Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in healthcare and innovation at the inaugural Advanced Tomorrow Summit in Singapore.
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Heng Swee Keat, delivered a keynote address at the Advanced Tomorrow Summit on 4 December 2023. The Summit, themed “Revolutionising Healthcare, Wellness and Longevity in the 21st Century,” brought together international leaders, scientists, and medical professionals to discuss key trends and challenges shaping the future of healthcare.
In his speech, DPM Heng Swee Keat highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in the face of global challenges. He expressed regret at the absence of Dr Henry Kissinger, a close friend of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, whose dedication to international relations and peace-building was acknowledged.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored three key trends shaping the world: a growing and ageing population, rapid technological advances, and an increasingly fragile global landscape. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and well-being, taking into account not only medical responses but also societal and environmental factors.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored three key trends shaping the world: a growing and ageing population, rapid technological advances, and an increasingly fragile global landscape. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and well-being, taking into account not only medical responses but also societal and environmental factors.
Addressing the demographic shift, DPM Heng Swee Keat discussed the challenges posed by an ageing population, emphasizing the importance of redesigning jobs and workplaces for productive longevity. He also pointed out the role of technological advances, such as AI and machine learning, in transforming healthcare and improving efficiency.
Furthermore, he highlighted the fragility of the world, with geopolitical tensions potentially hindering international cooperation during global health crises. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the interconnectedness of planetary health and human health, citing climate change as a significant global challenge with implications for healthcare.
DPM Heng Swee Keat called for a collaborative and resilient approach to healthcare, encouraging partnerships between individuals, communities, and nations. He shared Singapore’s initiatives, such as the National Precision Medicine Programme, aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to enhance healthcare effectiveness.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister urged a multi-stakeholder approach and collaboration across borders to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. He emphasized the importance of global action in achieving positive outcomes in healthcare and medical innovation.
Source – PMO
