Industry News

ASK Health Asia has unveiled Voices for Health, a pioneering regional platform designed to embed patient perspectives into healthcare reform across Asia and the Middle East. The inaugural summit, held on 16 June in Singapore, gathered nearly 160 healthcare leaders, including policymakers, providers, and patient advocacy groups, to discuss transforming patient-centred care from principle to practice.

The initiative addresses the growing complexity and cost pressures in global healthcare systems by fostering a collaborative environment where patient voices are integral to discussions on policy, financing, and care delivery. Chang Liu, CEO of ASK Health Asia, emphasised the importance of involving patients in decision-making, stating, “Healthcare systems cannot claim to be patient-centred if patients are only consulted after decisions have already been made.”

The summit, supported by partners such as Singapore General Hospital and Novartis, focused on building value-based health systems, improving integrated care, and institutionalising patient input in healthcare decisions. Judith Love, President of Novartis APMA, highlighted the necessity of early patient involvement, saying, “If we want health systems that people trust, patients need influence early enough to shape decisions.”

Voices for Health aims to support at least 10 collaborations by 2030 to enhance patient engagement and health outcomes. The platform’s multi-year agenda will continue to evolve, informed by insights from its structured co-creation process initiated in December 2025.

The Asia-Pacific healthcare sector is under increasing pressure as patient expectations rise and the clinical workforce remains stretched, according to Bain & Company’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare Report. The report, based on surveys of 6,300 consumers and 600 doctors across the region, reveals a growing disconnect between consumer demands and healthcare delivery capabilities.

Consumers are increasingly proactive about their health, with 60% now scheduling regular check-ups, up from 47% in 2023. A significant 84% expect greater convenience, whilst 71% desire more responsive communication from doctors via digital channels. The demand for a unified healthcare management system is evident, with 95% of consumers expressing a preference for a single touchpoint, up from 70% in 2019.

Clinicians are feeling the strain, with one in five doctors considering leaving their jobs due to excessive workloads and burnout. Additionally, one-third report inefficiencies such as excessive paperwork and fragmented workflows. Despite the potential of AI to alleviate some of these pressures, many organisations are not prepared to implement AI solutions at scale, citing unclear strategies and insufficient training.

Vikram Kapur, head of Bain & Company’s Global Healthcare & Life Sciences practice, noted, “The challenge now is not simply expanding access, but fundamentally redesigning how care is coordinated, delivered and experienced.”

The report suggests strategic opportunities for healthcare stakeholders, including enhancing care coordination and embedding AI into core operations. As the sector navigates these challenges, the integration of AI and improved clinician engagement are seen as pivotal to future success.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to host a pilot recruitment open day in Singapore on 9-10 July 2026 at the Carlton Hotel. This event offers experienced pilots the chance to meet Emirates’ recruitment team and learn about career opportunities within the airline’s expansive global network. The sessions, scheduled for 10 AM and 1 PM on 9 July and 10 AM on 10 July, are open to walk-ins without prior registration.

The open day comes as Emirates continues to expand its operations, now connecting over 130 destinations across 72 countries. The airline already employs 36 Singaporean pilots, highlighting its appeal to local talent. Rashed Alfajeer, Emirates’ Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, emphasised the significance of Singapore as a market, stating, “This open day gives pilots in Singapore the opportunity to engage directly with our team, understand the training and career pathways we offer, and explore what a future with Emirates could look like.”

Emirates is investing heavily in its future, with a $135m training facility in Dubai and plans to expand its fleet with Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. The airline offers roles such as Direct Entry Captains, First Officers, and positions within the Accelerated Command Programme, promising rapid career progression. Pilots joining Emirates can expect a competitive package, including tax-free salary, extensive leave, and travel benefits, with Dubai serving as the airline’s global hub.

Singapore-headquartered ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has announced the opening of STT Seoul 1, its inaugural data centre in South Korea. Located in Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, the facility offers up to 30 megawatts (MW) of IT load capacity and is designed to support hyperscale and enterprise deployments, including high-density workloads. This development marks STT GDC’s strategic entry into one of Asia’s most advanced digital markets, aiming to meet the growing demand for cloud and AI infrastructure in Northeast Asia.

