What you all read in 2025: key trends that shaped Asian healthtech

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear that Asian healthtech continued to evolve along some consistent, powerful trends that are reshaping healthcare in the region. Looking back at the stories and innovations we covered this year, six pillars stand out:

1. Chronic disease prevention and early detection
From chronic kidney disease (CKD) to cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, prevention remained front and centre. Carna Health has been tackling CKD globally, focusing on early detection, patient awareness, and interventions that can prevent the need for dialysis. Similarly, Mediwhale’s Dr. Noon CVD platform uses retinal biomarkers and AI to identify cardiovascular risks before symptoms appear, highlighting the growing emphasis on predicting illness rather than just treating it. Multi-disease platforms are emerging, signalling a move towards comprehensive prevention strategies.

2. AI-driven care
Artificial intelligence has expanded its role from predictive analytics to full-scale risk stratification. Ping An Good Doctor has enhanced its AI-driven “7+N+1” suite to support clinical decisions across complex diseases, while Carna Health and Mediwhale are using real-world data to train algorithms that guide treatment and triage. Hangzhou-based fintech Ant Group has also deepened its healthcare activities through its AQ app, which provides more than 100 AI-powered services and had reached 140 million users by late 2025. Together, these AI initiatives are making patient care and physician support smarter, faster, and more personalised.

3. Decentralised, accessible care
Healthcare is increasingly moving out of hospitals and into communities, homes, and digital channels. Carna Health has deployed community-based screening programmes in the Philippines and Africa, Pride Health connects LGBT patients with affirming providers via telehealth across Southeast Asia, and Bupa CareConnect is integrating digital clinics, home healthcare, and on-site corporate clinics across Saudi Arabia. Access and convenience are now fundamental to scaling impact.

4. Holistic, multi-disease management
The focus is shifting from single conditions to integrated care. Carna Health is adding diabetes and cardiovascular monitoring alongside CKD, while Mediwhale is expanding into kidney, liver, and brain health. Patients are increasingly being managed across multiple, connected conditions, making care more efficient and outcomes more meaningful.

5. Population-level insights
Healthtech is now providing governments, payers, and providers with actionable data. Carna Health uses geocoding to map disease burden, Ping An Good Doctor’s MDT platform informs population-level decisions, and BGI Genomics is integrating genomics into Saudi Arabia’s health system. These insights enable better resource allocation, policy planning, and targeted interventions.

6. Inclusivity and underserved populations
Finally, healthtech is paying attention to equity. Pride Health is expanding access for LGBT patients across Southeast Asia, addressing stigma and barriers to care. These initiatives show that inclusive health solutions aren’t just socially important—they’re increasingly being recognised as a vital part of sustainable healthcare systems.

2025 has reinforced that Asian healthtech is moving towards predictive, personalised, and inclusive care, driven by AI, decentralisation, and multi-disease integration. The focus is clear: prevention, access, and equity are no longer optional—they’re central to the future of healthcare in the region.

Happy New Year!