On 20 June, SingHealth Polyclinics marked a key milestone at the 10^th Asia Pacific Primary Care Research Conference 2025. Themed “Advance Health through Innovation and AI”, the three-day conference held at the Academia, SGH Campus in Singapore, attracted over 250 healthcare professionals from across the Asia Pacific region.

The opening event was graced by Guest of Honour, Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer, SingHealth, and was attended by Ms Cho Seoyeon, First Secretary from the Political Section, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, SingHealth senior leaders, and local and overseas guests and partners. Jointly organised by SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme (FM ACP) and the Singapore Health Technologies Consortium (HealthTEC.SG), this conference served as a pivotal platform to unite thought leaders, healthcare professionals, and innovators from Singapore and the region to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in primary care.

The opening video, which was partly generated using AI, showcased an AI-generated host who introduced the conference and our esteemed speakers. By embracing the spirit of innovation right from the start of the conference, the showcase sends the important message that AI isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we can actively use every day! 

A snippet of the opening video screened at the APPCRC, which showcase an AI-generated host

In Prof Ng’s opening address, he emphasised the immense value of emerging technologies in driving accurate diagnosis and enhancing quality of care. He added, “It is truly an exciting time for primary care – a sector often called the front door of the healthcare system. As we look around the world today, we are reminded that primary care challenges are not confined by borders, and neither are the solutions.”

Prof Ng Wai Hoe delivering the opening address at the conference

Clin Asst Prof David Ng, CEO, SingHealth Polyclinics, announcing three MOUs that SHP had signed with South Korean MedTech companies to bring smarter and personalised healthcare solutions to patients

Clin A/Prof Tan Ngiap Chuan, Vice Chair, Research, SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme (FM ACP) and Chair, Primary Care Research Institute (PCRI) elaborating on the innovative solutions that we can look forward to in the next three years

At the first plenary talk, Prof Lee Chien Earn, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Regional Health System, SingHealth, presented about Primary Healthcare in the Digital Age. His key message, “Begin with the end in mind” resonated with the audience who were visibly engaged.

Prof Lee Chien Earn presenting his insightful presentation on Primary Healthcare in the Digital Age

A dynamic lineup of distinguished speakers from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Singapore shared their insights on telehealth, AI, and healthcare policy.

Clin Asst Prof Moosa Aminath Shiwaza, Consultant, SHP-Bukit Merah (third from right) shared about BiliSG,
an AI-powered smartphone app to measure jaundice levels in babies

Dr Mabel Leow, SHP Research Fellow facilitating a session on Asthma Prevention and Management

Strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to Drive Regional Collaboration

A significant milestone is the signing of the MOUs with three emerging South Korean MedTech companies, which aims to strengthen partnerships and advance healthcare innovation and research. The companies were chosen based on the potential impact they have on patient experience and the well-being of healthcare workers.

Leaders from SingHealth and South Korean MedTech companies celebrate the signing of strategic MOUs to advance healthcare innovation. From left: Dr Gordon Xiong, Senior Assistant Director, Singapore Health Technologies Consortium (HealthTEC.SG), Dr Derek Tse, DCEO (Community Health and Resourcing), SingHealth Polyclinics, Dr Ng Lok Pui, DCEO (Clinical Services), SingHealth Polyclinics, Clin A/Prof Tan Ngiap Chuan, Vice Chair, Research, SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme (FM ACP) and Chair, Primary Care Research Institute (PCRI), Clin Asst Prof David Ng, CEO, SingHealth Polyclinics, Ms Cho Seoyeon, First Secretary from the Political Section, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer, SingHealth, Mr Tony Park, CEO, Monit, Mr James Moon, CEO, injewelme, Mr Martin Seo,
Chief Business Development Officer, YoungAnd

The first company, injewelme uses “DeepHealthVision” for almost instantaneous clinical assessment using every day mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters that will provide accurate screening, facilitate remote and continuous monitoring of vital signs, and enhance healthcare delivery.

Mr Nathan Cheong, Chief Business Development Officer, injewelme, providing an overview of the system
that can measure vital signs and status using a mobile device

Dr Derek Tse, DCEO (Community Health and Resourcing), SHP, experimenting with the device to test out vital parameters

The second partnership featured YoungAnd, which developed a “Brain Health Playground” platform that aims to sustain cognition through specially-designed games. Through this system, brain training can be made more accessible, personalised and less intimidating, as our patients can do it in the comfort of their homes while being monitored by our healthcare professionals remotely.

Mr Martin Seo, Chief Business Development Officer, YoungAnd, sharing the development plans of “Brain Health Playground”

Our researcher, Mr Lim Jie En, trying his hands on the interactive game that will boost cognitive wellness through physical activity

The third partnership with Monit introduces a smart diaper technology that will assist with postnatal, infant and elderly care. Using a combination of smart sensors, it offers an advanced monitoring system and provides real-time insights with alerts on the contamination level of a diaper, allowing early intervention and optimum care for the young and old.

Mr Tony Park, CEO, Monit presenting the smart diaper technology for babies and seniors

The technology can provide real-life readings and alerts to the users

Igniting Minds at the Research Championship

Another noteworthy segment was the Research Championship, which aimed to nurture budding primary care professionals in research, with participants receiving intense coaching from experienced Family Medicine academics to develop their research protocols. This year, 14 teams from the region competed over two rounds, with both judges’ evaluation and audience voting to determine the winners.

Our budding researchers explaining their research methodologies and findings to the audience

‘Team Salt Busters’ from SHP emerged as the champion with their proposal, titled “Salt Intake and Blood Pressure Control in Adults with Essential Hypertension.” This proposal aims to addresses the current gaps in evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions designed to reduce salt and increase potassium intake in hypertension patients using a qualitative approach.

Team Salt Busters claims the crown as champions!

Spotlighting Latest Advancements at the World Café

As a new segment of the conference this year, the World Café was an exciting feature where Health Technology startups demonstrated innovative AI-enabled solutions that are set to shape the future of healthcare. A total of 14 exhibitors showcased their solutions to healthcare challenges and engaged our participants in cutting-edge live demonstrations.

Prof Ng and Dr David exchanging ideas and inputs at a live demonstration

Our attendees having a hands-on session to test the latest technology on visual acuity

The APPCRC was a resounding success, receiving positive feedback from the attendees. As the conference ended, attendees departed with renewed aspirations and valuable experiences. The conference not only showcased the future of healthcare but also highlighted the ongoing digital transformation in the primary care fraternity!