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Empowering the Future of Personalized Medicine Through Co-Creation: Forging A Path With NalaGenetics and Zurich Insurance

November 5, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

This article was based on an interview with Mr Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia; Ms Levana Sani, Co-Founder and CEO, Nalagenetics and Ms Kamonlawan Chomchopbun, Product Manager and Market Access Lead, NalaGenetics.

Personalized medicine marks a turning point in healthcare, where treatments and preventive care are tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup. The approach seems very daunting with genetic testing becoming one of the key components, however, companies like Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) and NalaGenetics are forging ahead to not only make it a standard but the norm. NalaGenetics, an innovative startup specializing in genetic testing is one of the finalists of the Zurich Innovation Championship (ZIC). As part of its journey in the ZIC, NalaGenetics has the unique opportunity to work with Zurich. This collaboration is breaking new ground by co-creating solutions that could revolutionize how healthcare and insurance work together to deliver preventive care that is both personalized and efficient.

A Doctor Talking the Patient — Photo by cottonbro

As healthcare and treatment options become more data-driven and proactive, Zurich and NalaGenetics are showing how co-creation and innovation can lead to powerful outcomes that improve individual health and reshape the broader insurance landscape. The collaboration also allows Zurich to be ahead of the curve and adopt a more agile approach to its key businesses.

The Zurich Innovation Championship: Catalysing Change and Empowering InsurTech Agility

Let’s start at the very beginning of this collaboration with the Zurich Innovation Championship (ZIC). Founded in 2018, the ZIC was designed to connect Zurich with startups that offer cutting-edge solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the insurance industry. At its core, ZIC accelerates innovation by working with agile, experimental startups like NalaGenetics, which can bring fresh perspectives and technical prowess to Zurich’s century-old business.

Zurich MY Ally Robertson sq — Source: Zurich

“The Zurich Innovation Championship is about bringing innovative thinking and technology closer to Zurich. We work with startups like NalaGenetics to deliver faster, more effective solutions that can fundamentally change how we connect with our customers.”

Ally Robertson,
Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia

As Zurich seeks to maintain its competitive edge and better serve its customers in a rapidly changing world, the ZIC enables the company to tap into external innovation. Since its inception, the ZIC has seen over 7,000 submissions, resulting in over 70 pilots, 50 active initiatives, and a presence in over 30 countries. The collaboration with NalaGenetics in Malaysia stands as a prime example of how Zurich uses co-creation to solve real-world problems and modernize its offerings.

NalaGenetics Spearheading Genetic Relevance in Healthcare with Personalized Medicine

Let’s talk a little about NalaGenetics, one of the winners of the recent ZIC. NalaGenetics was founded on the belief that genetic testing could radically improve how patients are diagnosed and treated, particularly when it comes to drug metabolism, disease prevention, and overall health management. The company specializes in creating genetic tests that can predict how individuals will respond to medications, helping physicians tailor treatments more accurately to reduce adverse reactions and improve health outcomes.

In a world where medications are often designed based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach, NalaGenetics offers a much-needed alternative. Genetic testing can reveal how certain populations, such as Asians, metabolize drugs differently. This is even more pertinent with recent studies showing an increasing disparity between genetic populations and treatment efficacy. One such study highlights that 40-50% of Asians don’t respond well to the commonly prescribed anti-platelet medication Clopidogrel. It goes on to present data that shows that this population also sees an increased risk of cardiovascular events when prescribed Clopidogrel.

StockSnap DNA — Photo by Bango Renders on StockSnap

By leveraging genetic data, NalaGenetics allows physicians to make better-informed decisions, prescribing appropriate medications and lifestyle adjustments to their patients. But, as NalaGenetics’ founders quickly realized, providing genetic information alone isn’t enough—it’s essential to ensure patients take action based on these insights. That’s where NalaGenetics’ holistic approach comes in, combining genetic testing with physician-guided prevention programs to help patients improve their health outcomes.

Shaping the Future of Health and InsurTech with Co-Creation

As part of the Zurich Innovation Championship, Zurich in Malaysia and NalaGenetics entered into a unique collaboration that involves the co-creation of a solution that can impact the healthcare and insurance industries. Unlike traditional collaborations where a startup might deliver a product and then step aside, Zurich and NalaGenetics have adopted a more collaborative approach. Over a 3- to 6-month accelerator phase, both companies worked together in an agile, co-creative process to design a solution that aligns with Zurich’s goals of delivering personalized, preventive care through its life insurance and family takaful products.

“Co-creation is key to what we do,” Ally Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia emphasized. “We don’t just invest in these startups. We work together, Zurich and NalaGenetics experts, in an iterative, agile manner to find solutions that solve real-world problems.”

Man Wearing White Long-sleeved Shirt Holding Black Pen — Photo by fauxels

During this period, both companies collaborated closely, sharing relevant data, insights, and expertise. They tested different product models, gathered customer feedback, and refined their offerings based on real-world data. The pilot program initially targeted existing Zurich Malaysia customers, offering genetic testing followed by personalized health advice from physicians. This was then expanded to new customers, with a focus on integrating preventive care into Zurich’s life insurance policies.

