership development within the organization.

ACN: Looking ahead, what are your vision and goals for Mahkota Medical Centre’s continued commitment to women empowerment, both within the organization and in the broader healthcare community?

Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre’s vision for continued commitment to women empowerment involves fostering a high-performance culture within the organization while also making significant strides in the broader healthcare community.

Internally, our aim is to establish Mahkota Medical Centre as a compelling employer brand, attracting and retaining top talent. This entails implementing the best HR practices, such as offering competitive total remuneration packages, prioritizing staff wellbeing through psychosocial practices, and providing tailored recognition and rewards.

Furthermore, we seek to enhance employee engagement by fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and development. This includes developing a competency framework for nursing and allied health/clinical staff to ensure they have the necessary resources to excel in their roles.

Moreover, Mahkota Medical Centre is dedicated to intensifying the 3Cs culture (Compassion, Competence, Collaboration) and work ethics within the organization. This involves initiatives such as enhancing patient experience through Service Excellence, establishing a Nursing Academy for improved patient care and safety, and promoting collaboration through team recognition and continuous improvement efforts.

In the broader healthcare community, our vision extends to empowering women across Southeast Asia. We plan to leverage our expertise and resources through initiatives like knowledge sharing, capacity building programs, and partnerships with regional healthcare institutions to promote gender equality and women’s leadership in healthcare.

Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre’s vision for women empowerment encompasses creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture while also making significant contributions to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership in healthcare, both locally and regionally.

About Mahkota Medical Centre

Founded in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre (Mahkota) is one of the largest and most comprehensive tertiary private hospitals in South Malaysia. The hospital offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapies, along with high-quality medical services. It is one of the most comprehensive hospitals, focusing on medical sub-specialties with high surgical workloads. Licenced with 272 beds in eight wards and housing over 120 practising consultants across a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines, it is supported by dedicated management, doctors, and allied healthcare staff.

Mahkota is a top medical tourism destination in Malaysia and an elite member of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, serving around 95,000 foreign patients annually. In 2023, Mahkota is proud to be named one of the four finalists in the prestigious Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, which aims to establish Malaysia as a globally renowned icon for healthcare travel.

Mahkota was the first private hospital in Malacca to become accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and has been accredited from 2023-2026. In addition, Mahkota is the first hospital in Malaysia to be awarded the JCI Clinical Care Programme Certification (CCPC) for Breast Cancer. In order to ensure Malaysians’ patient safety and quality, the hospital has earned the 6th edition of Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) accreditation. Mahkota is the flagship hospital of Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group), with more than 25 years of track record. For more information on Mahkota, please visit https://www.mahkotamedical.com.  

Media contact:
Tay Jia Wen
Senior Executive, Brand & Communications
E: tay.jiawen@mahkotamedical.com
FB: www.facebook.com/MahkotaMedical/

Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

• ASGH attracted 2,800+ participants from 40 countries and regions
• Medical Fair welcomed 12,000+ buyers from 60 countries and regions
• 360+ deal-making sessions and 650+ business matching meetings were arranged to facilitate cross-sector collaboration
• Signing of cooperation agreements at ASGH fostered collaboration across healthcare, including ophthalmology, gastrointestinal well-being, AI and innovative drugs

HONG KONG, May 19, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – China’s 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub, which will provide new opportunities in healthcare and promote the city as an international health innovation hub.

Global healthcare leaders, medical product and service traders, start-ups and investors gathered in Hong Kong for the third International Healthcare Week, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), to engage in conversation on the healthcare industry’s latest developments and trending topics.

The flagship events, the fourth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), concluded successfully yesterday. ASGH attracted over 2,800 participants from 40 countries and regions, while the Medical Fair welcomed over 12,000 buyers from 60 countries and regions.

More than 360 one-on-one deal-making sessions and over 650 business matching meetings were arranged to facilitate cross-sector collaboration.

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “Global health issues, such as ageing populations, novel infectious diseases and climate-related health threats, have accelerated the need for innovation, collaboration and inclusion. The Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair have greatly contributed to advancing health and medical innovation and fostering vital industry exchange. Being able to bring together leading figures in healthcare-related industries in Hong Kong is a testament to our city’s position as a leading hub for medical innovation.”

Healthcare experts discuss trending topics

The Summit brought together over 80 experts, researchers, medical professionals, business leaders, investors and representatives from the healthcare industry worldwide. They engaged in fruitful discussions on diverse forward-looking issues, ranging from healthcare innovation, innovative drugs and China’s healthcare development to healthcare investment prospects and healthcare insurance.

At the first plenary that discussed opportunities in co-creating a synergistic health innovation ecosystem, Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong SAR, said: “Hong Kong is on a road to reform its medical product registration and innovate biomedical research in the coming decade. With the national endorsement and our policy innovations, together with the can-do spirit of our people bolstered with our traditional and new advantages, I am confident that Hong Kong will overcome all challenges and achieve its goal of developing into a health and medical innovation hub.”

