The sixth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 17th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair) concluded successfully, drawing thousands of global participants and facilitating over 1,000 business and investment meetings, according to organizers. The events, held as part of International Healthcare Week, underscored Hong Kong's role as a superconnector for healthcare innovation and cross-border collaboration.
The ASGH, jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), gathered some 3,000 participants from 43 countries and regions. The summit arranged over 400 one-on-one deal-making meetings and facilitated the signing of 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements between HKSH Medical Group and Siemens Healthineers, and between Australian AI startup Heidi Health and local medical group EC Healthcare and Hong Kong Metropolitan University. These collaborations focus on AI-enabled healthcare applications and clinical research.
Meanwhile, the Medical Fair, organized by the HKTDC and co-organized by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, welcomed some 13,000 buyers from 61 countries and regions. The fair arranged over 670 business matching meetings, supporting exhibitors and buyers in identifying partners. Together, the two flagship events facilitated over 1,000 high-quality collaborations and connections.
A key theme across both events was the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. During the ASGH, thematic sessions such as "Intelligence at Scale: How AI is Powering Real-World Healthcare Revolution" and "Transforming Healthcare through Digital Health & AI Innovations" explored how AI is reshaping healthcare systems. Natasha Chhatrapati, Senior Director at Pfizer Inc., stated, "AI is compressing timelines across the entire healthcare journey, from drug development and clinical research to how we engage with physicians and how patients consume care."
The summit also featured discussions on pandemic preparedness, commercializing medical research, and the silver health economy. Prof Ibrahim Abubakar from University College London emphasized the need to develop research platforms long before pandemics and invest in infectious disease infrastructure. Jonathan Symonds, Chair of GSK, noted that ageing populations and chronic disease are now economic problems, not just health system issues.
Hong Kong's unique advantages were highlighted by several speakers. Prof Michael Levitt, a Nobel Laureate, said Hong Kong's healthcare system possesses high-quality statistical data, making it potentially more valuable for research than the US in areas like longevity. Prof Bernard Cheung, CEO of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute, pointed out that Hong Kong's public hospitals have electronic medical records spanning 30 years, a unique asset for studying long-term disease progression.
The events also supported "go global" strategies for healthcare enterprises. The HKTDC signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association to help Mainland enterprises expand into Singapore and ASEAN markets. Xiang Jun, Chairman of 365 Intelligence, noted that the ASGH helped them understand Hong Kong's professional services and plans to establish research operations there.
Exhibitors reported significant business outcomes. Curtis Wong, COO of Dresio Limited, signed an MoU with a Filipino buyer on the third day, expanding its software into Southeast Asia with a contract value exceeding HK$1 million. Health Care & Co expected at least 20% business growth compared with the previous edition, driven by interest in AI management systems and smart healthcare applications.
The Medical Fair featured some 300 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions, with a notable increase in exhibitors featuring smart ageing products and green solutions. Seven major zones showcased the latest medical technologies, including AI and robotics. The fair adopted the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with online matchmaking available until May 20.
For more information, visit the event websites: ASGH and Medical Fair.
