Medical and Healthcare Fair opens next Tuesday
9 May 2019 – An ageing global population and a general increase in health awareness are boosting demand for medical and healthcare equipment. At a press conference today, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) previewed the highlights of the 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (“Medical Fair”) and showcased some of the products that are driving the development of this fast-growing sector.
“Hong Kong’s exports of medical and healthcare equipment exceeded HK$13 billion in 2018, an increase of 4.6% compared to the previous year,” said Sophia Chong, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director. “With global health spending continuing to climb, it is expected that medical and healthcare spending as a proportion of overall household expenditure will rise in tandem. This signifies enormous growth potential for the medical devices and supplies industry. Catering to this trend, the Medical Fair offers an important business and sourcing platform for industry players to showcase the latest medical equipment, technologies and related services.”
The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), runs from 14 to 16 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year’s fair will gather 285 exhibitors from eight countries and regions and feature new exhibitors from the United Kingdom and Singapore. The Japanese pavilion will also make its debut, while the HKMHDIA pavilion will be further expanded to feature 55 companies.
New zone highlights biotechnology potential
Biotechnology is one of the four areas of strength identified by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the 2018-19 Budget to bolster innovation and technology in Hong Kong. Responding to this development, the Medical Fair’s new Biotechnology zone will showcase the latest biotech advancements relating to areas such as vaccine research, allergy tests and genetically engineered drugs.
Exhibits highlighted at today’s press conference included an array-based LED-induced fluorescence immunoassay platform developed by a local biotechnology company. The device requires just one drop of blood or saliva to perform an end-to-end in vitro diagnosis in just 15 minutes. It can detect problems such as infectious diseases and heart disease and can drastically reduce the turnaround time compared to conventional tests where samples need to be taken to a laboratory.
In addition, on the first day of the fair (14 May), a seminar entitled “Biomedical Technologies that are Changing Healthcare” will feature speakers from several biotechnology companies from the Hong Kong Science Park who will share their latest developments and discuss how biotechnology companies can commercialise their innovations.
New portable devices enable quicker assessment
One major trend in medical technology is to replace bulky medical equipment with advanced portable devices that enable quick testing or preliminary self-assessment, overcoming any geographical limitations. Several user-friendly technologies and devices were displayed at the press conference, including a portable radiation-free scoliosis assessment system, a portable ultrasound machine and an ultra-wide field smartphone ophthalmoscope that can detect retinal problems using a smartphone attachment.
Award-winning local innovation adopted by public hospitals
Also spotlighted at the press conference was Hong Kong’s first medical implant company that uses customised metal 3D-printing technology to create patient-specific implants. The company showcased its durable, bio-compatible and bio-conductive 3D-printed metal talus implants that are customised according to the patient’s bone density and size. The company won a merit prize at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018 for this technology and is now an official supplier of metal taluses for the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong.
Startup zone showcases innovative solutions
Continuing the HKTDC’s commitment to supporting start-ups, the Startup zone at this year’s fair will be expanded to showcase 21 new start-ups and their innovative solutions. Products on display will include a Wi-Fi Clock that automatically synchronises with the atomic clock of the Hong Kong Observatory and is already being used by the Hospital Authority at its hospitals. Also on display will be a portable blood sugar monitor that does not require finger pricks, and a palm-sized, portable smart assistant for CPR. The new Korea start-up pavilion, meanwhile, will feature some of that country’s latest medical technologies.
Other highlighted zones include the World of Health & Wellness, which will showcase an array of fitness products, functional food and beverages, and health supplements; the Rehabilitation and Elderly Care zone that will display products and services for elderly care and rehabilitation; and the Hospital Equipment zone where specialist technology such as ultrasound and other imaging equipment, along with a range of surgical and first-aid instruments, will be presented.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of the medical market
A series of seminars will be held during the fair, including one covering the “Outlook of the Medical and Healthcare Industry and Latest Medtech Innovations” on the first day (14 May). A representative from China Medical Devices Magazine will examine the latest developments in the mainland’s medical industry, while representatives from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong will share their research findings. On the following day (15 May), a seminar titled “Australia Medtech Knowledge Hub – Progression of Sensing Technique for Medical Diagnosis” will feature academics and medical professionals from Australia as speakers.
Hospital Authority Convention
Another signature event of the Asia-Pacific medical industry, the Hospital Authority Convention 2019, will be held concurrently at the HKCEC during the first two days (14 and 15 May) of the Medical Fair to generate synergy. More than 5,000 medical professionals are expected to attend the event, and nearly 90 overseas and local medical experts will share their professional insights and experiences on a host of subjects in more than 50 thematic sessions.
Hong Kong’s medical and healthcare equipment export performance
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2017 |
2018 |
January to March 2019 |
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HK$12.5 billion |
HK$13 billion |
HK$3 billion |
Fair website
HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: http://www.hkmedicalfair.hktdc.com/tc
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A press conference held today introduced highlights of the 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, which runs from 14 to 16 May. Pictured at the event are (from left) Sophia Chong, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, and Martha Hao, Chairlady of the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA) |
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The Hospital Authority launched a pilot scheme this year to use the Room Shampoo hair and body wash system in its public hospitals, helping elderly and disabled people who have difficulties washing themselves. Care providers can use the nozzle to spray and remove water simultaneously, with no spillage, while the recipient can simply sit down or lie on the bed during the washing process. Exhibitor: L.O.M. International Limited Booth 3G-C10 |
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The “mobile exo-neuro-musculo-skeleton”, developed by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was designed for multi-joint upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors. Combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation, soft pneumatic muscle and an exoskeleton, the device is effective in enhancing the physical mobility of patients’ joints. The invention, which won a Gold Medal at the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva this year, is being tested in local public hospitals including Kowloon Hospital and Shatin Hospital. The next step is to enter the Greater Bay Area market by launching the product in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. Exhibitor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Booth 3F-E09 |
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Compared with a conventional X-ray scoliosis assessment, which is not advised to be performed frequently due to radiation exposure, the world’s first 3D ultrasound radiation-free portable scoliosis imaging technology, invented by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, allows close follow-up monitoring on the progress of spinal bracing or other treatments. Exhibitor: Telefield Medical Imaging Limited Booth 3F-G04 |
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Koln 3D, Hong Kong’s first metal implant company, produced metal bone implants that are durable, bio-compatible and bio-conductive, with customised density and size. Their metal talus has already been widely adopted by doctors in Hong Kong and overseas. This patented technology won the merit prize at the Hong Kong ICT Awards in 2018. Exhibitor: Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited Booth 3F-G04 |
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Natalie Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: natalie.hy.wong@hktdc.org
Ivion Xie Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: ivion.y.xie@hktdc.org
About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.