Another highlight was Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2006, in the second plenary who highlighted the latest biotech advancements. He pointed out: “The chief limiting factor in research today is financial support. The Hong Kong government has taken important steps very recently and announced a programme to invest HK$6 billion in a research centre for fundamental studies. It’s a good beginning, but it should not end there,” Prof Kornberg said.

He added: “Most discoveries are made by young people. The importance of creating opportunities for young people to gain early independence and to be adequately supported to pursue their curiosity, in whatever direction that may take, is the key to success.”

In the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health, Prof Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology of University College London, shared the latest trends and research findings in neuroscience and mentioned the importance and power of global collaboration in determining genetic risk factors.

In the session What’s Next in China’s Healthcare Arena, medical experts and business leaders analysed the latest healthcare developments and investment environment in Mainland China. Antony Leung, Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group, pointed out that a good patient experience is the area the industry can explore and invest in.

During the Advancing Healthcare in Asia Through Innovation session, Yasushi Okada, Representative Corporate Officer and COO of Eisai Co., Ltd., said Hong Kong continues to be an important hub for East Asia and ASEAN, playing a vital role in the advancement of science, technology, finance and economy. Enterprises sign agreements, 360 matching sessions held ASGH Deal-making matched healthcare investment projects with investors, including angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate venture capitalists, private equity firms and family offices. More than 360 one-on-one sessions between investors and project owners took place.

To foster collaboration across healthcare, including ophthalmology, gastrointestinal well-being, AI, innovative drugs and more, this year’s Summit facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, including:

-Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology and PT Erela Indonesia;

-Optima International and TRB Chemedica (Thailand);

-Gense Technologies and EC Healthcare;

-Schweitzer Health Biotech Co., Ltd and DKSH Hong Kong;

-PanMediso Capital Limited and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;

-AstraZeneca and Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB);

-Uni-Bioscience Group, Great Bay Bio and Pebble Accelerator

These partners were all connected via previous editions of the Summit and HKTDC’s global network. In particular, AstraZeneca and CTSCB will work together to advance scientific research and translate the findings into healthcare solutions that improve lives and foster the development of the healthcare ecosystem.

Additionally, the LiverCare – Hong Kong 10 Million Liver Scans Program launch ceremony was held at ASGH. The Hong Kong LiverCare Alliance plans to carry out 10 million early screening tests for liver disease to raise public awareness of liver disease prevention and treatment.

Facilitating business connections and matching at Medical Fair

The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), brought together some 300 exhibitors from eight countries and regions, including six local universities, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and healthcare enterprises led by HKMHDIA.

“We have connected with over 150 new customers, and we believe that more than half of them have collaboration opportunities. We expect to secure orders with a total value of around US$3 million,” said Dr Cheng Man-Hong, Director of medical equipment company Maxwin & Honwell Limited. The company had a successful debut at the Medical Fair. “We also discussed with potential medical companies from Canada, the UK, Taiwan and Thailand. Through the Click2Match platform, we successfully matched with buyers from Indonesia and India,” Dr Cheng added.  

Gold Together Technology Limited, another Hong Kong exhibitor, capitalised on domestic opportunities and received enquiries from local hospitals under the Hospital Authority, such as Kowloon Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital and private hospitals, like Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital and Union Hospital, with a potential value of HK$50 million.

Participating in the Medical Fair for the third time, VVFLY Electronics Co., Ltd. from Mainland China promoted sleep health products, such as AI-powered anti-snoring devices. Lily Li, the company’s Sales Director, mentioned that the Fair helped them expand into the Southeast Asian and South Asian markets, and they were highly satisfied with the results. “An Indian customer purchased 1,000 breathing machines on the first day, totalling US$150,000-$200,000. Later, we also received orders from buyers in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, totalling around 500 breathing machines, exceeding our expectations.”

Assel Abakova, Deputy Director of Amanat LLP Pharmaceutical Company from Kazakhstan with an extensive distribution network in the country and neighbouring regions, such as Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, visited the fair for the first time. In view of the growing cases of laryngeal cancer in the region, there is demand for a rapid diagnostic tool to facilitate immediate treatment. “We found a Hong Kong exhibitor that offers AI-enabled diagnostic solutions, which may relieve the shortage of medical and testing professionals in the region,” she said. The buyer will continue discussions with the exhibitor to customise and localise the solution, and the potential project value could exceed US$10 million.

Seminars on wide-ranging topics were held during the Fair, attracting keen participation from healthcare professionals. In the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum, experts discussed topics, such as gerontechnology and smart health. Those who missed the seminars can watch the replay on the Fair’s website at https://bit.ly/3DNBBXy.

