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Philips Future Health Index 2024 APAC Report: Healthcare leaders in APAC turn to AI and data integration solutions to improve quality and timeliness of patient care

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71% of healthcare leaders in APAC reported delays in care due to staff shortages.93% reported that they experienced at least 1 data integration challenge but recognize the potential of bringing data from different sources together to improve efficiency and care. AI increasingly utilized for clinical decision support, with 62% planning to invest in generative AI within the next three years, higher than global (56%).

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today released the Asia Pacific (APAC) findings of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 report: Better care for more people. The ninth edition of the report, which surveyed nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders in 14 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore, shows that healthcare leaders are focusing on improving operational efficiencies through workflow prioritization, data integration, and AI-enabled innovation to improve patient care impacted by workforce shortages, financial challenges, and growing demand.

“While long wait times and staff shortages are making it difficult for people to get the care they need, when they need, we are also observing our healthcare leaders taking bold and thoughtful changes to deliver better patient care for more people,” says Dr Mark Burby, Vice President of Health Systems for Philips APAC. “They are determined to overcome data integration challenges to fully uncover its utmost potential and are excited to embrace the next level of AI implementation for critical decision making and improved efficiencies.”  

Staff shortages and financial challenges are taking a toll on patient care in APAC

71% of healthcare leaders in APAC are concerned about staff shortages resulting in delays in care for patients. Furthermore, 92% of healthcare leaders in APAC highlight that financial challenges are impacting their organization’s ability to provide timely, high quality-care, with 59% of them currently improving operational efficiency at their organization as a financial strategy. Other countries are doing the same, including Singapore (64%), Indonesia (57%), and Australia (56%).

To deal with the high volume of patients without compromising on quality, workflow prioritization is seen as the biggest opportunity for automation to improve productivity and ease staff shortages worldwide. In APAC, close to half (45%) have already implemented workflow optimization.

High hopes in the potential of data integration to improve efficiency and care

Healthcare leaders in APAC see a wide range of opportunities to improve patient care by bringing data from different sources together in a meaningful way, helping them to build a cohesive patient story. They believe that the benefits from having data-driven insights include optimizing treatment plans/care pathways (36%), identifying evidence-based best practices (36%), forecasting and managing patient demand (36%), predicting and reducing adverse patient events (33%), reducing hospital readmissions (33%), and reducing diagnostic and elective care procedure waiting lists (31%).

However, 93% of healthcare leaders in APAC reported that they experienced at least one data integration challenge. These challenges affect their ability to provide timely and high-quality care, and include an increased risk of errors, reduced patient safety and/or quality of care (36%), limited coordination between care providers/departments (33%), increased operational costs due to inefficiencies (32%), spending time accessing/integrating data resulting in less time caring for patients (31%), and missed opportunities for preventive care or early intervention (31%).

To fully uncover the benefits of data integration, 67% of healthcare leaders in APAC highlighted the importance of quality data. They identified improved accuracy of data (36%), improved data security/privacy (34%), full patient access to their own health data (34%), and improved interoperability between platforms/healthcare settings (31%) as areas to be changed when handling data.

AI increasingly utilized for clinical decision support, with growing interest to advance to generative AI

In APAC, successful adoption in AI is observed with healthcare leaders increasingly embracing AI for clinical decision support. The findings show how they have implemented and are planning to implement AI for clinical decision support in the next three years across different areas of care including preventive care (91%), medication management (90%), in-hospital patient monitoring (89%), treatment planning (89%), remote patient monitoring (87%), in clinical command centers (83%), radiology (79%), and pathology (79%).

Looking towards the next step in AI, generative AI adoption is taking off in APAC with healthcare leaders recognizing the benefits of AI algorithms that can be used to produce content such as text, images, or data, in response to inputted prompts. This could benefit patient care by unlocking new efficiencies and insights from patient data. In APAC, 36% of healthcare leaders are currently investing in generative AI technologies. 62% are planning to invest in these technologies in the next three years, consistent with interest in Indonesia (74%), Singapore (64%), and Australia (49%). Overall, APAC’s interest in generative AI is ahead of global healthcare leaders currently investing (29%) and planning to invest in the next three years (56%).

