Digital Health Asia successfully concluded: CityU joins hands with Asia wisdom to build “Healthy Macau”
The panel discussion held this afternoon, titled “Healthy Macau and beyond: Embedding digital solutions in national health ecosystems”, was moderated by Mei Mei Lim, APAC president of Times Higher Education. The discussion featured Tai Wa Hou, deputy director of the Macau Health Bureau; Professor Jun Liu, rector of CityU; Yaokun Zhang, associate director of Digital R&D at Intuitive Surgical-Fosun Medical Device Technology (Shanghai); and Pei Sun, executive associate dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness at CityU. The panel engaged in an in-depth dialogue on the implementation pathways, current challenges, and future vision of the Healthy Macau Blueprint. Together, representatives from government, industry, academia, and research explored how digital technologies and talent development can strengthen regional and national health resilience.
In the discussion, Deputy Director Tai systematically elaborated on the Healthy Macau Blueprint. Developed in alignment with the national “Healthy China 2030” strategy and the World Health Organization’s health goals, and tailored to Macao’s local context, the Blueprint serves as a guide for health actions with 20 goals and 52 indicators covering areas such as health risk factors, mental health, and chronic disease management. He highlighted the core aim is to shift the healthcare system from a treatment-centered to a prevention-centered model, working toward building a supportive environment for the health of all residents.
Rector Jun Liu highlighted the University’s role as a cross-sector bridge in advancing the “Healthy Macau” initiative. He noted that the establishment of the Faculty of Health and Wellness allows the University to focus on frontier issues such as aging and mental health among the younger generations, while promoting deeper integration between health sciences and disciplines such as artificial intelligence. He emphasized the collaboration between CityU and local health institutions to develop solutions tailored to community needs, and programs such as the “Academy for Senior” which helped bridge the digital gap for the elderly, enhancing their quality of life and health literacy.
Yaokun Zhang, associate director of Digital Research and Development of the Intuitive Surgical-Fosun Medical Device Technology (Shanghai), cited the application of the “da Vinci Robotic Surgical System” in Macao to show how digital medical technologies support the Healthy Macau Blueprint. As he mentioned, the technology has already benefited over 300 patients in Macao, with clinical data showing its effectiveness in shortening hospital stays and reducing postoperative risks, thereby saving medical resources. He noted that while advanced technologies such as telemedicine hold promise for expanding access to quality healthcare, the associated liability and regulatory frameworks still require discussion by industry and regulatory bodies.
From the perspectives of talent cultivation and community engagement, Pei Sun, executive associate dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness (FHW), shared what they did in advancing research, teaching and practice in physical and mental health. In response to the shortage of specialized professionals, the Faculty has trained frontline social workers, extending professional services to broader community groups.
During the Q&A session, the audience engaged actively with the panel on topics including the implementation of the Healthy Macau Blueprint, the application of digital technologies, and public health and healthcare accessibility.
At the closing ceremony of the event, President Mei Mei Lim expressed her gratitude to CityU for its considerate arrangements and hospitality. She indicated that this year’s event focused on exploring critical issues such as the balance between technological advancement and human trust, the relationship between basic research and applied translation, and the integration of traditional medicine with artificial intelligence. Participants engaged in robust discussions on how to leverage technology to achieve universal health coverage, collectively imagining the present and future landscape of digital health.
Rector Liu expressed his gratitude to all the guests who traveled from afar. He noted that this summit was not only a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas, but also marked the beginning of new collaborations. He expressed his hope that participants will carry forward the connections and ideas sparked during the summit, and through continued dialogue and cooperation, jointly drive innovation and development in the digital health field. He further stated that CityU looks forward to working with all partners in the future to host more high-level academic exchange events, contributing the wisdom and strength of higher education to the advancement of human health and well-being.
The summit fully demonstrated Macao’s vision and diverse practices in building a digital health ecosystem. Through forward-looking government planning, cross-disciplinary research and talent cultivation in higher education, and technological investment from industry, stakeholders view the health ecosystem as an opportunity for innovation. Together, they are striving to enhance public health and contribute “Macao wisdom” to the development of broader regional and national health ecosystems.
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In addition to the in-depth academic exchanges, this year’s event reflected Macao’s local character, offering participants with a comprehensive experience of the city’s unique charm and allowing them to leave with wonderful memories of Macao. At the welcome dinner, CityU Art Troupe performed pieces blending Chinese and western instruments, while the CityUBeyond Choir delivered a heartfelt performance, adding a beautiful melody to the evening.
Guests also enjoyed a traditional Portuguese folk dance, a signature feature of Macao’s cultural heritage, deepening friendships under east and west cultural exchange. This event was not only an academic gathering that brought together the brightest minds from across Asia, but also served as an important window to showcase Macao’s distinctive appeal to the world, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a “world centre of tourism and leisure” and a “hub for cultural exchange between east and west”.
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