5th China-ASEAN Health Forum: Delegation led by MoH UM attended opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 5th China-ASEAN Health Forum was held on the morning of September 16 at the Wuxiang Resort in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China.

A delegation led by Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win attended the event. In the morning, the opening ceremony and plenary meeting of the Health Forum were held. Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win, the Vice Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, officials from the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, health ministers and deputy ministers from ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Secretary-General, representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat, and officials from the World Health Organization delivered addresses.

During his address at the opening ceremony, the Union Minister for Health stated that this year’s forum theme, “Health for Common Development in the Age of Digital Intelligence,” highlights the growing importance of technological advancements in promoting the parallel development of social livelihoods and healthcare services for the people of China and ASEAN countries.

He emphasized that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can facilitate the exchange of health information, collaborative medical treatments, and improve access to quality healthcare for people in remote areas. He encouraged greater collaboration in AI-driven patient registration, disease diagnosis, treatment, and medical record-keeping, as well as increased exchanges of technology and operational experiences.

He also expressed gratitude to China and ASEAN countries for swiftly dispatching emergency rescue and medical teams to assist after the Mandalay earthquake. Following the opening ceremony, the health ministers, deputy ministers, and distinguished guests pressed a digital button to inaugurate the China-ASEAN Healthcare Cooperation Center at Guangxi University Hospital in Nanning.

They then visited the China-ASEAN Specialized Medical Treatment Wing at the hospital. The opening ceremony was attended by the Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win, the Governor and officials of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Vice Minister and officials of China’s National Health Commission, health ministers and deputy ministers from ASEAN countries, officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat, representatives from the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office, officials from Chinese medical universities and hospital associations, representatives from pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, medical professionals and other invited guests.

In the afternoon, the Health Industry Development Sub-Forum was held. Deputy Director-General Dr. Nanda Win presented on the topic “Intelligently Steering the Health Industry: Building a New Health Silk Road,” and Deputy Director Dr. Htet Lin spoke on “Health Care Services in Myanmar.”

On the afternoon of September 15, the delegation led by the Union Minister visited Sun Yat-sen Hospital in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Hospital officials guided them through the emergency department, surgery unit, laboratory, and radiology department, demonstrating modern equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in disease diagnosis. They also explained the hospital’s history and ongoing medical operations. In the evening, the delegation attended an honorary dinner hosted by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.