While there is widespread excitement about the possibilities of AI in healthcare, 95% of healthcare leaders in APAC are concerned about data bias in AI applications widening disparities in health outcomes. There is a shared recognition that AI needs to be implemented in a responsible way to avoid unintended consequences. Making AI more transparent and interpretable for healthcare professionals (45%), ensuring staff diversity in data and AI (43%), continuous training and education in AI (40%), and implementing policies for the ethical use of data and AI (39%) were listed as strategies to mitigate the risk of data bias. This can only be achieved through cross-sector collaboration and coalition-building.

“The future of delivering better care for more people is attainable through seamless integration of data and smart application of AI in clinical care to improve workflow and productivity for healthcare providers. At Philips, we are leveraging AI and informatics capabilities and harnessing the power of partnerships to innovate across imaging, interventional and monitoring to stay ahead of these needs,” added Dr Burby.

Philips has been working with its partners in APAC on new business models and engaging in long-term strategic partnerships to innovate care delivery. Being aware that services, upgrades, sustainable innovations, and practices as well as training and education are key to the long-term success of digital transformation, Philips offers integrated and comprehensive suites of systems, smart devices, software, and services, to address the specific pain points faced by healthcare providers and ultimately help unleash the full possibilities of digital transformation.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2023 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and employs approximately 69,700 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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SOURCE Royal Philips

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HUAWEI WATCH D3 Debuts at ISH-ECS 2026, Bringing Advanced Blood Pressure Monitoring into Everyday Life

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 31st International Society of Hypertension Scientific Meeting and 17th Emirates Cardiac Society Annual Conference (ISH-ECS 2026) took place in Dubai from 22 to 25 October 2026. As a major international gathering dedicated to hypertension, the conference brought together leading organisations and experts from around the world to discuss the latest research and developments in hypertension prevention and management.

International experts presented findings from their research using HUAWEI WATCH D Series wearable blood pressure monitors, highlighting the potential of wearable technology to support blood pressure monitoring and management. Huawei, a member of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), also showcased its newly launched HUAWEI WATCH D3 at the event. At the Huawei exhibition area, attendees had the opportunity to experience the new device’s medical-grade blood pressure monitoring capabilities across different scenarios first-hand, offering a closer look at how advanced wearable technology can make blood pressure monitoring more convenient and accessible in everyday life.

Huawei Establishes Wearable Blood Pressure Technology Innovation Fund to Advance Research

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, blood pressure control rates remain low globally, highlighting the need for more effective monitoring and management.

To support further research in this field, Huawei has established the Wearable Blood Pressure Technology Innovation Fund in collaboration with ISH. The fund focuses on two key areas: wearable blood pressure measurement and wearable blood pressure management. It aims to encourage innovation, explore new applications for wearable technology, and support advances in hypertension prevention and management worldwide.

At the conference, researchers leading the first three projects selected for funding, from more than 80 applications, were invited to present their work. The projects involve researchers from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka and the University of Edinburgh in the UK, Peking University People’s Hospital in China, and the University of Cambridge in the UK. The funding will support further research into blood pressure management using HUAWEI WATCH D series devices.

Airbag-Based Wearables Gain Recognition in Hypertension Guidelines

As wearable health technology continues to advance, wrist-worn blood pressure monitors using inflatable cuffs and oscillometric measurement technology are gaining recognition within the international medical community.

These devices have been addressed in several international guidelines and expert consensus statements, including the European Society of Hypertension’s Wearable Wrist-Watch Type Cuff Oscillometric Blood Pressure Monitors: Consensus Statement, the 2026 ISH Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines, and the HOPE Asia Network Asian Hypertension Guidelines. These publications recognise the potential role of validated wrist-worn oscillometric devices in blood pressure self-monitoring. Experts at the conference also discussed the significance of these developments and their implications for future clinical applications.

In China, the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension (2024 Edition) included wrist-worn oscillometric blood pressure monitoring for the first time. Meanwhile, the Expert Recommendations for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement Using Wearable Devices recommended the use of smart wearable devices validated against international standards for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Together, these developments reflect growing international recognition of the role wearable technology can play in hypertension management.