The co-creation process allows Zurich to respond to the market’s evolving needs, particularly as more customers seek health solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. The feedback from both customers and Zurich agents in Malaysia has been overwhelmingly positive. Agents, who initially approached the program cautiously, were so impressed after trying the service themselves that they became enthusiastic advocates, helping to drive customer interest and engagement.

Championing Personalized Medicine and Creating a New Standard in Healthcare and Insurance

The integration of personalized medicine into insurance is one of the most exciting developments in both industries. Genetic testing is becoming a crucial tool in preventive healthcare, allowing doctors to tailor treatments to individual patients and prevent costly medical conditions before they arise.

As part of their collaboration, Zurich and NalaGenetics aim to make personalized, preventive care a cornerstone of Zurich’s health insurance offerings. The aim is to enhance health outcomes and decrease long-term insurance claims by managing health risks at an early stage.

NalaGenetics Levana Sani sq — Source: NalaGenetics

“It’s about more than just selling a product—it’s about giving customers the tools they need to live healthier, longer lives. Even when we design products, we meet the doctors in the middle, we always ask them whether or not this truly benefits care – is there a true clinical decision point that we helped them address?”

Levana Sani,
Co-Founder and CEO, Nalagenetics

In practical terms, the program involves offering genetic tests to customers, followed by regular consultations with physicians to discuss the results and make necessary lifestyle adjustments. For example, if a patient’s genetic test reveals they are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, their physician can prescribe preventive measures, such as changes in diet or early medication interventions, to mitigate the risk before it becomes a serious issue.

The Benefits of Co-Creation: Early Results from the Pilot

The benefits of leveraging genetic testing and insights in this co-creation process are already apparent. During the pilot phase, Zurich Malaysia and NalaGenetics tested their product on a group of customers, gathering valuable data to refine their approach. One of the key takeaways was the high level of customer interest in genetic testing—80% of surveyed customers expressed a desire to undergo genetic testing, and 90% were willing to participate in associated health programs.

Customers also appreciated Zurich’s move away from traditional insurance or takaful products toward something more personalized and proactive. During the interview, Kamonlawan Chomchopbun, Product Manager and Market Access Lead at NalaGenetics who works on the ground with the Zurich Malaysia team, shared that even agents are empowered by the solution. The impact of the co-created solution was so immense that the agent shared, “It’s not just about offering coverage anymore—it’s about caring for the customer’s overall well-being.”

A Pediatrician Checking Up the Baby Girl Sitting on the Bed — Photo by Los Muertos Crew

Feedback from customers participating in the program revealed that they valued having a deeper understanding of their health risks and felt empowered to take preventive action. In one notable case, a patient with persistent GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) discovered through genetic testing that they had a mild lactose intolerance and a sensitivity to coffee. By making simple adjustments to their diet, the patient’s symptoms improved dramatically within three months, eliminating the need for further doctor visits.

This kind of personalized, preventive approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the likelihood of costly insurance claims, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both customers and Zurich.

A Glimpse into the Future: Data-Driven Decisions and Preventive Care

Looking ahead, the collaboration between Zurich and NalaGenetics can have a lasting impact on both the health and insurance industry. As more data is gathered through genetic testing and preventive care programs, Zurich will be able to make more informed decisions about how to cater to the evolving needs of its clients while helping them optimize health outcomes. The potential for AI-driven insights, automation and more significantly genetic insights will undoubtedly play an increasing role in shaping the future of healthcare and insurance.

“If we look ahead to 2030, we’ll see more data-driven decisions in every part of life. Insurance products will need to modernize alongside this trend, offering customers not just coverage but proactive solutions that help them live healthier lives.”

Ally Robertson,
Chief Operations Officer, Zurich Malaysia

As the collaboration evolves, both companies expect the demand for personalized medicine to grow, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where genetic differences often mean that standard treatments are less effective. The insights gathered from this co-creation process will be invaluable in shaping Zurich’s future offerings and making personalized care a mainstream component of health insurance. It will also help make genetic testing the standard when it comes to treatment plans and optimizing patient care.

Pioneering the Future of Personalized Healthcare

The co-creation between NalaGenetics and Zurich is a powerful example of how collaborations between startups and established corporations can drive meaningful change. Through the Zurich Innovation Championship, the companies are poised to bring personalized medicine into the insurance space. The co-creation process has allowed them to offer customers more than just peace of mind, they’re offering the tools to live healthier, longer lives.

By focusing on genetic testing, preventive care, and data-driven solutions, Zurich and NalaGenetics are paving the way for a future where healthcare and insurance are fully integrated, providing a holistic approach to well-being. This collaboration not only sets Zurich Malaysia apart in the insurance market but also offers a glimpse into the future of personalized, proactive healthcare.

As the world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of healthcare is personal, and Zurich and NalaGenetics are leading the way.

Alastair Robertson (Ally)
Country Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Zurich Malaysia

Ally is an experienced industry professional with over 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has helmed various leadership roles across Strategy, Transformation and Operational Excellence. He has experience in leading large-scale change teams, focusing on Lean Thinking, Automation and AI.

He also has cross-functional experience, which includes P&C, Life, Claims, Group, Underwriting & Shared Services and has extensive knowledge of working with suppliers both on and offshore. Prior to his current appointment, Ally held the role of Head of Enterprise Transformation at Zurich Australia and New Zealand and has experience working across five different continents while at Zurich.

