Transforming health care systems is difficult, and yet that is the goal we are trying to achieve when we are leveraging the technologies of the future to address current health care challenges. And if you're a global multinational, the challenges can be even more complicated. Your day to day can be a mix of conflicting priorities, such as in dealing with the needs of today's business while also keeping an eye on the future, a future which includes health system transformations, personalized...

A key driver to create the future of health in both personalized health and health equity is innovation, an innovation that comes from technology. Startups who are creating disruptive products and services are typically fueled by venture capital investors. But how can startups and investors align with future end customers to create the health ecosystems of tomorrow? In this episode, I speak with Scarlett Chen, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund. Throughout her career she's helped drive...

Health systems are faced with many choices when it comes to population health.  Increasing costs for sick care, decisions on which innovations they can approve and afford, and evolving medical practices in both prevention and treatment which can challenge existing regulatory norms.  In this episode, I speak with Clive Tan, a Founding Member of Precision Public Health Asia Society to discuss how their work is serving to harmonise the decisions the ASEAN region is making to improve population...

Today, we are more fascinated than ever by how Artificial Intelligence can affect the future of any industry, including healthcare. But AI alone can’t solve healthcare. To make an impact, solutions built with AI have to fit into the right ecosystem to enable better consumer journeys and health outcomes. In this episode, I speak with Prashant Warier, the co-founder and CEO of Qure. Over the past 6 years, he’s learned how to convert the promise of how Artificial Intelligence can be used in...

Engaging with active and well-informed individuals is the essential element of any successful health ecosystem. Without them, healthcare and digital health companies are building solutions that can’t improve health outcomes. Patient advocacy groups are one way that individuals can become empowered. But across the world, the impact of such groups is dependent on external factors to help them achieve scale. In this episode, I speak with Ruth Kuguru, the Regional Head for Communications and...

Join host Tony Estrella each month as he explores with his guests what it takes to build successful ecosystems across Asia-Pacific. You’ll hear thought-provoking interviews with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors who bring real-life examples of building effective partnerships that solve some of the most important healthcare challenges across this vibrant region. Whether you’re already in healthcare, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about what is happening in Asia-Pacific, tune...

Globally, the insurance industry is rapidly changing with the increasing use of technology throughout the value chain. And because individuals in Asia Pacific tend to buy and use health insurance from life insurers, the need for data, customer engagement, and digital transformation is particularly essential. In this episode, I speak with Paul Hughes, the Head of Asia Pacific for UnderwriteMe. Paul and I first worked together at MetLife Asia many years ago, and he has worked across Asia...

The role of academia is an essential one for digital health. In addition to providing the platform to conduct clinical research and showcase where technology can create impact, the right environment also becomes the training ground for future leaders and change makers. In this episode, I speak with Dean Ho, who is one of the unique individuals who effectively bridges the different worlds of academia and business building. Dean is the Provost’s Chair Professor, Director of The N.1 Institute...

For some Digital Health companies, especially those in very developed healthcare systems, success can be contingent on identifying a single core problem and then keeping a tight focus on this challenge when iteratively building your great solution. But not every entrepreneur or corporate innovator has the luxury to take this path, especially when there are overlapping areas of need for your customers. In this episode, we return to Indonesia to examine both the challenge and the successful...

Across Asia Pacific, one persistent challenge is the digital readiness of a health system. Some are more ready for Health Tech than others. The ones that are most prepared have significant adoption of technology, data standards, and processes that embed tech-based solutions into healthcare. In this episode, I’m joined by Shigeto Miyamoto, Head of Digital Marketing for BMS in Japan, and a life-long evangelist for driving technology innovation. In our conversation, we take a deep dive into the...

In any health system, a shift to value based healthcare is a desirable outcome. Especially if it can be combined with patient-centric clinical journeys. In this episode, Sylvana Sinha, the founder and CEO of Praava Health and I discuss the barriers and challenges to achieving this vision. With her background in health policy, international law, and as an entrepreneur, we have an insightful and fact-filled discussion covering topics including: • The cultural and socio-economic backdrop of...

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into Indonesia. For some, the mention of this country might evoke extreme feelings. On one hand, there is the frustration of sitting in four-hour-long traffic jams in Jakarta. On the other hand, there are smiles all around when picturing a perfect holiday in Bali. But for healthcare professionals, the identity of Indonesia is dominated by the unique geography of the country – a population of 275 million people living across 6,000 islands. To help us...

