The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the need for greater resilience and productivity. The APO supported members in response by promoting the best practices in epidemic management and healthcare business continuity. A key initiative was the Multicountry Observational Study Mission on Productivity Enhancement in the Healthcare Sector, organized by the Korea Productivity Center from 30 September to 2 October in the ROK. The mission focused on boosting healthcare efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and equipping systems to better handle future crises.

Thirty-seven participants from 15 APO members joined the study mission to explore the ROK’s advanced healthcare system. Led by resource persons from the ROK, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the participants examined how AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies are integrated into healthcare. The mission provided opportunities for collaboration and learning, with a focus on innovations that enhance research, patient care, and overall productivity in the healthcare sector.

Participants visited leading startup – Noul, hospitals working on healthcare productivity – Bumin Hospital Seoul, medical device manufacturer – InBody, and a major healthcare fair – K-Hospital+Health Tech Fair. Through these visits, they gained valuable insights into how precision medicine, genomics, robotics, AI, and big data analytics are transforming healthcare systems. The mission deepened participants’ understanding of current healthcare trends and future directions, helping them explore how integrated care models and advanced technologies can be applied to enhance productivity and improve outcomes in their respective economies.