The sixth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the 17th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, organized by the HKTDC and co-organized by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, have concluded successfully. As two flagship events of International Healthcare Week, they facilitated over 1,000 business and investment matching meetings, demonstrating the synergy between medical technology, investment, and industry applications. The ASGH gathered some 3,000 participants from 43 countries and regions, arranging over 400 one-on-one deal-making sessions, while the Medical Fair welcomed some 13,000 buyers from 61 countries and regions, with more than 670 business matching meetings.
The ASGH, under the theme "Fuelling Healthcare Breakthroughs," featured over 90 global leaders sharing insights on healthcare innovation and AI applications. At Plenary Session I, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar of University College London emphasized the need for long-term investment in infectious disease infrastructure. Jonathan Symonds, Chair of GSK, noted that ageing populations and chronic diseases have become economic problems. Prof Michael Levitt, Nobel Laureate, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages in longevity research. Sessions on AI, such as "Intelligence at Scale" and "Transforming Healthcare through Digital Health & AI Innovations," explored how AI is compressing timelines in drug development and patient care. Dr James Xue of CANbridge Pharmaceuticals pointed out China's edge due to its large population base. The Silver Health Chapter addressed smart ageing solutions, with Dr Alex Mihailidis stressing the importance of service delivery models alongside technology.
The ASGH facilitated over 400 business and investment matching meetings, attracting investors from Europe, the US, Asia, and the Greater Bay Area. Colin Tan of TusPack Holdings noted the platform's role in forging partnerships, including a cancer research collaboration between a UK organization and a Hong Kong counterpart. The event also featured the ASGH Business Hub and InnoHealth Showcase, with 180 healthcare innovation companies. Ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including between HKSH Medical Group and Siemens Healthineers, establishing Hong Kong as Siemens' first Photon Counting Computed Tomography Simulation Reference Site in Asia. Australian startup Heidi Health signed agreements with EC Healthcare and Hong Kong Metropolitan University for AI-enabled healthcare applications. The HKTDC also signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association to support Mainland enterprises' expansion into ASEAN markets.
The concurrent Medical Fair, themed "Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience," focused on MedTech, GeronTech, and Preventive Healthcare. Some 300 exhibitors from 10 countries showcased AI and robotics innovations. Wong Cheung Hang of Health Care & Co reported strong buyer interest in AI management systems and smart rehabilitation technologies, expecting 20% business growth. GenomeMe Lab from Canada connected with buyers from Hong Kong, Thailand, and India to explore hospital channels. Dresio Limited from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks signed an MoU with a Filipino buyer, with contract value exceeding HK$1 million. PalmX Technology Limited received over 20 enquiries from hospitals and healthcare institutions, including the Hospital Authority, with potential orders from Southeast Asia. The Fair also attracted buyers from emerging markets, such as Dr Keo Sovann from Cambodia, who considered ordering 20 units of AI-powered medical imaging solutions, and Rachid Zemmouri from Morocco, who discussed thermodynamics-related solutions with exhibitors.
The events underscored Hong Kong's role as a superconnector for global healthcare expansion, with AI emerging as a core driver of healthcare services. The EXHIBITION+ hybrid model extended engagement via Click2Match until May 20.
