On October 16, 2025, the 5th edition of Future of Health Asia convened over 700 leaders from over 15 countries across government, science, and industry at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Hosted by Economist Impact, the annual flagship event explored how the Asia-Pacific can build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems in the face of ageing populations, chronic disease burdens, technological disruption, and climate change.
With over 50 speakers and moderators, and 15 sessions, the conference offered a full-day programme of keynotes, debates, and case studies, featuring perspectives from leaders shaping the future of health financing, medtech innovation, AI adoption, and climate resilience.
Innovation, Integration, and Inclusion
This year’s robust conversations reflected the region’s most urgent challenges: ageing populations, rising chronic disease burdens, technological disruption, and climate-related health risks. Participants explored how AI-driven innovation, value-based care, and cross-sector partnerships can help Asia build more resilient and equitable health systems.
Speakers included Colin Lim (Chief information officer and chief data officer, Ministry of Health, Singapore), Chien-Chang Lee (Chief information officer, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan), Arjan Toor (Chief executive, health, Prudential plc), Dr Mahender Nayak (Senior vice president, Takeda, Asia-Pacific countries), Peter Forbes (Group chief digital officer, National University Health System, Singapore) and more.
Patients at the Centre of Progress
Highlights ranged from AI’s role in smarter diagnoses and next-generation hospitals, to case studies on AI-enabled surgery. Recurring throughout the discussions was the message that Asia’s healthcare future depends not just on innovation, but integration – aligning investment, access, and patient experience in a truly people-centred model of healthcare.
Sessions on integrated chronic-disease care, climate action in healthcare, and rethinking elderly care sparked conversations on balancing innovation with accessibility across income and age groups.
Eric Mansion, pharma general manager, Sanofi South-East Asia and India shared: “Breaking healthcare barriers takes more than strategy and collaboration – it starts with patients. Their voices and lived experiences are key to building sustainable health outcomes for all.”
“Protecting both people and the planet requires innovation, equity, and strong partnerships,” added Gamze Yuceland, president, growth and emerging markets business unit at Takeda.
This year’s event was supported by major sponsors including FWD Insurance, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Prudential plc, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Takeda.
As Economist Impact’s flagship regional health event, this year’s edition of Future of Health Asia reaffirmed Singapore’s role as a hub for healthcare innovation and dialogue, charting the region’s path toward smarter, fairer, and longer living.
Learn more about the event: https://events.economist.com/future-of-health-asia/
