Collaboration between SingHealth and SGInnovate to Advance Healthcare
SINGAPORE – A significant partnership spanning three years has been established between SingHealth and SGInnovate to drive advancements in health science innovations using artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration was formally announced on Tuesday morning (Nov 9).
The initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery and clinical outcomes in Singapore by advancing the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies to improve diagnostics and treatments.
The virtual signing of the memorandum of understanding was witnessed by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. SGInnovate, a government-owned private organisation, specialises in converting scientific research into technology-driven applications, while SingHealth oversees Singapore’s oldest healthcare institution, the Singapore General Hospital, highlighted Mr Ong in his opening remarks.
One prominent example of AI application in healthcare is the chatbot Doctor Covid. This tool communicates with migrant workers diagnosed with Covid-19 in their native languages, enabling healthcare teams to monitor both clinical and mental wellness more effectively in community care facilities, Mr Ong noted.
By combining SingHealth’s vast clinical and research expertise with SGInnovate’s deep-tech knowledge and network of corporations, start-ups, and innovators, the partnership is set to maximise the potential for health science advancements. “We anticipate further AI developments in big data analytics, machine learning, and predictive models, which could enhance diagnostic precision, personalise treatment protocols, and optimise workforce allocation,” said Professor Ivy Ng, Group CEO of SingHealth.
Dr Lim Jui, CEO of SGInnovate, emphasised the importance of this partnership, describing it as a “significant step forward” due to the formalised framework it provides. He remarked, “Previously, start-ups seeking medical opinions faced challenges in obtaining structured support or paid pilot opportunities due to the conservative nature of healthcare, given the inherent risks to patient safety. This partnership ensures only well-developed proposals proceed.”
The collaboration focuses on three primary areas:
Promoting AI Leadership and Awareness:
Regular engagements will bring together clinicians, innovators, and SGInnovate’s public and private sector partners. Activities include quarterly AI and digital innovation journal clubs and an annual AI in Health workshop, fostering awareness and understanding of AI systems within the healthcare sector.
Supporting Start-up Development:
Resources will be made available for start-ups, from connecting them with investors to guiding business strategies and commercial networking. Start-ups with expertise in big data analytics and AI can partner with SingHealth to create and clinically test AI-based solutions, such as personalised medication recommendations.
Cultivating Talent:
Training opportunities involving venture capitalists and multinational companies will be leveraged to develop local talent in innovation and enterprise capabilities, according to Mr Ong.
Despite AI’s potential to mimic intelligence, Mr Ong underscored that it cannot replace the compassion and empathy of healthcare professionals. “In healthcare, compassion and empathy remain paramount. As we integrate AI, it should serve as augmented intelligence, empowering healthcare workers to provide greater care and compassion,” he concluded.