Ally is highly energetic and has the ability to connect, influence and develop collaborative business relationships at all levels. Given his experience working on different continents, he is well-versed in managing diverse teams while driving a real sense of togetherness and team spirit that is focused on business outcomes.

Levana Sani
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, NalaGenetics

Levana Sani is the co-founder and CEO of NalaGenetics, a biotechnology startup transforming personalized healthcare through advanced predictive genetic testing for diverse populations. NalaGenetics addresses the limitations of traditional germline sequencing by combining monogenic risk, polygenic risk, and clinical risk scores, enabling healthcare providers to offer more sensitive, comprehensive, and cost-effective testing solutions for cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Levana studied biochemistry, genetics, and business and holds a Bachelor of Biochemistry from the University of Southern California followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. While being a part of the Genome Institute of Singapore, Levana and a team of scientists founded NalaGenetics in 2016. Her contributions to NalaGenetics led to Levana being selected in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2021.

In 2022, NalaGenetics became a part of Singapore’s SG100K study, aimed at mapping genomes of 10,000 participants to advance precision medicine and prevent chronic diseases in Singaporean and other Asian populations. Today, NalaGenetics’ solutions are offered by a growing number of healthcare providers and laboratories in Asia and Europe, reflecting the company’s exceptional standards and depth of research as a scientist-led company.

Kamonlawan Chomchopbun
Product Manager and Market Access Lead, NalaGenetics.

Kamonlawan is a seasoned product leader with extensive experience in genetic testing and healthcare solutions across Southeast Asia. As the Market Access and Product Lead at NalaGenetics, she oversees genetic test services, including product management, operations, and business monitoring. Her work focuses on driving innovative solutions like NalaCare™, a personalized wellness program aimed at improving customer engagement and satisfaction in insurance and healthcare. With a passion for making an impact through education, product development, and personalized healthcare, she has successfully led projects that blend science with real-world applications.

Kamonlawan holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the National University of Singapore, where her academic journey reinforced her commitment to medication safety and healthcare quality improvement.

Business, Contributed, Health

Transforming Healthcare in Asia Pacific: The Impact of Medical Devices

October 29, 2024 Bijay Singh Leave a comment

This article is contributed by Bijay Singh, Global Head, Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH.

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region, home to 60% of the global population, is emerging as a key market for global medical device companies.[1] This shift is underscored by the potential of the APAC region, which encompasses a diverse array of cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a healthcare market that has already surpassed Europe to become the second-largest market globally, right behind the United States.^[2] Key drivers for this growth include rising income levels, an ageing population, and an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, all contributing to the heightened demand for medical devices.^[3] However, the APAC region embodies a spectrum of healthcare systems, ranging from densely populated urban centres with state-of-the-art medical facilities to remote communities facing formidable barriers to access. These disparities in the healthcare space highlight the need for innovative solutions to transform the healthcare delivery system, addressing key issues such as access barriers and shortages of manpower and resources. This is where the crucial role of medical devices comes into play.

Population Dynamics across APAC

By 2050, the number of individuals aged 60 and above in the APAC region is projected to more than double, reaching a staggering 1.3 billion.^[4] This demographic trend brings with it a host of healthcare challenges, including an increased burden of age-related diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.^[5]

Woman measuring her blood pressure while consulting with doctor via telemedicine at home — Source: DKSH / A woman is measuring her blood pressure while consulting with a doctor via telemedicine video call on a laptop at home

Alongside an ageing population, there is a marked increase in the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which collectively contribute to 41 million deaths each year, representing approximately 74% of global mortality.^{^[6]} In APAC, NCD-related deaths are prominent, with some countries reporting rates as high as 90% of total fatalities.^[7] The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, severely straining healthcare resources, disrupting routine care services, and revealing critical gaps in preparedness and response capabilities.^[8] Healthcare facilities are grappling with issues like overcrowding, reduced physician-to-population ratios, limited medicine availability, and inadequate funding. Projections from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate an imminent global deficit by 2030, with Southeast Asia alone expected to account for 40% of this shortfall.^[9] For instance, in 2023, Indonesia reported a deficit of 31,481 specialist doctors,^[10] while the Philippines anticipates a 25-year timeline to achieve the ideal doctor-patient ratio.^[11] These challenges are further compounded by factors such as rapid population growth, lifestyle shifts, urbanization, emigration of healthcare workers, and an ageing healthcare workforce.

Harmonising Healthcare with Medical Device Innovations

Amidst the growing demand for healthcare services, the medical devices sector stands as a burgeoning industry poised to reshape healthcare approaches. Analysts project that, by 2028, the Asian medical devices market will account for more than USD 156 billion in revenue.^[12] The next frontier in healthcare innovation will involve an increased focus on the digitalisation of medical devices, thereby enhancing access, convenience, and patient-centred care.

