Govt, stakeholder support make Malaysia ideal hub for healthtech
In an era marked by unprecedented technological innovation, perhaps none is as transformative and impactful as healthtech.
From wearable devices that monitor vital signs, to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools, technology is revolutionising the healthcare landscape, offering new possibilities for patient care and medical advancements.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by an ageing population and the need for accessible healthcare solutions, healthtech emerges to reshape the future of healthcare delivery.
In Southeast Asia alone, the proportion of people aged 60 or above was 9.8 per cent in 2017, and is set to increase to 13.7 per cent, and 20.3 per cent by 2030 and 2050, respectively.
There’s an element of urgency for rapid transformation in healthcare systems, which is being driven in part by the adoption of healthtech solutions.
With increasing access to smartphones and the internet, patients are becoming more empowered and engaged in managing their health, while healthcare providers are embracing digital tools to enhance patient care and streamline operations.
In this evolving landscape, Malaysia stands out as a focal point for healthtech innovation. At the heart of Malaysia’s burgeoning healthtech sector lies a spirit of innovation and collaboration.
With strong support from the government and industry stakeholders, Malaysia has emerged as a hub for healthtech start-ups and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
From telemedicine platforms connecting patients with healthcare providers remotely, to AI-driven solutions for disease diagnosis and treatment, Malaysian start-ups are at the forefront of developing ground-breaking technologies that address the unique healthcare challenges facing the region.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s commitment to research and development (R&D) and investment in healthcare infrastructure has created a fertile ground for healthtech innovation to thrive.
Collaborations between academia, industry, and government agencies have led to the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and therapies, positioning Malaysia as a leader in healthcare innovation within Southeast Asia, and beyond.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanisation, and changing lifestyles, the opportunities for healthtech in Southeast Asia are vast. From remote patient monitoring and personalised medicine, to digital health records and telehealth, healthtech solutions have the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs.
Tiffany Khoo, co-founder and chief executive officer of WeAssist, highlighted the business impact.
“AI is a great tool to be able to do that because it allows us to calculate exactly how much resources is required to achieve a certain goal,” said Khoo.
“For example, with virtual wards, patients can get treatment in the comfort of their homes, or at least, where it is convenient for them. When technology and AI products are developed with that in mind, we can even calculate how many people are in a certain hospital.
“Some costs can go down, too, especially if you can get treated faster,” she added.
The government’s commitment to promoting digital health initiatives and creating an enabling regulatory environment further amplify the opportunities for healthtech companies to thrive.
By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, Malaysia is poised to address the healthcare needs of its population and drive positive health outcomes across the region.
The post Govt, stakeholder support make Malaysia ideal hub for healthtech appeared first on Twentytwo13.