During the “HUAWEI Wearable Technology” innovation and HUAWEI WATCH D3 experience sessions, HUAWEI experts introduced the technologies and applications behind the company’s approach to comprehensive health management. International hypertension specialists also shared their perspectives on the HUAWEI WATCH D3 and its potential to make blood pressure monitoring more accessible.

Professor Wang Jiguang, President of the Chinese Hypertension Association, noted: “Innovations like Minimally Disruptive ABPM and environmental monitoring reminder by Huawei Watch D3 may be inspiring for shaping a new direction on how future blood pressure management is automated and seamlessly embedded into daily life, via wearable devices”.

Professor George Stergiou, President of the International Society of Hypertension, described the Huawei Watch D3 as a novel, reliable wearable device that provides insights into blood pressure profiles and patterns. He also noted that the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the ISH encourages the clinical use of validated wrist-cuff blood pressure monitors, while calling for further research into their implementation in clinical practice.

Professor Maryam Al Saeed of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences commented, “Dubai Health and Huawei are collaborating on a clinical research initiative to evaluate non-invasive wearable technology for earlier diabetes risk, leveraging real-world health data to advance personalized prevention, enable proactive healthcare, and improve long-term health outcomes across diverse populations.”

HUAWEI WATCH D3 Combines Monitoring with Everyday Convenience

Gong Yuansong, Vice President of Huawei’s Smart Wearable and Sports Health Product Line (Solutions and Ecosystem), delivered a keynote speech at the conference. He highlighted a growing shift in attitudes towards personal health, with people moving beyond treatment towards proactive monitoring and early prevention. Blood pressure management is also evolving, extending beyond individual measurements and hospital visits to become part of everyday health routines.

He added, “Smart wearables and comprehensive health insight capabilities, such as health glance, trends, and readiness scores, are promising to help users understand and gradually act to improve their health span.”

The HUAWEI WATCH D3 is the latest addition to Huawei’s health-focused wearable portfolio. As the third generation of Huawei’s wrist-worn blood pressure monitors, it combines professional measurement capabilities with a lightweight design and features that support everyday blood pressure management.

Equipped with ultra-narrow airbag oscillometric measurement technology, the HUAWEI WATCH D3 also introduces a new mode for measuring blood pressure before and after exercise. By tracking changes in blood pressure in response to physical activity, the feature helps users identify potentially abnormal responses and provides relevant insights and recommendations to support safer, more informed exercise. This mode is the first of its kind in the industry to receive EU CE certification under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and Class II medical device registration in China.

HUAWEI has also partnered with Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, to launch the Minimally Disruptive ABPM Study. The research initiative is also set to expand to countries including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia through partnerships with local research institutions.

The study explores a hybrid measurement approach that combines all-day photoplethysmography (PPG) monitoring with precise airbag-based oscillometric measurements for calibration. This approach aims to reduce the number of required cuff-based measurements from 27 to 7, helping to minimise disruptions during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

The monitoring approach also provides users with a detailed overview of their blood pressure patterns, including 24-hour, daytime and night-time averages, as well as charts showing how their blood pressure changes throughout the day. These insights can help users better understand their blood pressure trends and support long-term management.

From academic exchange to technological innovation, ISH-ECS 2026 highlighted the growing potential of wearable technology to transform blood pressure management. With innovations such as the HUAWEI WATCH D3, Huawei is bringing advanced health monitoring capabilities beyond clinical settings and into everyday life, helping people take a more proactive role in managing their own health.

SOURCE Huawei

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3TREES Shines at Big 5 Construct Kenya, Showcasing Healthy Living Solutions for East Africa

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PUTIAN, China, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3TREES recently showcased its green coating solutions at Big 5 Construct Kenya, a major building and construction trade show in East Africa that opened on October 21, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. Guided by its “Create Healthy Life” philosophy, 3TREES presented a broad product portfolio at Hall 1, Booth 1J17, attracting strong interest and active business discussions. The event also strengthened the brand’s visibility among regional customers and industry partners.

The exhibition marked another step in 3TREES’ expansion in East Africa. Continued infrastructure investment and urbanization across the region are driving demand for building materials that are environmentally friendly, healthy, durable and suited to local conditions. Through the exhibition, 3TREES introduced integrated green coating solutions for regional construction needs.