In recent years, we are already seeing more medical devices being used across the healthcare system:

Remote monitoring and telemedicine: Medical devices, including wearable sensors, smart watches, remote monitoring devices, and telemedicine platforms, empower healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, health status, and treatment adherence. This allows caregivers to monitor multiple patients simultaneously despite manpower shortages. For instance, the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring system, available in Singapore and Japan, allows for real-time monitoring, integrated with wearable sensors and a transmitter for the measurement of blood glucose values.
Point-of-care testing: Point-of-care testing devices offer rapid and convenient diagnostic capabilities outside of traditional laboratory settings. These devices can be particularly valuable in resource-limited settings or remote areas. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple home-test kits were developed to allow the first round of testing at home. This also helped people adhere to the social distancing norms.
Self-management apps: Mobile health (mHealth) apps and devices empower patients to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. These apps enable users to track their exercise, diet, medication adherence, and vital signs, providing valuable insights into their health status and facilitating communication with healthcare providers.
Home-based care: Technological advancements have facilitated the development of home medical devices, and enhanced patient care convenience while reducing hospitalization expenses, promoting patient independence, and improving quality of life. Devices such as home infusion pumps, portable oxygen concentrators, and remote monitoring systems empower chronic patients to manage their health outside of traditional healthcare settings. DKSH’s service Home Pulse exemplifies this shift by delivering high-quality healthcare services directly to patients’ homes in Thailand. This approach has the potential to enhance the role of home-based medical devices, optimizing resource allocation and cutting overall healthcare costs for the future.

While the accelerated adoption of medical devices can transform the healthcare landscape, a critical challenge lies in enabling healthcare professionals (HCPs) to interpret collected data. This is a common industry issue, where a significant amount of data either falls through the cracks or becomes overwhelming, making it difficult to analyse and utilise effectively. Statistics paint a concerning picture, revealing that 97% of health data produced by hospitals remains unanalysed, and 46% of healthcare leaders view data management as a significant burden.[13] This translates to a vast reservoir of potentially life-saving insights remaining untapped. Hence, addressing the challenges of data interpretation will allow HCPs to unlock the true potential of medical devices and pave the way for personalised healthcare in APAC.

Collaborative Efforts to Propel Medical Devices Growth

In 2023, the region’s medical devices market reached a value of USD 111.93 billion, and projections suggest that it will further grow at a CAGR of 6.8% and reach USD 166.1 billion by 2029.^[14] Driving this growth in APAC demands a collaborative approach involving government bodies, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders.

Consulting doctor visit on mobile app at home.telemedicine — Source: DKSH / Consulting doctor visit via a mobile app at home i.e telemedicine

Regulatory developments play a pivotal role in strengthening the sector’s upward trajectory. Harmonising and streamlining regulatory frameworks are essential to facilitate faster approval and market entry of new medical devices. Regional agreements, like those within ASEAN^[15] aim to establish consistent regulations, streamline approval processes, and enhance market access for medical devices across borders.^[16] By aligning standards and regulations, regulatory bodies seek to create a more predictable and transparent environment for manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare providers.

Governments should incentivise research and development (R&D) through grants and tax benefits to stimulate local innovation of medical devices. Initiatives like Singapore’s National Health Innovation Centre (NHIC) and South Korea’s National Institute of Health (NIH) fund medical research and support clinical trials, often in collaboration with universities and healthcare companies, enabling efficient validation of new medical devices.^[17] Training programs for healthcare professionals on the use of new devices are equally crucial to ensure their effective adoption and utilization. These efforts not only facilitate faster market entry but also ensure that innovations address specific healthcare needs in diverse APAC markets.

Additionally, healthcare distribution facilities are emerging as key growth drivers, streamlining supply chains and enhancing accessibility to medical devices across APAC. DKSH Healthcare’s OP1 in Taiwan, Asia’s largest automated healthcare distribution centre, utilizes advanced automation to expedite the distribution of healthcare solutions, including medical devices, across the region. Distribution centres such as this ensure efficient logistics and support timely delivery and inventory management, which is crucial for meeting healthcare demands in diverse markets. All in all, driving the medical devices sector forward in APAC involves a comprehensive approach to address regulatory, infrastructure, reimbursement, and training challenges while ensuring patient privacy, safety, and equity. Collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, technology developers, policymakers, and regulatory authorities is crucial to improving health outcomes. In this regard, DKSH Healthcare is committed to playing a vital role in this transformation by facilitating the distribution and adoption of innovative medical devices, empowering patients, optimizing resource allocation, and contributing to a healthier future for all in the region.

[1]https://asiapacific.unfpa.org/en/populationtrends#:~:text=The%20Asia%20and%20the%20Pacific,Developing%20States%20in%20the%20Pacific

^[2]https://insights.omnia-health.com/management/navigating-growth-apac-regions-medical-device-landscape

^[3]https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/medical-health-screening-services-market

^[4]https://asiapacific.unfpa.org/en/populationtrends#:~:text=The%20Asia%20and%20the%20Pacific,Developing%20States%20in%20the%20Pacific.

^[5]https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-01251-0

^[6]https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases

^[7]https://devpolicy.org/ncds-in-asia-and-the-pacific-recent-findings-and-key-challenges-20221116/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20WHO%20report,also%20in%20the%20top%20ten.

