Asia-Pacific (APAC) is emerging as a powerhouse of healthcare innovation, driven by cutting-edge research, AI adoption, biotech development, and resilient public health strategies. From Australia to China, a new wave of healthcare leaders is transforming systems, building digital-first infrastructures, and pushing for equitable access to care.
In this article, we spotlight APAC’s Top 10 Influential Healthcare Leaders to Watch in 2025, who are redefining the future of healthcare through leadership, innovation, and vision.
1. Dr. Tan See Leng – Minister for Health, Singapore
As Singapore’s Minister for Health, Dr. Tan See Leng is spearheading a transformative healthcare agenda under the “Healthier SG” initiative. This national strategy focuses on preventive care, community health, and digital-first solutions to curb long-term healthcare costs and improve outcomes.
Shaping the Future of Mental Health Data
- Leading digital health transformation at the policy level.
- Advocating telehealth expansion and AI in diagnostics.
- Championing regional collaboration on pandemic readiness and elder care.
His leadership is not only reshaping healthcare in Singapore but is also becoming a model for other APAC nations.
2. G.V. Prasad – Co-Chairman & MD, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (India)
At the helm of one of India’s most prominent pharmaceutical companies, G.V. Prasad is recognized for pushing affordable and innovative medicines globally. Under his guidance, Dr. Reddy’s has become a leader in generics, biosimilars, and sustainability.
Driving the Digital Health Revolution
- Expanding pharma reach across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Promoting cost-effective treatments in oncology and chronic care.
- Investing in cutting-edge drug discovery and R&D partnerships.
In 2025, expect further strategic moves in AI-driven drug development and global market penetration.
3. Dr. Harsh Mahajan – Founder, Mahajan Imaging (India)
A pioneer in radiology, Dr. Harsh Mahajan has revolutionized diagnostic imaging in India. He founded Mahajan Imaging, one of the first centers in India to adopt PET-CT and AI-based radiology tools.
Championing Data-Driven Mental Wellness
- Integrating AI in radiology workflows.
- Championing precision diagnostics in emerging markets.
- Advocating for ethical use of medical imaging data.
Dr. Mahajan’s vision bridges the gap between innovation and accessibility, particularly in under-resourced regions.
4. Carolyn Starrett – CEO, NIB Group (Australia)
Carolyn Starrett leads NIB Group, one of Australia’s largest health insurers. With a focus on creating personalized health ecosystems, she is redefining how insurance can support wellness, not just illness.
Where Tech Meets Behavioral Health
- Driving digital transformation in insurance.
- Advocating for preventive healthcare models.
- Partnering with tech startups to build smarter member services.
Her leadership places NIB at the center of Australia’s move toward data-driven, patient-centric care.
5. Nawal Roy – Founder & CEO, Holmusk (Singapore)
Nawal Roy is the founder and CEO of Holmusk, a global digital health and real-world evidence company focused on transforming behavioral health through data science. Headquartered in Singapore and New York, Holmusk builds advanced analytics and AI-powered tools to improve mental health outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making.
Reimagining Evidence-Based Psychiatry
- Pioneering the use of real-world evidence in behavioral and mental health.
- Expanding Holmusk’s footprint across APAC, the U.S., and Europe.
- Collaborating with health systems and pharmaceutical companies to tackle data gaps in mental health care.
Roy’s vision of making behavioral health more measurable and data-driven is setting new standards for mental healthcare globally.
6. Dr. Liu Dianbo – Chairman, Luye Pharma Group (China)
Dr. Liu Dianbo is a driving force in China’s biotech and neuroscience pharmaceutical space. His company, Luye Pharma, is known for its strong pipeline in mental health, oncology, and drug delivery technologies.
Turning Data into Action for Mental Health
- Scaling innovation in drug delivery systems.
- Leading global trials in psychiatry and neurology.
- Investing in AI and nanotech-based treatment platforms.
With China focusing heavily on biotech and mental health, Dr. Liu stands out as a key influencer in the region.
7. Dr. Nares Damrongchai – CEO, iCONEXT (Thailand)
A former leader of Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Dr. Nares Damrongchai now heads iCONEXT, a leading health IT and digital health firm.
Building the Backbone of Behavioral Health Innovation
- Driving Thailand’s national EHR and telemedicine strategy.
- Leading AI-based hospital management solutions.
- Bridging private-public health tech ecosystems.
In 2025, Dr. Nares continues to build Thailand’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, helping Southeast Asia move toward digital-first care.
8. Dr. Emma Miller – Public Health Epidemiologist, Flinders University (Australia)
As a respected voice in public health and epidemiology, Dr. Emma Miller has been pivotal in shaping vaccine policy and data transparency in Australia.
Leading the Real-World Evidence Movement
- Leading research on vaccine hesitancy and safety.
- Advocating for ethical health data use and transparency.
- Influencing public health policies around communicable disease control.
Expect her to play a vital role in shaping Australia’s long-term public health resilience strategy.
9. Dr. Kazunori Kataoka – Director, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (Japan)
Renowned for his work in nanomedicine, Dr. Kazunori Kataoka is a global leader in drug delivery systems and targeted therapies.
From Vision to Vital Data in Global Mental Health
- Leading research in nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- Bridging biotech and clinical research with real-world impact.
- Guiding Japan’s innovation agenda in personalized medicine.
In 2025, he remains at the forefront of turning cutting-edge science into patient-ready treatments.
10. Dr. Winnie Kan – Chief Executive, CUHK Medical Centre (Hong Kong)
Dr. Winnie Kan leads CUHK Medical Centre, Hong Kong’s first fully smart hospital, known for integrating AI and automation into every touchpoint of care.
Transforming Mental Health Through Analytics
- Implementing AI for clinical decision-making.
- Leading the charge in paperless hospital systems.
- Expanding research in patient-centered, digital-first care.
Her work offers a blueprint for how technology and compassion can coexist in modern healthcare.
Outlook
These ten healthcare leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region are transforming not only how care is delivered but also how health systems are built for resilience, equity, and innovation. Whether through policy, technology, research, or entrepreneurship, their influence is shaping the future of healthcare in 2025 and beyond.
As APAC continues to rise as a global leader in health innovation, keeping an eye on these trailblazers offers valuable insights into the direction of international healthcare.
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