Asians flock to medical trade fair in Singapore; upbeat optimism on healthcare
With Southeast Asia’s ageing population and expanding middle class being key drivers of growth in the region’s healthcare industry, the medical fairs held in Singapore recently for the medical, healthcare, and medical technology (MedTech) sectors, the 15th edition of Medical Fair Asia and the 6th edition of Medical Manufacturing Asia, are said to have achieved record attendance from both visitors and exhibitors.
The shows welcomed an impressive turnout of 13,725 attendees, marking one of the highest attendee numbers since the first edition in 1997, with over 40% of attendees hailing from outside Singapore. The leading countries represented were Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Located at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, the opening of the two exhibitions was officiated by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, on 11 September 2024.
Furthermore, Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the organiser of the shows, said that there was a significant increase in exhibitor participation compared to 2022, plus nearly 34% increase in visitors, including group delegations from major hospitals and distributors from neighbouring countries.
Ringling also said that the launch of the new Medicare Asia umbrella portfolio is perfectly timed.” With Medicare Asia, Messe Düsseldorf is creating an Asia-wide platform for the region’s growing medical technology and rehabilitation market, comprising seven trade shows in China, India, Singapore, and Thailand.”
According to Dr. Paiboon Eksaengsri, President of the Private Hospital Association (PHA) Thailand, who was also part of a visiting delegation from the Ramkhamhaeng Hospital group, attending the show was an important step in expanding global partnerships and embracing the future of healthcare. He added: “As Thailand continues to grow as a top destination for medical tourism, integration of AI and digitalisation is key to improving patient outcomes and enhancing their overall healthcare experience.”
This edition of Medical Fair Asia also welcomed 19 national and group pavilions, including Singapore, alongside representation from Denmark, France, Indonesia, Germany, Spain, United States, and others, as well as the first national pavilion from Portugal.
Mangasi Parsaoran Siahaan, Coordinator of Programme and Evaluation, Ministry of Industry of Indonesia stated: “Indonesian companies have been exhibiting at Medical Fair Asia for many years, but this is only the second time our Ministry of Industry has organised a pavilion to support local companies in showcasing sophisticated world-class and high-tech equipment to the rest of the region and beyond.”
Long-time exhibitor, Austrian-based company, Ing. Sumetzberger, Guenther Neudeck, Sales and Export Manager shared: “Asia has always been a very important market for us, which is why we have been exhibiting in Medical Fair Asia for nearly 20 years. We are pleased to see visitors returning in full force this year, compared to the previous edition which took place just after Covid-19 regulations for travel and large gatherings had eased.”
As for Medical Manufacturing Asia, which is jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and long-time partner Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA), it welcomed more than 100 MedTech companies from 15 countries and regions, including national and group pavilions from China, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, with the Singapore pavilion featuring 39 exhibitors.
Signature highlights this year also included the well-attended Industry Suppliers Networking session, a collaboration with Singapore’s Economic Development Board, and the IVAM Marketing Award, which was presented to AMT Pte Ltd, a local contract manufacturer who specialises in metal, ceramic and plastic injection moulding and medical device assembly.
This year’s co-located conferences have focused on the role and impact of AI and digitalisation in the medical and healthcare sectors. As well as signature events such as Start-Up Park and Community Care Pavilion, and conferences such as Paradigm Shift in Healthcare, Wearable Technologies, and MEDICINE+SPORTS, this year’s iteration welcomed the GITEX Digi_Health 5.0 Conference for the first time. Bringing together visionary digital health innovators, government leaders, and industry pioneers, the aim of the conference was to drive digital health innovation in Asia with a tech-first approach.
At the GITEX Digi_Health 5.0 Conference, Kaoun International, represented by its CEO, Trixie LohMirmand, who is also Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and organiser of GITEX, along with Messe Düsseldorf Asia, represented by Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave the way for further collaboration between the two industry stalwarts.
This agreement includes the launch of the inaugural GITEX Digi_Health 5.0 Expo-Summit in Thailand, which is to be co-located with Medical Fair Thailand to be held from 10-12 September 2025.
The next edition of the show in Singapore, Medical Fair Asia and Medical Manufacturing Asia, will take place from 9-11 September 2026, at Marina Bay Sands.
Category: Technology & Devices, Top Story
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