^[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9354133/

^[9]https://journals.lww.com/wsep/fulltext/2021/10001/implementing_a_decade_of_strengthening_the_health.15.aspx

^[10]https://www.integrity-indonesia.com/blog/2023/10/10/overcoming-medical-workforce-shortages-opportunities-and-challenges-for-foreign-doctors-in-indonesia/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20report%20from,serving%20a%20population%20of%20277%2C432%2C36

^[11]https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/11/13/2311040/ideal-patient-doctor-ratio-seen-25-years-lawmaker

^[12]https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/medical-technology/medical-devices/asia#revenue

[13]https://apacmed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/APACMed-Power-Promise-of-Health-Data-Value_August-2023-2.pdf

^[14] https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/apac-medical-devices-market

^[15] https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/aseans-free-trade-agreements-an-overview/

^[16] https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ASEAN-Guidelines-for-Harmonisation-of-Standards-2022-Version.pdf

^[17] https://www.nih.go.kr/eng/

Business, Lifestyle, News

Samsung Unveils Specialized TVs for Healthcare Industry

August 30, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Samsung Electronics has introduced two new display models, the HCU7030 and HCF8000. The two new models are tailored for the healthcare sector. These models aim to enhance user experiences with features such as integrated pillow speaker interfaces, 4K resolution, and HDR performance. They are also Web RTC ready, enabling swift video conferencing integration.

Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung

The HCU7030 is designed for hospital environments, while the HCF8000 is suited for both healthcare and hotel settings. The displays are designed to prioritize patient comfort. The HCU7030 boasts a business management suite for easy device enrollment, and both models offer UL certification and three-pin plugs to uphold safety standards.

The HCU7030 series ranges from 43 to 75 inches, while the sleek 32” QLED HCF8000 fits well in hospitality settings. Both come with a Multi-Code Remote to minimize interference and Web RTC for virtual healthcare assistance.

Samsung Healthcare TV 1 — *Source: Samsung*

LYNK Cloud, a comprehensive cloud solution, equips both models with customizable content, remote device management, and access to OTT entertainment. Managers can analyze user engagement and content viewership for an optimized guest experience.

Pricing & Availability

The HCU7030 launches in the U.S. on August 25, and the HCF8000 arrives in the U.S. and Europe in Q4 2023. No public pricing has been announced at this time.

News

Sunway Medical Centre launches the latest tech in robot-assisted surgery

December 9, 2022 Thina Hareesh Leave a comment

Sunway Medical Centre commemorates a big milestone in robot-assisted surgeries, celebrating 1000 successful surgeries and its patients. Committed to being a leading smart hospital, SunMed advances further with the acquisition of the highly advanced, da Vinci Xi 4th Generation Surgical System.

Advantages of robot-assisted surgeries

A common misconception of robotic-assisted surgery is that it is performed by the robot. On the contrary, it is an advanced set of instruments, designed to assist surgeons in performing complex surgeries. The key advantage of using similar systems is that the surgeries are minimally invasive. This method will only require multiple smaller incisions called ‘keyholes’ rather than the bigger incisions in conventional procedures. This is particularly advantageous when having to perform surgeries on deeper lying tissue within the body, where accessibility and visibility for the surgeon is low. Patients benefit from this method too with faster recovery times and of course, less post-operative pain. Helen Ng, General Manager of MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) Services and Robotic Surgery, heaped praise on the system’s consistency and precision which lead to minimal scarring and blood loss for patients.

da Vinci Xi Patient cart and Vision cart — The da Vinci Xi surgical system simulating a procedure with the Patient cart (left) and Vision cart (right)

The acquisition of the da Vinci Xi system is an achievement in itself, being the first of its kind in Malaysia. The major subsystems consist of the Patient cart, housing robotic arms, the Vision cart and the Surgeon console. The robotic arms are modular and can be swapped with various instruments required for the surgery. These include grips that mimic the surgeons’ fingers in motion; forceps, cameras and many more. The arms can also be positioned independently of each other at various depth, making it versatile enough for multiple procedure types. The vision cart channels all the camera feed to allow nurses and surgeons to observe the procedure in real time. And finally, the surgeon console is where the surgeon conducts the procedure with the assistance of control handles to move the robotic arms and instruments with high precision, as well as view the procedure in real time 3D imaging.

Simulation of abdominal surgery with da Vinci Xi — Surgeons can perform complex acts such as stitching with the system

Sunway Medical Centre’s commitment to smart tech in healthcare

Sunway Medical Centre has been committed to the smart hospital initiative since 2016, with robot-assisted surgery being a key focus area. They initially started with the acquisition of the previous iteration da Vinci Si surgical system specializing for abdominal surgeries. Since then, they have further added on systems from Mako SmartRobotics and ROSA Knee system, used mainly for knee and hip replacement surgeries. In fact, Sunway Medical Center has recently celebrated Malaysia’s first robot-assisted joint replacement surgery in 2021. The newly acquired da Vinci Xi system is a further step up from the previous Si system. Dr Tan Ee Ping, the first surgeon to conduct a procedure with the Xi system, added that it brings a host of improved functionality compared to its predecessors and has “…smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a great range of motion”.

Sunway Medical Centre has been so impressed with the performance of the da Vinci Xi system that they already plan to acquire a second unit, further highlighting their commitment to robot-assisted surgeries. Helen Ng believes that “The more we operate with these highly advanced robotic technologies,
the more encouraged I feel that we are truly providing Malaysians with the best possible smart hospital technology to help them live their lives without pain”.