The Medical Fair ran under the HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. In addition to the physical fair, buyers can extend their sourcing journey online via the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 25 May as well as via hktdc.com Sourcing.

Websites
International Healthcare Week: https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en
Asia Summit On Global Health: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en
Photo download: https://bit.ly/4bJHOms

 

ASGH attracted over 2,800 participants from 40 countries and regions

Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at Stanford University, said “The Hong Kong government has taken important steps very recently and announced a programme to invest HK$6 billion in a research centre for fundamental studies. It’s a good beginning, but it should not end there.”

Zhaoke Ophthalmology and PT Erela from Indonesia signed a cross-border cooperation agreement on eye diseases

AstraZeneca and Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology (CTSCB) formalised their cooperation at ASGH to develop life-improving healthcare solutions.

The Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair featured various zones, attracting over 12,000 buyers from 60 countries and regions

The HKSTP pavilion, comprising more than 30 start-ups, showcased cutting-edge medical equipment, diagnostic and analysis solutions and telemedicine technology

The debut Hungary pavilion showcased medical instruments applicable to fields, such as analytical testing science. Antibacterial coatings have also been featured.

HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum, co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association, explored Hong Kong’s developments in smart health and innovative transformation

 

Media enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Hill & Knowlton:

Joyce Kwong	Tel: (852) 2894 6321	Email: joyce.kwong@hillandknowlton.com
Lynn Zhang	Tel: (852) 2894 6301	Email: lynn.zhang@hillandknowlton.com

 

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Asia Summit on Global Health

Clayton Lauw

Tel: (852) 2584 4472

Email:clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

 

Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair

Jane Cheung

Tel: (852) 2584 4137

Email:jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

 

Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

• Over 80 healthcare experts discuss forward-looking topics at Asia Summit on Global Health, including latest trends in neuroscience, precision medicine and Chinese medicine
• Some 300 exhibitors at Medical Fair showcase latest medtech, such as dementia assessment systems and biotech for wound treatment
• First orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong on view at Medical Fair

HONG KONG, May 16, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The third International Healthcare Week (IHW), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened yesterday, featuring two flagship events.

Themed Innovation. Inclusion. Impact, the fourth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) takes place today and tomorrow, facilitating exchange and collaboration among industry players from around the world.

The 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair) runs from today to 18 May. Featuring some 300 exhibitors, the Fair showcases a wide range of innovative medical products and solutions and promotes global industry collaboration to position Hong Kong as a hub for medical innovation.

Opening the Summit, HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: “Asia is growing in importance in the global health ecosystem. With Hong Kong being an international finance and business centre and on its way to becoming a health and medical innovation hub, it is fitting for the HKTDC to organise International Healthcare Week, with the Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair as flagship events, to bring together major industry players from Asia and beyond in our city to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of Asia’s medical and healthcare industry.”

In his opening speech, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee said, “Technology is a policy priority of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Thanks to the strong support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan and other national strategies, Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as an international innovation and technology hub,” Mr Lee said. “Collaboration and partnerships fast-track innovation. And that, I’m confident, can begin right here, over these two days of forums, plenaries, dialogues and networking sessions. A wealth of medical research and development intelligence and insights, together with the latest I&T, and the experts driving them: all here for you, at this year’s Asia Summit on Global Health.”

During his special remarks, Prof Cao Xuetao, Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, pointed out: “Hong Kong as an international financial, maritime trade and innovation hub is leveraging its unique position to connect Mainland China with the world. In recent years, Hong Kong has made significant advancements in the medical and healthcare sectors. These developments, amid the complex and evolving international landscape, have profound implications on global health security, socioeconomic progress and well-being. This underscores the importance of strengthening collaboration to seize new opportunities and address emerging challenges in healthcare.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also delivered remarks at the opening session via video link.

Industry elites discuss forward-looking issues at ASGH

In the first plenary session today, Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, highlighted the preparatory work for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the progress made in promoting Hong Kong as a health innovation hub. He Yaqiong, Director General of the Consumer Goods Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, shared the country’s experience in advancing high-quality development of the healthcare industry. He also discussed how Chinese pharmaceutical companies can effectively use the Hong Kong platform to tap into international markets.

At the second plenary, Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, spoke about the latest developments in biotechnology.

ASGH gathers more than 80 global leaders in healthcare, including business executives, investors, international research and medical experts and health officials, to discuss diverse industry issues, such as medical and healthcare innovations, healthcare development in China and healthcare investment prospects.

These include Andy Ho, Chief Region Leader of Philips Greater China, Antony Leung, Group Chairman of Nan Fung Group, Prof Tony Mok Shu Kam, Chairman of Department of Clinical Oncology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Prof Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Given the rise of AI in healthcare, the summit held a dedicated session with representatives from Medtronic plc, HeartFlow, Inc. and other organisations discussing AI opportunities and practical applications in the healthcare sector, such as diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.