The product showcase covered stone-effect exterior coatings, inorganic interior coatings, artistic finishes, waterproofing membranes and coatings, and floor coatings. Together, these products demonstrated 3TREES’ capabilities across wall and floor applications and helped visitors gain a clearer understanding of the company’s product quality, technologies and service strengths.

The booth welcomed distributors, engineering purchasers, contractors and industry professionals from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and other East African markets. Visitors discussed product performance, application methods, technical standards, local adaptability and distribution cooperation with the 3TREES team. Through one-to-one consultations, the team introduced key technologies and application scenarios while sharing experience from engineering and residential projects in China. The exchanges generated positive feedback and opportunities for further cooperation.

Looking ahead, 3TREES will continue adapting its product formulations and coating solutions to East Africa’s high temperatures, intense ultraviolet exposure, concentrated rainy seasons and local construction standards. The company will also advance regional channel development and strengthen technical support and after-sales services to better serve local customers.

Building on its research and development strengths and broad product portfolio, 3TREES will deepen industry exchange and strategic cooperation, introduce mature green coating technologies and solutions to more overseas markets, and support the green development of East Africa’s building materials industry. Through sustained localization, the company aims to bring healthier and greener products to more households and construction projects across the region.

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Festive Travel Gets More Intentional: Indian Travelers Look Beyond the Traditional Holiday, Agoda Reports

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For Indian travelers, the October to November festive period is increasingly becoming an opportunity to combine celebrations with a change of scene. With Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali approaching, accommodation search trends on digital travel platform Agoda show travelers looking at a mix of international experiences and domestic leisure breaks. Based on searches made between August 1 and September 30, 2026, for stays between October 15 and November 30, Bangkok, Phuket and Tokyo emerged as the top three international cities searched by Indian travelers, while Goa, Puri and Udaipur were the most popular domestic destinations.

Asia remains central to the festive itinerary for international travel

International travel interest for Indian travelers is led by destinations across Asia, with Thailand, Vietnam and Japan emerging among the most searched countries recording 55%, 86% and 125% growth in searches respectively compared to last year. Sri Lanka on the other hand recorded the almost 262% year-on-year growth in searches among the top international destinations, followed by Hong Kong SAR, China at nearly 138% indicating growing interest across a mix of destinations that offer cultural, culinary and leisure experiences.

At the city level, Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand recorded 65% and 51% growth in searches, respectively, offering travelers a combination of cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho along with local food and coastal experiences. In Vietnam, Phu Quoc recorded 124% growth in searches by Indian travelers, with its beaches, island-hopping experiences and night markets offering a mix of leisure and local experiences. Hanoi recorded a 94% increase, with attractions such as the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake offering a glimpse of the city’s heritage. Tokyo also recorded 109% growth in searches from India, with the October to November travel window coinciding with its autumn foliage season, when spots such as Shinjuku Gyoen become popular for ‘Kōyō’, Japan’s tradition of enjoying the changing colors of the leaves.

Festive escapes return to perennial favorites

Within India, festive travel trends reflect a mix of leisure, cultural and nature-led getaways. Goa saw nearly 43% year-over-year growth in searches, while Udaipur grew by nearly 29%, reflecting continued interest in established leisure and heritage destinations. Puri recorded 318% growth in searches, followed by Ooty at 166% and Munnar at 107%, pointing to interest in coastal, hill and nature-focused breaks. Varanasi also recorded 92% year-over-year growth, adding to interest in destinations associated with India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, shared: “The festive period has traditionally been when travel and celebration come together, but the destinations people are considering reveal that there are now various ways to spend this time. We are seeing interest span beach holidays, city breaks, cultural destinations and hill station escapes, suggesting that travelers are choosing destinations around the experience they want to have, rather than simply following a conventional itinerary. For Agoda, this also means helping people discover the right stay and experiences around increasingly diverse ways of traveling.”

As travelers increasingly shape festive getaways around the experiences they want to discover, Agoda brings stays, flights and activities together in one place, giving travelers access to more than 6 million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 activities worldwide through its website and mobile app.

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SOURCE Agoda

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