The data centre, developed through a joint venture with Hyosung Heavy Industries, combines local expertise with STT GDC’s global platform. Charles Chulhoy Huh, Country Head of STT GDC Korea, stated, “STT Seoul 1 establishes an important foundation for STT GDC’s presence in Korea, extending a globally consistent platform into a key Northeast Asian market.”

Hyosung Group Chairman Hyun-Joon Cho highlighted the significance of the facility, noting it as a milestone for Korea’s AI ecosystem. The centre is strategically positioned near critical infrastructure, including telecommunications and transport links, enhancing its operational resilience and efficiency.

STT Seoul 1 has achieved the Tier III Certification of Design Documents from Uptime Institute, ensuring high availability and operational resilience. The facility features dual power feeds, a distributed redundant UPS system, and backup generators, alongside a cooling system with a design Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.3.

The launch of STT Seoul 1 underscores STT GDC’s commitment to supporting Korea’s ambition to become a global leader in AI, providing a robust foundation for the nation’s digital economy.

Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study reveals that Asia Pacific travellers are adapting to global shifts by prioritising familiar and practical travel plans. Conducted among over 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 from Asia Pacific, the study shows that 63% of respondents travelled within the region, favouring destinations like Japan, Australia, and Thailand.

Japan emerged as the top destination, with 19% of respondents visiting, and 28% planning to travel there in the next 12 months. The study also highlights a growing interest in unique local experiences, with 37% of Asia Pacific respondents planning trips around food and culture, surpassing the global average of 29%.

Travellers are increasingly using AI tools for planning, with 49% employing them to discover destinations and ideas. Payment security remains a priority, with 73% of travellers carrying cards or mobile wallets. Despite strategic planning, travellers maintain flexibility, with 79% booking accommodations in advance but only 51% pre-booking experiences.

Danielle Jin, Visa Asia Pacific’s Chief Marketing Officer, noted, “Travel is not slowing—it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional.” The study underscores the importance of enabling secure and seamless payment experiences for digital-first travellers. Visa continues to support global events, enhancing cross-border commerce through innovative payment solutions.

Jardine Matheson Holdings has announced a bold investment strategy aimed at achieving a 9% annual Total Shareholder Return (TSR) by 2030. The strategy includes a US$500m share buyback programme running until 2027, and a commitment to grow dividends by at least 5% annually.

The company plans to recycle US$4b from its portfolio, excluding commitments from Hongkong Land and Astra, and aims to generate an additional US$200m in profit after tax and minority interests through inorganic acquisitions. CEO Lincoln Pan emphasised the company’s focus on building a diverse portfolio of high-quality businesses in the Asia Pacific region. “We are working toward building a diverse, sustainable portfolio of quality assets with a target of delivering greater than 9% p.a. five-year TSR,” he stated.

Jardine Matheson is also refining its investment focus, seeking market-leading businesses that can scale in Asia Pacific and leverage technology like artificial intelligence for growth. The company aims for investments that are cash generative and growth accretive, with a pathway to US$100m in profit within five years.

The firm has already made strides in its transformation, including the privatisation of Mandarin Oriental and a US$2.4b investment in I-MED. These moves are part of Jardine Matheson’s strategy to simplify its corporate structure and enhance earnings quality.

As Jardine Matheson continues to evolve, its leadership remains committed to delivering substantial returns and maintaining accountability to its ambitious targets.

InnoTek Limited, a precision metal components manufacturer listed on the Singapore Exchange, has announced the incorporation of Mansfield Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. This new subsidiary, located in Chonburi, Thailand, aims to support InnoTek’s first liquid cooling project and expand its presence in the AI infrastructure sector. The facility, with a paid-up capital of THB 100m (S$3.9m), is set to begin operations in August 2026.

The new facility will focus on CNC machining for liquid cooling components used in AI servers and rack infrastructure. This development is part of InnoTek’s strategy to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in Southeast Asia. The company has secured an initial project with an established customer, with mass production expected to start in October 2026.

InnoTek plans to invest approximately S$7.5m in capital expenditure for this project, which includes acquiring advanced CNC machining equipment and automation systems. Executive Director and CEO Lou Yiliang stated, “The establishment of Mansfield Technology Thailand marks another important step in our expansion into higher-value manufacturing segments.”

