Study Tour Diary from Singapore: Day 3

Authors: Ilham Aden, Elitsa Kamberska, Sara Sekhon, Xingjian Wu and Helen Hiu Tung Mac

Day Three: Beyond Health Conference / Kalibra AI

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to attend the Beyond Health Convention in Singapore, a day filled with thought-provoking discussions that expanded our understanding of the future of healthcare in South-East Asia. The convention brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the transformation of healthcare systems and the pivotal role of technology and wellness in shaping the future of health.

The day started with an engaging keynote panel titled In Sickness and In Health: Transforming Healthcare to Meet the Needs of Tomorrow’s Population. Esteemed panelists, including Dr. Jiayi Wong, Group Medical Director of Minmed Group, and Dr. Michael Wong, Group Director of Regional Health Systems at SingHealth, shared their perspectives on how healthcare systems, policies, and facilities must evolve to accommodate the changing demographics and the continuity of care in a rapidly aging society. Their insights touched on the importance of integrating public health strategies, technology, and innovative care models to meet future demands.

Another session that left a lasting impression was the panel on Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility, Delivery, Experiences, and Outcomes, which explored the growing significance of health-tech and digital health innovation. Dr. Keren Priyadarshini, Worldwide Healthcare Industry Lead at Microsoft, and Benedict Tan, Group Chief Digital Strategy Officer of SingHealth, discussed how the fusion of technology with healthcare can improve patient outcomes and experiences, particularly in making healthcare more accessible and personalised. This session underscored how critical technology will be in addressing healthcare challenges and enhancing the overall patient experience.

During our lunch break, we explored the Beyond Activ section, which focused on the importance of active wellness and preventive care. This was a fun and interactive part of the day, as we took part in various strength-based challenges and even tried cryotherapy—a cold therapy treatment that was exhilarating and left us feeling refreshed! The section featured various health-related products and activities, from healthy food samples like açai bowls and refreshing health drinks to free health assessments. We also collected plenty of free swag, including tote bags, water bottles, and even umbrellas. The break allowed us to network with a number of professionals from different sectors of the healthcare and wellness industry, sparking conversations that further enriched our experience.

In the afternoon, after a quick freshen-up at the hotel, we gathered for an exclusive session with Ivan Vatchkov, the founder and CEO of Kalibra.AI, a company that focuses on longevity and health span by leveraging health data for actionable insights. Ivan's expertise in Health-Tech and fintech made for a fascinating discussion on the future of personalised health management. He emphasised the importance of having real-time access to personal health data, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Ivan’s background in finance and his transition into Health-Tech added depth to the conversation, particularly in how investment and technology can play pivotal roles in extending health spans and improving quality of life.

The Q&A session with Ivan was particularly engaging, as we dove into topics like the ethical considerations of health data ownership and how data-driven healthcare solutions could empower individuals. He highlighted the need for individuals to take ownership of their health by staying informed and utilising the technology available to track and improve their well-being.

After a packed day of learning and exploration at the Beyond Health Convention, our evening in Singapore was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. As a group, we decided to walk from the hotel to Singapore’s historic City Hall, giving us the chance to soak in the vibrant cityscape. Along the way, we couldn’t resist stopping at an infamous bar at the Raffles Hotel to try the famous Singapore Sling—a fruity, refreshing cocktail made with gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, pineapple juice, and a hint of lime. Its signature pink colour and tropical flavours were the perfect antidote to the day’s heat, giving us a sweet taste of Singaporean history in a glass.

From there, we continued our stroll toward Marina Bay Sands, where we embraced our inner tourists, snapping photos of the iconic skyline and architectural wonders. With its stunning views and glittering skyline, Marina Bay felt like a postcard brought to life. As the evening cooled down, we made our way to Gardens by the Bay to catch the mesmerising light show. Watching the huge trees light up and dance to music under the night sky was a magical, bucket-list moment that none of us will forget.

Our final stop was the food hall at the nearby mall, where we were spoiled for choice with dishes from across South- East Asia. From steaming bowls of pho to spicy Indonesian rendang, the diverse flavours were a culinary journey on their own. After indulging in the feast, we decided to give our feet a break and took the metro back to the hotel. By then, my feet were thanking me profusely for avoiding the long walk back! It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day—combining healthcare insights, cultural experiences, and a whole lot of fun in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.