Digital Health Asia 2026, held on 30–31 March 2026 at the City University of Macau campus in Taipa, convened global leaders in healthcare, academia, and technology to explore the evolving landscape of digital health. Jointly organised by Times Higher Education (THE) and the City University of Macau, the conference centred on the theme “Shaping tomorrow’s health: From algorithms to authentic care.”
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, is pleased to highlight the participation of Professor Dr Victor Hoe as the Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) at Digital Health Asia 2026. Professor Hoe attended the conference alongside Professor Dr So Yoon Kim, Immediate Past President of APACPH, representing the consortium as an official partner in this regional platform for digital health advancement.
Key Themes and Sessions
The two-day programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and research showcases. A highlight was the keynote lecture by Nobel Laureate Professor Thomas C. Südhof, who reflected on the role of basic versus applied research in advancing human health.
Key sessions explored:
- Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics, microbiome science, and protein design
- Ethical and governance considerations, including data protection and patient trust
- The role of universities in shaping digital health ecosystems
- Preventive care approaches emphasising holistic wellbeing beyond clinical settings
Panel discussions such as “Beyond the clinic: Preventative care through holistic wellbeing” and “Shared standards, shared responsibility: AI that protects data, people and patient trust” underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical innovation.
Participation and Engagement
The conference brought together a diverse audience of researchers, policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and industry leaders from across Asia and beyond. APACPH’s participation reinforced its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in public health education, research, and policy.
In addition to the academic programme, participants were graciously hosted by Professor Jun Liu, Rector of the City University of Macau, at a Welcome Dinner held at Vic’s Restaurante, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Rocks Hotel. The hospitality extended further with a Cultural Highlights Tour of Macau, offering delegates an opportunity to engage informally and appreciate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Reflections for Public Health Practice
Digital Health Asia 2026 highlighted a critical shift from technology-driven innovation towards patient-centred, ethically grounded healthcare solutions. For public and occupational health professionals, this underscores the importance of integrating digital tools responsibly while ensuring equity, accessibility, and trust.
As digital health continues to evolve, academic institutions and public health organisations must play a leading role in guiding its implementation, ensuring that technological advancements translate into meaningful and equitable health outcomes.
Acknowledgement
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine congratulates the organisers, Times Higher Education and the City University of Macau, for hosting a successful and impactful conference and acknowledges APACPH’s role as a valued partner.
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