The facility will complement InnoTek’s existing operations in Rayong, Thailand, which is undergoing a significant expansion. The advanced machining capabilities at the new subsidiary are also expected to open opportunities in robotics and humanoid technologies, aligning with the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Kaopiz Holdings and QuantumTX have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-develop AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) healthcare solutions, targeting Asia’s ageing population. The agreement was formalised on 29 May at the Vietnam-Singapore Tech Connect Forum in Singapore, attended by top government officials from both countries.

The collaboration combines QuantumTX’s MitoCharge technology, which offers exercise benefits without physical stress, with Kaopiz’s expertise in software, AI, and IoT engineering. This partnership aims to create preventive healthcare solutions that leverage advanced health data platforms.

QuantumTX’s CEO, Ivan Goh, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Partnering with Kaopiz accelerates our next-generation product development whilst opening the door for MitoCharge technology to reach users across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.”

The collaboration focuses on three strategic pillars: IoT device and software development, technical support and information exchange, and joint market development. Kaopiz will integrate AI, cloud computing, and data analytics into QuantumTX’s medical devices, enhancing predictive health insights and remote patient monitoring.

Kaopiz’s CEO, Le Van Hoang, expressed commitment to the project, saying, “Population ageing is a shared challenge that both Vietnam and Singapore must solve, and we believe technology is the key.”

This partnership marks a significant step in Vietnam-Singapore technology cooperation, translating government-level commitments into tangible healthcare innovations. The initiative aims to address demographic challenges and improve healthcare accessibility for ageing populations in the region.

Fortinet has announced the launch of its new Network Detection and Response (NDR) cloud Point of Presence (PoP) in Singapore, aimed at bolstering threat detection capabilities across the ASEAN region. This strategic move is designed to enhance cybersecurity measures by providing faster and more efficient threat detection and response services to businesses operating in the area.

The introduction of the Singapore NDR cloud PoP is part of Fortinet’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure in Southeast Asia. By establishing a local PoP, Fortinet aims to reduce latency and improve the speed of threat detection, which is crucial for businesses facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The new PoP will enable organisations to better protect their networks by leveraging Fortinet’s advanced threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities.

With cyber threats on the rise, the establishment of the Singapore NDR cloud PoP is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the cybersecurity posture of businesses in the region. As Fortinet continues to expand its presence and capabilities, organisations can anticipate improved protection against evolving cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of their digital assets.

A recent survey by IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo, highlights a significant trend in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region where enterprises are aggressively investing in artificial intelligence (AI) primarily due to the fear of missing out, rather than proven results. The survey, which included 800 technology leaders from APAC, Europe, and the US, found that 70% of organisations are motivated by AI’s potential or the fear of lagging behind competitors, yet many lack a disciplined approach to evaluating return on investment (ROI).

In APAC, the pressure to invest is particularly intense, with 37% of organisations admitting to aggressive AI investment with minimal evaluation—nearly double the global average. Countries like Australia and Vietnam are leading this trend, with 45% and 44% of organisations respectively acknowledging such investments. Despite the enthusiasm, only 19% of global organisations report that their AI implementations have exceeded expectations.

The survey identifies several challenges hindering AI success, including inadequate training data, higher-than-expected costs, and underperformance of AI systems. In APAC, 54% of organisations cite cost overruns as a significant issue, with Malaysia experiencing the highest impact at 80%.

Expereo’s CEO, Ben Elms, emphasises the importance of robust network infrastructure to support AI initiatives, stating, “AI only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure carrying it is built to support it.” The survey also notes that only 9% of APAC organisations feel their network infrastructure is fully prepared for AI, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

As AI adoption continues to rise, with 35% of APAC organisations reporting extensive use, the focus is shifting towards ensuring that underlying networks and infrastructure are capable of supporting AI at scale. Eric Wong, President of APAC at Expereo, notes that addressing these foundational issues early leads to stronger outcomes and faster operational impact.

The survey also raises concerns about the long-term risks of unchecked AI investment, with 54% of global tech leaders worried about new security risks and 39% concerned about losing track of AI-related costs and ROI. In APAC, digital sovereignty is becoming a strategic priority, with 38% of organisations rating it as a high concern amidst a complex regulatory landscape.