Day two of ASGH features diverse thematic sessions. With Chinese medicine gaining more attention, the complementary use of Chinese and Western medicine has become a rising trend. Representatives from the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital explore Chinese medicine in modern healthcare, while a session organised with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University discusses the development of innovative drugs with specialists from Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd, AstraZeneca, and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited.

Facilitating connections and opportunities

The exhibition area and InnoHealth Showcase feature projects and services from around the world, including pharmaceutical and therapeutics, AI and digital health, medical device and diagnostics, community health and wellness, from more than 150 innovative technology companies related to healthcare.

Among them, more than 70 start-ups and projects are being showcased with the support of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and six local universities. Many of these exhibitors were recognised at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions earlier this year.

Aside from the continued participation of The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission , Australia’s Investment NSW and the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine bring innovative healthcare start-ups and institutions to Hong Kong for the first time to help them connect with potential partners and investors.

A core element of the Summit, ASGH deal-making connects project owners and investors from across the globe to discuss collaboration opportunities. Participating investors represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate venture capital, private equity firms, family offices and more.

At the new Investor Workshop, guest speakers, including Dr Charles Hu, Founder and CEO of Ryoden Medical Holdings Ltd., explore investments in healthcare companies and start-ups and share insights into the investment landscape.

AI and robotics – Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience 

The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), showcases cutting-edge medical and healthcare equipment and solutions, including robotics and medical and healthcare products. Themed Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, the Fair also features products catered to the silver market.

Covering biotechnology, hospital equipment, rehabilitation, laboratory equipment and more, the Fair’s various zones feature some 300 exhibitors comprising leading research and academic institutions, including six local universities, HKSTP and enterprises led by HKMHDIA. Highlights of exhibits include notable AI and robotics medical technologies as well as cold chain logistics solutions.

Exhibitor Yuanhua Robotics, Perception & AI Technologies (HK) Limited  presents the first orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong, with a robotic arm that can expertly assist with hip and knee replacement operations.

Another Hong Kong exhibitor Sramek Insight Limited  presents a wearable smart cardiovascular analyser, which delivers continuous hemodynamic data through remote monitoring, and provides customised medical advice based on real-time data.

Hungary exhibitor Uscom Ltd. showcases an ultrasonic spirometer to assess pulmonary function, which can be used to screen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and monitor asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases.

One of the many Medical Fair events, the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum this morning featured specialists in innovative medical equipment discussing market trends and future strategies. Tomorrow’s seminar, co-organised with HKSTP, discusses the application of mixed reality and AI in medical technology and explores trends in medical technology worldwide, including the market potential of medical equipment in Mainland China.

Leveraging the HKTDC EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, the physical Medical Fair is complemented by Click2Match smart business matching to extend the sourcing journey from 9 to 25 May.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3K5z7Y8

 

The fourth Asia Summit on Global Health, co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and HKTDC, takes place today and tomorrow

Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, gives a welcome address

John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, delivers opening remarks

Prof Cao Xuetao, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, delivers special remarks

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, delivered remarks at the opening session via video link

ASGH invited Prof Roger Kornberg, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2006 and Professor of Structural Biology at Stanford University School of Medicine, as guest speaker

ASGH deal-making connects project owners and investors globally through in-person and online meetings

To foster collaboration across healthcare, this year’s Summit also facilitated the signing of a number of cooperation agreements

The Medical Fair features a wide range of exhibition zones, such as Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Products, and assists exhibitors and buyers to establish global connections

Medical Fair exhibitor Yuanhua Robotics debuts the first orthopaedic surgical robot made in Hong Kong, which can assist in hip and knee replacement operations

Hong Kong exhibitor Sramek Insight Limited presents a wearable smart cardiovascular analyser. Comprising a data router and an inflatable blood pressure watch, the device delivers continuous hemodynamic data and provides customised medical advice

 

Websites
International Healthcare Week: https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en
Asia Summit On Global Health: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en
Programme: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/programme
Speakers: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/speaker
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en
List of products: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en/product
Activity schedule: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en/intelligence-hub

Media enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Hill & Knowlton:

Joyce Kwong	Tel: (852) 2894 6321 / 6842 5929	Email: joyce.kwong@hillandknowlton.com
Lynn Zhang	Tel: (852) 2894 6301 / 9794 5751	Email: lynn.zhang@hillandknowlton.com

 

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Asia Summit on Global Health

Clayton Lauw

Tel: (852) 2584 4472

Email:clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

 

Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair

Jane Cheung

Tel: (852) 2584 4137

Email:jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

 

Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

 

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

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