Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Conclude with Over 1,000 Business Matches and Multiple MoUs

The sixth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 17th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair) concluded successfully, generating over 1,000 investment and business matching meetings and facilitating multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The events, held as part of International Healthcare Week, underscored Hong Kong's position as a superconnector for global healthcare innovation and expansion.

The ASGH, jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted around 3,000 participants from 43 countries and regions. It featured over 400 one-on-one deal-making sessions and the signing of 10 MoUs, including agreements between HKSH Medical Group and Siemens Healthineers, and between Australian startup Heidi Health and local partners EC Healthcare and Hong Kong Metropolitan University. These collaborations focus on AI-enabled healthcare applications and clinical research, reinforcing the ASGH's role as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and international healthcare ecosystems.

The Medical Fair, organized by HKTDC and co-organized by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, welcomed some 13,000 buyers from 61 countries and regions. It arranged over 670 business matching meetings and showcased some 300 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions, with a focus on MedTech, GeronTech, and Preventive Healthcare. The number of exhibitors featuring smart ageing products and green solutions doubled this year, highlighting the integration of AI and robotics in healthcare.

Keynote speakers at the ASGH emphasized the importance of global collaboration and AI in healthcare. Prof Ibrahim Abubakar of University College London stressed the need for long-term investment in infectious disease infrastructure and AI technology. Jonathan Symonds, Chair of GSK, noted that ageing populations and chronic diseases are economic issues requiring systemic solutions. Prof Michael Levitt, Nobel Laureate, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages in healthcare data for research on longevity.

The summit also featured sessions on digital health and AI innovations. Natasha Chhatrapati of Pfizer Inc. stated that AI is compressing timelines across the healthcare journey. Dr James Xue of CANbridge Pharmaceuticals pointed out that China's large population offers an edge in building better drug candidates. The Silver Health Chapter addressed opportunities in smart ageing solutions, with Dr Alex Mihailidis of the University of Toronto emphasizing the importance of service delivery models alongside technology.

The GoGlobal CONNECT series provided practical insights for pharmaceutical enterprises expanding internationally. Prof Bernard Cheung of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute noted that Hong Kong's 30-year electronic medical records are a unique asset for studying disease progression. The HKTDC also signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association to support Mainland enterprises' expansion into Singapore and ASEAN markets.

Exhibitors reported significant business outcomes. Wong Cheung Hang of Health Care & Co expected at least 20% business growth from the fair. Peter Li of GenomeMe Lab Inc. from Canada connected with buyers from Hong Kong, Thailand, and India. Dresio Limited signed an MoU with a Filipino buyer for its contactless physiotherapy assessment system, with contract value expected to exceed HK$1 million. First-time exhibitor PalmX Technology Limited received over 20 enquiries from hospitals and healthcare institutions within two days.

The Medical Fair attracted buyers from emerging markets, including Dr Keo Sovann from Cambodia, who considered ordering AI-powered medical imaging solutions, and Rachid Zemmouri from Morocco, who discussed thermodynamics-related solutions for eye-disease treatment. The events adopted the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with Click2Match available until May 20. For more information, visit the International Healthcare Week website at https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en and the ASGH website at https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en.