TechInnovation 2025 opened with a welcome address from Michael Goh, CEO of IPI Singapore, who described the event as a platform that brings together global partners and local technology seekers to accelerate adoption and reduce risks through “best fit” solutions. He highlighted IPI Singapore’s Innovation Advisory network, made up of more than 40 veteran executives who guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as product-solution fit, market entry, and building leadership confidence in innovation.
Goh said the event enables SMEs to make confident moves, access global partners, and adopt the right technologies to take the next step in their growth journey. Setting the tone for the first day, he outlined a focus on practical artificial intelligence (AI) in the morning and health technology applications in the afternoon. He encouraged attendees to tap into the ecosystem and engage with overseas partners showcasing market-ready technologies.
Rethinking innovation and resilience
The opening dialogue, titled “From Island State to Global Stage – Rethinking Innovation, Identity, and Independence,” featured Ho KwonPing, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group, and Dr Juliana M. Chan, CEO of Wildtype Media Group. Their discussion explored how Singapore can remain resilient and relevant amid rapid technological change.
Ho emphasised the importance of incorporating non-Western knowledge into AI development to build a more inclusive global system. He also spoke about the need for empathy and adaptability in leadership and business, cautioning against excessive reliance on AI. While recognising AI’s potential to enhance productivity, Ho reminded audiences that humility and proactive leadership are vital in addressing global challenges, including climate change.
Reflecting on Singapore’s position in the global innovation landscape, Ho said, “We (Singapore) could be the Alexandria of the world. Singapore can bring different civilisational knowledge bases together so AI creators can build a truly universal AI capability.”
Innovation in digital health
The keynote session, “Health Without the Hassle – Passive Monitoring for the Homes of Tomorrow,” was delivered by Dr Seung-min Park, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University. He presented his research in passive digital health, which includes AI-enabled smart toilets and mirror-embedded sensors designed for early disease detection and prevention. Dr Park also discussed the journey of turning lab innovations into startups and addressed key ethical questions surrounding data privacy, ownership, and informed consent.
In the panel discussion “Home Is the New Healthcare Hub – Scaling Preventive and Personalised Digital Care,” experts including Dr Goh Su-Yen from Singapore General Hospital, Dr Philip Wong from Spyder ECG, Dr Yong Chern Chet from 22Health Ventures, and Dr Nelson Lau from HealthBridge AI shared insights on how healthcare is shifting from hospitals to homes. They explored the role of remote monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalised care platforms in making healthcare more preventive and accessible. The discussion also addressed the challenges of adoption, opportunities for scalability, and the importance of empowering individuals while easing pressure on healthcare systems.
Designing for transformation
The day concluded with a masterclass titled “Design for Innovation,” led by Low Cheaw Hwei, an innovation advisor at IPI Singapore. Drawing on his global leadership experience, Low demonstrated how design thinking can drive innovation and business transformation. He explained that design is not merely about aesthetics but about solving real-world challenges through collaboration and user-centred approaches.
Participants learned practical ways to apply design as a strategic tool to manage complexity, foster cross-functional teamwork, and accelerate business growth. The session underscored how design can be a key enabler for innovation across industries, particularly for companies navigating digital transformation.
