
PMAC 2025 Side Meeting on “Leveraging Technological Innovation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Insights from Asia-Pacific

On the morning of 28 January 2025, ThaiHealth along with the National Health Security Office
(NHSO), Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), and Wee Health Development Foundation
convened the PMAC 2025 Side Meeting on “Leveraging Technological Innovation for Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention: Insights from Asia-Pacific,” at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World
Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of NHSO and Ms.Saima Wazed, Regional Director
for WHO-SEARO gave the opening remarks focusing on the importance of technological
innovations for promoting health and well-being.
Mr.Rungsun Munkong, International Relations Expert, ThaiHealth, moderated the panel
discussion showcasing large-scale technological initiatives from 4 Asia-Pacific countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, including:
- Dr Alex Cook from the University of Singapore (NUS) presented the case of National Steps Challenge (NSC), which is overseen by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). The success of NSC demonstrated how wearable devices, and mobile technology can promote personalized health for thousands of Singaporeans, utilizing gamification and incentives in the power
of technology in driving community health engagement. - Dr.Thanasak Thumbuntu, from NHSO Thailand presented digital solutions, namely the Health Wallet and Health Station to enhance primary healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention services for millions of people in Thailand.
- Dr.Tomoko Kodama Kawashimaf from the National Institute of Public Health, Japan, presented the Kayoi-no-ba platform, the digital tool aimed at enhancing the health and social engagement of older adults in Japan. By promoting active lifestyles and
fostering social connections, the platform addresses key challenges associated with aging, including isolation and declining health. - Dr. Guanfeng Wu, from Southwest Jiaotong University, Sichuan Province, China presented the usage of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to promote PA and well-being in youth.
The initiative covers over 99% of students aged 6-22, reaching 11.58 million students
across 10,313 schools annually.