Business, Contributed, Editorial

Edge Automation: Seven Industry Use Cases & Examples

September 20, 2022 Red Hat Leave a comment

Put simply, edge computing is computing that takes place at or near the physical location of either the user or the source of the data being processed, such as a device or sensor.

By placing computing services closer to these locations, users benefit from faster, more reliable services and organizations benefit from the flexibility and agility of the open hybrid cloud.

Challenges in Edge Computing

With the proliferation of devices and services at edge sites, however, there is an increasing amount to manage outside the sphere of traditional operations. Platforms are being extended well beyond the data- centre, devices are multiplying and spreading across vast areas, and on-demand applications and services are running in significantly different and distant locations.

woman in yellow long sleeve shirt looking at computer data — Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

This evolving IT landscape is posing new challenges for organizations, including:

Ensuring they have the skills to address evolving edge infrastructure requirements.
Building capabilities that can react with minimal human interaction in a more secure and trusted way.
Effectively scaling at the edge with an ever-increasing number of devices and endpoints to consider.

Of course, while there are difficult challenges to overcome, many of them can be mitigated with edge automation.

Benefits of Edge Automation

Automating operations at the edge can reduce much of the complexity that comes from extending hybrid cloud infrastructure so you are better able to take advantage of the benefits edge computing provides.

Edge automation can help your organization:

Increase scalability by applying configurations more consistently across your infrastructure and managing edge devices more efficiently.
Boost agility by adapting to changing customer demands and using edge resources only as needed.
Focus on remote operational security and safety by running updates, patches and required maintenance automatically without sending a technician to the site.
Reduce downtime by simplifying network management and reducing the chance of human error.
Improve efficiency by increasing performance with automated analysis, monitoring and alerting.

7 Examples of Edge Automation

Here are some industry-specific use cases and examples demonstrating edge automation’s value.

1. Transportation industry

By automating complex manual device configuration processes, transportation companies can efficiently deploy software and application updates to trains, aeroplanes and other moving vehicles with significantly less human intervention. This can save time and help eliminate manual configuration errors, freeing teams to work on more strategic, innovative and valuable projects.

beige and red train — Photo by Paul IJsendoorn on Pexels.com

Compared to a manual approach, automating device installation and management is generally safer and more reliable.

2. Retail

Establishing a new retail store and getting its digital services online can be complex, involving configuration management of networked devices, configuration auditing and setting up computing resources across the retail facility. And once a store is set up and open to the public, the IT focus shifts from speed and scale to consistency and reliability.

Edge automation gives retail stores the ability to stand up and maintain new devices more quickly and consistently while reducing manual configuration and update errors.

3. Industry 4.0

From oil and gas refineries to smart factories to supply chains, Industry 4.0 is seeing the integration of technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, analytics and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) into industrial production facilities and across operations.

One example of the value of edge automation in Industry 4.0 can be found on the manufacturing floor. There, supported by visualization algorithms, edge automation can help detect defects in manufactured components on the assembly line. It can also help improve the safety of factory operations by identifying and alerting hazardous conditions or unpermitted actions.

4. Telecommunications, media and entertainment

The advantages edge automation can provide to service providers are numerous and include clear improvements to customer experience.

For example, edge automation can turn the data edge devices produce into valuable insights that can be used to improve customer experience, such as automatically resolving connectivity issues.

antique broken cell phone communication — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The delivery of new services can also be streamlined with edge automation. Service providers can send a device to a customer’s home or office that they can simply plug in and run, without the need for a technician on site. Automating service delivery not only improves the customer experience, it creates a more efficient network maintenance process, with the potential of reducing costs.

5. Financial services and insurance

Customers are demanding more personalized financial services and tools that can be accessed from virtually anywhere, including from customers’ mobile devices.

For example, if a bank launches a self-service tool to help their customers find the right offering — such as a new insurance package, a mortgage, or a credit card — edge automation can help that bank scale the new service while also automatically meeting strict industry security standards without impacting the customer experience.

Edge automation can help provide the speed and access that customers want, with the reliability and scalability that financial service providers need.

6. Smart cities

To improve services while increasing efficiency, many municipalities are incorporating edge technologies such as IoT and AI/ML to monitor and respond to issues affecting public safety, citizen satisfaction and environmental sustainability.

Early smart city projects were constrained by the technology of the time, but the rollout of 5G networks (and new communications technologies still to come) not only increase data speeds but also makes it possible to connect more devices. To scale capabilities more effectively, smart cities need to automate edge operations, including data collection, processing, monitoring and alerting.

7. Healthcare

Healthcare has long since started to move away from hospitals toward remote care treatment options such as outpatient centres, clinics and freestanding emergency rooms, and technologies have evolved and proliferated to support these new environments. Clinical decision-making can also be improved and personalized based on patient data generated from wearables and a variety of other medical devices.

people woman sitting technology — Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

Using automation, edge computing and analytics, clinicians can efficiently convert this flood of new data into valuable insights to help improve patient outcomes while delivering both financial and operational value.

Red Hat Edge

Modern compute platforms powered by Red Hat Edge can help organizations extend their open hybrid cloud to the edge. Red Hat Edge represents Red Hat’s collective drive to integrate edge computing across the open hybrid cloud. Red Hat’s large and growing ecosystem of partners and open methodologies give organizations the flexibility they need to build platforms that can respond to rapidly changing market conditions and create differentiated offerings.

