At the recent 6th Asia Healthcare Summit, Prof. MA Cong of PolyU shared his vision for a smarter healthcare future. As an Associate Professor and RCMI member, he joined a panel to explore how digital innovations and AI are reshaping the industry.
Prof. Ma identified four key pillars giving Hong Kong a competitive edge: world-class scientific research, proactive government support, a mature healthcare network, and rigorous IP protection. He also pointed to the newly established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation as a catalyst for bringing new local drugs to market faster.
According to Prof. Ma, the journey of medical AI in Hong Kong has evolved rapidly. Starting with lung imaging in 2021, the technology has expanded to cover stroke and ophthalmic screenings. Today, the focus is on predicting genetic risks and preventing diseases before they occur. This shift represents a fundamental move away from reactive treatment toward proactive prevention. Beyond diagnostics, Prof. Ma noted that AI is crucial for optimizing hospital workflows, enabling personalized care plans, and guiding public health decisions.
On the research front, Prof. Ma's team is making waves by combining generative AI with structural biology to tackle antibiotic resistance. They have successfully pinpointed active molecules for five difficult-to-treat infections, with two potential drugs already entering preclinical safety evaluations. These efforts highlight Hong Kong's commitment to building a dynamic ecosystem for health technology innovation.
Online coverage:
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/42r4lC8
Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4uFLbV5
Chinese Daily - https://polyu.me/4dEsLye
