Wednesday 10 July 2024 – The Australia China Business Council Victoria proudly hosted the Australia China Health Summit with generous support from Gadens, focusing on Biotech and Medtech Innovation: Victoria’s Pathway to China’s Healthcare Market.
The summit underscored Victoria’s role as Australia’s health and research capital, showcasing opportunities for Chinese businesses to expand globally through Victoria. It also highlighted Hong Kong as an ideal gateway into the Chinese market for Australian companies.
Virginia Birrell, CEO of ACBC Victoria & Tasmania, opened the summit, followed by Jing Wang of Gadens, who introduced the keynote speaker and panellists for the first topic.
Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Leading Scientist, delivered a keynote on Victoria’s success in Health and Life Sciences, emphasising innovation’s impact on the global health market.
The first panel, introduced by Tina Soulis, Founder of Alithia Life Sciences and moderated by Kelly Griffiths from Gadens, discussed why Victoria leads Australia’s biotech and health innovation. Panellists included Dr Amanda Caples, Karen Parr (CEO, BioMelbourne Network), Sharon Sim (360BioLabs), and Dr Paul Smith (St Vincent’s Health). We particularly acknowledge and thank Paul coming straight from performing neurosurgery at St Vincent’s Hospital to speak at our event.
The discussions highlighted Victoria’s potential as a trusted global health manufacturer and the role of Melbourne’s collaborative and unique ecosystem in accelerating research and industry growth. Insights included strategies for navigating cultural differences and leveraging government support for partnerships in China. Paul also took us through the steps he has taken from conceiving a medical device through to research, successful production and distribution.
George Vlachos from Akesa introduced the second panel, moderated by Glenn McGowan KC from Gadens, which explored health and MedTech companies expanding globally via Victoria. Panellists included Dr Pavel Reddy (Global R&D), Dr Amanda Mao (Acurit Medical Communications), and Dr David Anderson (Nanjing DeShi Diagnostic Technology Co. Ltd.).
The importance of understanding cultural nuances in global expansion was stressed, with a focus on building enduring business relationships. The panel also highlighted Australia’s significant research output and in particular that the State of Victoria is ‘punching well above its weight’ in research and grant funding and its role in the global health product market.
Angela Luttick, EVP Commercial at 360BioLabs, introduced Trista Lim’s presentation and the third panel discussion on Hong Kong as a Gateway to China’s Health Tech Markets. Trista Lim, Director of Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Sydney, discussed Hong Kong’s strategic advantages for entering the Chinese market.
The panel, moderated by Bonnie Shek from HKTDC, featured insights from Michael Woods (Newburyport Partners), Dr Brad Walsh (CEO, Minomic), Shane Muller (CEO & Founder, SafeWatch), and Natasha Bian (CEO, Opuz), who shared their experiences navigating Hong Kong’s business landscape.
Hong Kong’s accessibility and support for English, Mandarin, and Cantonese speakers, along with grants for health research, were highlighted. The discussion emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, cultural understanding, and ongoing in-country engagement for success in Hong Kong.
Matthew Bugg from MaH Pharma concluded the event with a final wrap-up and vote of thanks. The networking opportunities over light refreshments allowed participants to continue discussions on Victoria’s health and MedTech advancements.
We extend sincere thanks to all presenters and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the Australia China Health Summit and to our members, Gadens for their generosity in providing their luxury venue and catering.
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Find more photos from the event here