He discusses the pressing challenges and transformative solutions shaping the future of healthcare in Asia Pacific.
The healthcare industry in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing fundamental development, but it also faces challenges. To remain resilient, healthcare organizations must embrace innovation, sustainability, and patient-centered care models while driving transformative solutions to address these growing issues.
Peter Liddell, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, Singapore and Asia Pacific Life Sciences, KPMG Services Pte. Ltd., provided valuable insights. He has 35 years of experience supporting global and domestic clients in healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and medical technology, consumer health and nutrition, helping them improve operational and financial performance.
As leader of KPMG's Global Centers of Operational Excellence and global leader in sustainable supply chain solutions, Liddell drives supply chain, logistics, procurement and advanced manufacturing initiatives. He is known for designing large-scale transformation programs that reduce complexity, optimize costs, and drive growth. His expertise spans operational strategy, supply chain consulting, supply chain and logistics consulting, business process analysis, improvement and redesign, as well as project, change and risk management.
In a recent interview, Liddell, who serves as a judge for the 2024 Asia Healthcare Awards, highlighted the pressing challenges facing the healthcare industry in the Asia-Pacific region amid promising growth, through technology, patient-centric care models and ESG integrates the need for transformative solutions to ensure sustainable and equitable healthcare outcomes.
Transforming healthcare in Asia Pacific
As Asia Pacific's healthcare and life sciences landscape continues to evolve, Liddell believes the region is aligned with the current global outlook but faces challenges that need to be addressed to ensure healthcare outcomes are consistent and sustainable in the years to come.
In the life sciences sector, while many CEOs are optimistic about growth, key issues remain such as cybersecurity risks, supply chain disruptions, inflation and labor, which are cited as the top challenges.
“We see that nearly half of life sciences CEOs globally are prepared to increase investment in building workforce skills and capabilities,” Liddell explained.
The healthcare industry faces waves of crises affecting the global system, including an aging population, an increasing burden of chronic disease, ongoing workforce shortages, and the adverse effects of climate change. These challenges often impact affordability, accessibility, and quality of care.
Liddell stressed that changes in the way the healthcare system operates will be fundamental in the future, saying: “Healthcare leaders should seek transformational and innovative approaches to solving sector problems, as traditional interventions are out of control given the unprecedented challenges facing the industry. No longer valid.
In response to the changing needs of the Asia Pacific healthcare market, Liddell highlighted the importance of resiliency by leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and the Internet of Things to improve productivity and improve the patient experience; reimagining healthcare outside of the traditional hospital environment health care delivery models such as home hospitals, outpatient models, accelerated care transformation, and community care; and focus on future-proofing their workforce.
As climate change poses significant risks to human health, including extreme weather events, food system disruptions and the spread of infectious diseases, and the industry faces rising costs associated with these impacts, Liddell noted that healthcare organizations must incorporate ESG practices.
He suggested that organizations must assess ESG-related risks, set decarbonization goals, and ensure organizational preparedness through training and system improvements.
“There are many strategies that can help reduce carbon emissions, but investing in the right ones requires research and proper scrutiny,” he noted.
Discussing the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digital health and telemedicine, Liddell highlighted their ability to revolutionize healthcare delivery. For example, artificial intelligence can handle routine tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time on patient care.
“We’re seeing artificial intelligence and telemedicine reshape care models as well,” Liddell added. Digital health innovation supports models such as home hospitals and virtual wards, where patients can be monitored remotely while recovering at home.
Looking ahead, Liddell foresees several key trends transforming health care. “Agent AI will be a major trend in 2025, helping healthcare organizations realize significant value by reducing administrative burdens, reimagining workflows, and increasing productivity and impact across the entire healthcare value chain,” he said.
Additionally, data will become a valuable asset, fostering collaboration and innovation among patients, providers and payers. Liddell also emphasized coordination between primary care and hospitals.
“Moving integration upstream to address the social determinants of health is the first step in tackling health inequalities,” he added.
A strong primary care network based on advanced technology and multidisciplinary teams will focus on preventive and proactive care to avoid hospital admissions and address complex health needs. At the same time, he sees hospitals specializing in emergency care and complex surgeries, supported by technology and remote care capabilities.
Recognizing excellence in healthcare
As a judge for the 2025 Asian Healthcare Awards, Liddell emphasized the importance of key qualities based on a nominee’s contribution to medical innovation, quality of care and delivery, patient outcomes and experience, and equitable healthcare. The standards reflect his belief in recognizing organizations that not only address current challenges but also move the industry forward through visionary solutions.
