From February 1 to 10, the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Senior Officials' Meeting and related events were held in Guangzhou, marking the first official event of the APEC "China Year". During this period, a high-level delegation from the APEC Health Working Group (HWG) visited the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FAH-SYSU) to witness firsthand the integration of cutting-edge technology in clinical practice.
The visit highlighted FAH-SYSU’s leadership in the Greater Bay Area’s healthcare ecosystem, showcasing how digital transformation is addressing the regional challenges of aging societies and healthcare accessibility.
Leading the AI Revolution in Healthcare
The delegation’s tour began with a deep dive into the hospital’s advanced medical capabilities. Junho Choi, APEC HWG Chair and Director General of the International Cooperation Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea, expressed high praise for the hospital's technological integration.
"I'm really impressed by the facilities and capability of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University," Choi remarked. "AI and new technology are very impressive, and I really felt the advanced medical quality from the Greater Bay Area in Guangzhou."
During a demonstration of a specialized AI diagnostic machine, Choi emphasized its potential for social impact: "This is my first time using this kind of AI machine. It's very useful for remote medicine, helping primary healthcare in remote areas."
Advancing Brain Science for Aging Societies
As the Asia-Pacific region navigates the complexities of aging populations, the delegation took a keen interest in FAH-SYSU’s research into brain science and assistive technologies.
Daria Chaadaeva, Deputy Head of Division at the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, tested a "hands-free" interface designed for patients with mobility impairments. The technology allows users to control devices through head movements and blinking.
"It’s like using a real mouse, but not with your hand — with your eyes or your head," Chaadaeva noted. "You move your head and blink to click. It's actually very useful, especially for people who are unable to use their hands."
A Global Hub for Medical Excellence
The visit underscored FAH-SYSU’s commitment to aligning with APEC’s broader goals of fostering resilient healthcare systems through digital transformation. By showcasing practical applications of AI and telecommunication, the hospital demonstrated its role as a key player in regional health security.
"In the Health Working Group sessions, we are focusing on developing high-quality healthcare systems combined with AI transformation," Choi added. "AI and telecommunication technology are essential to support healthcare development, especially for remote areas."
As a flagship institution of Sun Yat-sen University, FAH-SYSU continues to serve as a bridge for international medical exchange, proving that the future of public well-being lies in the synergy of human expertise and technological innovation.
Source: The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Touch News, SYSU Global Communication Office