In this episode, we speak about the global challenge of mental health. With COVID, the WHO is predicting that “the mental health impacts of the pandemic will be long term and far-reaching.” Everyone can be affected, including caregivers and clinicians. Nawal Roy is CEO of Holmusk, a leading startup helping address the global challenge of mental health through their real world evidence platform. In our conversation, we cover the following topics: • Understanding the main categories for mental...

In this episode, we start our journey for Season 2 where we explore the challenges facing APAC that can lead to innovative solutions powered by Digital Health. Jeremy Lim is a renowned health policy expert and CEO of AMILI, the first gut microbiome lab in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Through the lens of population health and public policy, Jeremy and I discuss the need for personalised nutrition and why it can improve health outcomes. Our conversation covers: • The need for an Asia-based...

In this episode, I speak with Dan Kendall, founder of Digital Health Today, to reflect on highlights from this season and preview what we will cover in Season 2 of Digital Health Today, Asia Pacific Edition. Click on the show links or scroll through the playlist in your favorite podcast player to hear more from these and our other Season 1 guests. Be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified when Season 2 starts in a few weeks! “What are the opportunities out there for people to live...

For more than 20 years, Stanley Li has built an impressive set of solutions for the China market.  With more than 2 million doctors as customers and millions of consumers engaging with their offerings, DXY is one of the largest health services companies in the world.  Stanley graciously sat with me and shared many lessons over his journey to solve challenges ranging from:  Physician education  Online and offline community building Adapting to changing needs as China grew to become a...

Dr Shuchin Bajaj is the Founder Director of Ujala Cygnus Hospitals. Ujala Cygnus currently operates twelve hospitals that provide healthcare to district towns of the states of India where emergency and primary care are difficult to find.   As a doctor and entrepreneur, Dr Bajaj is truly making a difference by infusing innovation throughout every aspect of patient care. During our conversation we cover: Access and affordability challenges across India The challenge of building a new provider...

Ageing and the business of helping individuals as they get older is an expansive problem. It cuts across industries beyond healthcare. Singaporean entrepreneur Janice Chia is a recognized expert and thought leader in this field, accumulating her vast experience from visiting over 400 residential and aged care homes in over 15 countries as well as founding 2 organizations: Ageing Asia and Aspire55.  Janice founded Ageing Asia with the mission to drive innovation in the way future generations...

Across Asia Pacific, the prevalence of chronic disease is increasing rapidly. Both public and private sector insurance providers are faced with challenging choices on how to balance health outcome improvements with increasing costs.   In this episode, Xing Sun and I discuss: The basics of public health and private insurance, including critical illness insurance How individuals buy insurance The role digital health takes for insurers Case studies from AXA including payer to partner...

Value based healthcare aligns the incentives of patients, providers, and payers to deliver better health.  In Asia Pacific, provider groups have traditionally operated on a cash or fee-for-service model.  This structure puts pressure on public health systems.        In this episode, we’ll learn:  Why it is challenging to achieve value-based healthcare The opportunity for a digital gateway to engage individuals What ecosystem is required to achieve value-based healthcare including public...

In this region, patients will visit the pharmacy 12 times per year.  With low access to physicians, the role of the independent pharmacist is critical for healthcare  In this discussion with Farouk Meralli, CEO of mClinica, we explore: How Farouk’s passion for public health and experiences in pharma prepared him to transform the pharmacy structure in Asia Why is their platform SwipeRx gaining traction in this region What use-cases are they solving for pharmacists and individuals >>...

In this episode, Farid Bidgoli - a self-proclaimed science geek - shares his unique perspectives for creating healthcare improvements within these four diverse countries in Southeast Asia with a combined population of over 140 million people.  Learn how the connection with digital health earlier in his career serves as a motivation for partnering with companies to define new ways for delivering healthcare interventions.  Why Farid is so excited about the diversity of opportunities in these...

In this episode, I continue the conversation with Farhana Nakhooda, current Head of APAC for Health Catalyst and formerly with IBM Healthcare and Life Sciences.  This conversation hones in on how technology enables more effective population health programs. Farhana shares lessons learned and aspirations for improving the lives of others across Asia Pacific.  What are the components of a population health model? How did Farhana bring this model to life through an ecosystem of partners in...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Farhana Nakhooda, current Head of APAC for Health Catalyst and formerly with IBM Life Sciences. We discuss what it's like to work in a regional role spanning Asia Pacific.   Join us as we have a lively conversation on the intricacies of this region and lessons we’ve taken away from our professional and personal experiences from living and working in APAC.   Here are some topics we cover: How does cultural history, health system similarities, and...