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 (Medical Fair), organized by the HKTDC and co-organized by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, concluded successfully. As two flagship events of International Healthcare Week, they gathered thousands of participants and facilitated over 1,000 investment and business matching meetings, alongside multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to support healthcare enterprises in going global.
The ASGH brought together some 3,000 participants from 43 countries and regions, arranging over 400 one-on-one deal-making meetings. The Medical Fair welcomed around 13,000 buyers from 61 countries and regions, with more than 670 business matching sessions. Together, the events demonstrated synergy between medical technology, investment, and industry applications, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
Under the theme "Fuelling Healthcare Breakthroughs," the ASGH featured over 90 global leaders discussing public health, frontier technologies, AI breakthroughs, healthcare investment, and silver health. Plenary sessions highlighted the need for pandemic preparedness and the commercialization of medical research. Prof Ibrahim Abubakar of University College London emphasized developing research platforms long before pandemics. Jonathan Symonds, Chair of GSK, noted that aging and chronic diseases are now economic problems. Prof Michael Levitt, 2013 Nobel Laureate, stated that Hong Kong's healthcare data is potentially more valuable for research than the US.
AI applications were a key focus. Natasha Chhatrapati of Pfizer said AI is compressing timelines across the healthcare journey. Dr James Xue of CANbridge Pharmaceuticals highlighted China's population advantage for drug development. The Silver Health Chapter addressed aging-related challenges, with Dr Alex Mihailidis of the University of Toronto stressing that successful technology for older adults requires service delivery models and policy. Dr Li Xiang of Fosun Pharma emphasized beginning with unmet needs in drug discovery.
Over 400 deal-making sessions facilitated investment and business matching, attracting investors from Europe, the US, Asia, and the Greater Bay Area. Colin Tan of TusPark Holdings noted that the ASGH enabled a significant partnership in cancer research. Gu Feng of Shanghai Industrial Investment said the summit showcased Hong Kong's international competitiveness for Chinese companies expanding overseas. First-time exhibitor AQ Biotech from Finland viewed Hong Kong as a vital hub for credibility and connectivity.
Ten MoUs were signed, including between HKSH Medical Group and Siemens Healthineers, establishing HKSH as Siemens' first Photon Counting Computed Tomography Simulation Reference Site in Asia. Heidi Health signed agreements with EC Healthcare and Hong Kong Metropolitan University. The HKTDC also signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association to support Mainland enterprises' expansion into Singapore and ASEAN markets.
The Medical Fair, under the theme "Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience," featured some 300 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions, with smart ageing and green solutions exhibitors doubling. AI and robotics were core drivers. Wong Cheung Hang of Health Care & Co expected at least 20% business growth. Peter Li of GenomeMe Lab from Canada secured buyers from Hong Kong, Thailand, and India. Dresio Limited signed an MoU with a Filipino buyer for a contract exceeding HK$1 million. PalmX Technology received over 20 enquiries from hospitals and healthcare institutions, including from the Hospital Authority.
Buyers from emerging markets sought sourcing opportunities. Dr Keo Sovann from Cambodia found AI-powered medical imaging solutions and considered an order of 20 units. Rachid Zemmouri from Morocco met with 15 exhibitors and discussed thermodynamics-related solutions for eye-disease treatment, noting an annual procurement budget of approximately US$70 million.
The events underscored Hong Kong's role as a superconnector for global healthcare collaboration, leveraging its unique advantages in research data, professional services, and connectivity to the Chinese Mainland and international markets. For more information, visit the Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair websites.