Lifestyle, News

Electrolux Contributes Air Purifiers to Sg Buloh Hospital to help prevent Nosocomial Infections

November 23, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Nosocomial infections, better known as hospital-acquired infections, have always been a concern for patients and healthcare workers. In the midst of a pandemic, the concern and risk of contracting one are significantly increased. With the COVID-19 pandemic, these infections are more common in patients suffering from COVID-19 and even healthcare workers. This can also include a COVID-19 infection.

Electrolux, one of the leading electrical appliance companies, has recognised the increased risk that front liners and patients face in the midst of the pandemic. Hence, Electrolux Malaysia has decided to help alleviate the risk by supplying Hospital Sg Buloh with the Electrolux Pure A9. The air purifiers deployed to Sg Buloh hospital will be used to help provide better air quality for patients and healthcare workers.

The Electrolux Pure A9 is equipped with ionizer technology with a 5-step filtration system that is able to remove 99.99% of bacteria and influenza A (H1N1). The system is also able to reduce the presence of human coronaviruses (HCoV-229E) by up to 97%. The company is confident that these air-purifiers will be able to help in combating COVID-19.

The Electrolux Pure A9 works by continually monitoring the air quality of the room it is deployed in. Using the PureSense system, the Pure A9 will intelligently respond to changes in air quality by measuring both indoor and outdoor air quality. With this information, it will automatically adjust the purification rate. The air purifier is designed to reach and purify every corner with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) three times higher than the previous generation. It is also designed to minimise sound pollution with a minimum noise level of 16.5dB.

In total, Electrolux donated 20 units of the Pure A9 air purifiers. This was spread across two models: the PA91-606DG (14 units) and the PA91-406GY (6 units). Together with this, Electrolux also donated 14 units of the DEEP 360 Filter 13 600 and six units of the DEEP 360 Filter 13 400.

Business, Health

Acer Expands to Healthcare with a Focus on AI-Assisted Diagnostics

May 28, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Acer has been really busy in the recent past expanding its portfolio to become a more well-rounded tech and lifestyle company. In recent years, the company has already introduced the Predator Shot, an energy drink targeted at gamers, the Predator Gaming Chair, a collaborative effort with OSIM, and even a brand new brand – Acerpure. The company isn’t just stopping there though. It looks like they are expanding into the healthcare segment and it’s happening really soon.

In an interview session with the media, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Operations, Mr Andrew Hou, unwittingly revealed that the company would be exploring opportunities in healthcare in the near future. Upon further investigation, we found that Acer has already set up a new subsidiary, Acer Healthcare. The company is listed in the Tracxn database and is noted to be founded in 2019. Acer has also set up an official website for Acer Healthcare.

Source: Channel News Asia / Mr Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Pacific Operations

It looks like Acer is looking to leverage its prowess in dealing with data and technology to help bridge the closing gap between technology and medicine. Acer Healthcare seems to be looking into using AI-powered devices to help with diagnosis and patient monitoring. The field has been growing in the past few years with multiple startups and companies exploring opportunities and new technologies that can help better diagnose patients.

Acer Healthcare has already released a product called VeriSee DR, an AI-assisted solution for diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy – a condition that affects close to 130 million people worldwide. Using Acer’s VeriSee DR, the condition can be diagnosed by utilising AI to analyse pictures of patients’ ocular fundus (the interior of the eye) for signs of diabetic retinopathy. According to their website, the technology works with a 95% sensitivity with 90% specificity for diagnosis. In fact, Acer Healthcare has ongoing clinical trials with the VeriSee DR and has published research on it in multiple medical journals.

anonymous oculist examining vision of patient on eye screener — Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

In addition to VeriSee DR, it looks like Acer Healthcare is focusing on research and development of new diagnostic technologies using AI. Of note are a few currently listed research projects which include the diagnosis of heart arrhythmia using AI analysis of data collected from continual detection using an Acer Leap Ware wearable device and the diagnosis of renal impairment through retinal fundus imaging. While it does seem like the company’s focus is on diagnostic technologies they are also working on technologies for medical record and referrals as well.

Business, Editorial, Health

Automating & Optimising for Better Administration of Healthcare Benefits

April 20, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

This article is written based on an email interview with Mr Chris Teo, CEO of Mednefits.

Automation seems to be all the rage nowadays; seeing implementations in a wide spectrum of industries. However, you’d never have thunk that automation could be the answer to one of the most pervasive issues that beleaguer companies – employee medical benefits. The current norm in administering medical benefits is through costly insurance plans which not only cover hospitalisation but also outpatient treatment. These plans can cause some undue financial strain on the company.

That said, automating the process through bridging companies and outpatient providers such as neighbourhood clinics could be the rosetta stone to solving the conundrum. With platforms like Mednefits, neighbourhood clinics and other smaller outpatient health providers can be linked directly to companies for the administration of these benefits. Platforms of the same creed allow companies to link directly with outpatient providers to better administer and optimise their spending for employee health benefits.

woman having a video call — Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com

It may seem like we’ve gone a little too far into administering health benefits, but these platforms aren’t just about automating the administration thereof. They also allow clinics and outpatient providers to automate their own in-house administration processes. They will also empower these providers to adopt more current technologies in their day to day processes. Processes such as patient records and administration can be automated and digitized allowing them to focus on what matters – patient care. The hours spent on patient administration is also minimised with the implementation of automated registration. In addition, even when it comes to patient care, doctors can focus on treating the patient with automated voice notes.

In a system that has been ravaged by the current COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of automation technologies can actually be a boon for the medical arena – even in neighbourhood clinics. Using things like artificial intelligence (A.I.) to help with analysing, recording and even consolidating patient data into actionable insights. According to Chris Teo, CEO of Mednefits, “Prioritising digitalisation for tasks that can be automated gives more time for healthcare workers to put patients first.” It may seem like a wide sweeping statement, but when the majority of menial tasks have been automated, doctors running neighbourhood clinics can spend less time administrating their business and focus on delivering effective care to their patients.

How then do companies benefit? With platforms like Mednefits, human resource departments need not engage insurance companies. Instead, they deal with a pay per use system which allows them to pay according to employee usage. These platforms provide a more seamless experience when it comes to employee benefits. The need for long lists of panel clinics is eliminated through the use of the Mednefits app which automatically highlights nearby panel clinics when employees need to get an MC or doctor’s note. A simple click of an icon for all the information at their fingertips. Co-pay arrangements can also be eliminated.

That said, when it comes to implementing such automation systems, the issue of data privacy naturally comes up. In a world where it seems like we’re facing a data breach on a weekly basis, access to personal data – in this case, patient data – is a valid concern. However, according to Mr Teo, the digitization data of patient data can be isolated from platforms like Mednefits. In fact, he stresses that while the platform does bridge the gap between outpatient healthcare providers, it doesn’t give companies access to sensitive patient data. Companies will only be able to track items such as claims made at these outpatient facilities. That said, this doesn’t discount the need on both company and provider’s ends to properly ascertain that their data is protected.

Essentially, platforms like Mednefits aim to not only give companies better control of their spending when it comes to healthcare benefits for their employees. They aim to help streamline the process for both companies and outpatient healthcare providers to allow them to focus on building their respective businesses. That said, eliminating a costly middleman when it comes to healthcare also makes it more accessible to the masses. As such, automating and optimising is a seemingly win-win-win situation. As Mr Teo puts it, “By streamlining and automating the administration work in the provision, costs can be reduced while improving the patient experience as well as the reducing the employer’s workload.”

Business, Health, Lifestyle, News

Self-Driving Vehicle Comes to South East Asia Courtesy of HUAWEI

July 15, 2020 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

With all the attention that HUAWEI is getting these past few weeks for all the wrong reasons, they are still positive. They are still Malaysia’s biggest hope to our progression toward 5G, they have collaborated with Singapore to bring more contents to their own platform, and they are still innovating on their smartphones. Also, they are still the largest network infrastructure provider in this part of the world.

Driverless cars, on the other hand, is not something that is quite prevalent here. In South East Asia at least, the most we can get is assisted braking. Even radar guided cruise control over here is not something that is readily available. To hear about a driverless car in this neck of the woods is news.

Sadly, we are not getting that technology in Malaysia. The system is placed in Thailand first. It is not a Tesla either. It is completely autonomous with no human input controls within the vehicle at least.

It is not made for commercial purposes either, so you cannot even buy it even if you have millions in the bank. Maybe you can, but that is not the point. The new autonomous vehicle is Thailand’s next step in transforming the nation into a digital one.

Technically the vehicle in question looks nothing more than a metal box on four wheels. That is because, that is all it is – a delivery vehicle to revolutionise the Thailand healthcare industry. No, it is not made to transport human beings as ambulances.

They are mostly made to transport medical equipment, or medical supplies either within a hospital compound or from one hospital in town to the other. Which also means that this will also be on the road. There is a problem to all these autonomous vehicles however – how are they driven?

Usually an autonomous vehicle gathers data through various cameras and sensors placed around its body panels. These data are stitched through its ‘brains’ or CPU and uploaded to the cloud for further analysis to create detailed information of the road it sees, and the objects around it. The computer within the vehicle will determine how fast it should be going, where it should be heading, and where to place itself to avoid collisions, and find the fastest route to its destination. This also means a more reliable delivery service. Important when it comes to life and death.

There is a crucial component in autonomous vehicle networks though – data. You cannot just collect endless amounts of data and not offload it and back it up somewhere else. You need to share the data, back it up, and retrieve older data for the machine to understand situations better and make decisions based on every other data. For that, you need a stable and fast internet connection. For that you can look at 5G.

In this case, HUAWEI is that big partner that brings on the 5G capabilities required for Thailand’s revolutionary delivery vehicle service for the medical field. Technically that is it, HUAWEI empowering the healthcare segment of Thailand through their 5G. There is a little more than that though.

By effectively transforming the healthcare environment with 5G infrastructures also propels Thailand at the forefront of 5G readiness. While Malaysia is aiming to get 5G to hit the streets as soon as the end of 2020, it seems that Thailand has leaped forward and start taking advantage of 5G in improving their healthcare capacity and capabilities. This is a start to a much bigger 5G future.

What do you think of Malaysia’s progress toward 5G? Which industry do you think should get 5G capabilities first? Let us know in the comments!

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