Introduction
With the enthusiastic dedication and leadership and active participation of our committee members, the Biomedical Division (BMD) has been gone through a fruitful year for 2022/2023 Session. The Division has continued to develop and has grown over the past 33 years, and this can be reflected in the recognition of the importance of Biomedical Engineering (BME). I am glad to see the Division’s continuous contribution as a learned society and sharing platform for the biomedical engineering field in Hong Kong and now expanding our coverage to the Greater Bay Area and beyond. To keep up with the emerging technologies in biomedical profession worldwide, the BMD has played a supporting role in various global events related to BME and organizing a global BME conference in Hong Kong in collaboration with local institutions, industry and the academia. Besides, the Division continues in:
1. Supporting local biomedical engineering research and development.
2. Exhibit and showcase biomedical engineering technologies to public.
3. Promoting knowledge exchange among the academia, industry, and overseas biomedical engineering society.
4. Organising technical training, workshops, and visits; and
5. Attracting and inspire more young students to pursue the profession.
Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023 (HKEW 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) hosted the Hong Kong Engineers Week 2023 (HKEW) from 3 – 11 March 2023, to enhance the visibility of the engineering profession and showcase the diversity and significance of the work engineers do. Under the theme of “Our Future, We Engineer”, the HKEW is comprised of engaging events including competitions, carnival, exhibitions, lectures, conferences and fundraising cycling & run, During HKEW, BMD supported the Roving exhibition Panel and promoted Biomedical Engineering profession to the public, raising awareness of the important role that biomedical engineers played in the entire medical system, for example in the research and manufacturing of medical equipment, planning medical equipment projects and managing the safety and quality of equipment. Besides, biomedical engineers also serve as “problem solvers” in the medical system, using modern engineering technology to assist healthcare professionals in solving problems related to diagnosis, treatment, and testing. Whether in the development of medical equipment, the application of artificial intelligence and big data, or the development of biomedical robots, biomedical engineers have focused the use of technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare and promote human health and well-being.” Ir David Wong, Ir Kannie Chan & Ir Karon LO has attended the closing ceremony of the HKEW on behalf of BMD
Biomedical Engineering Conference 2023 (BME 2023)
During the session, BMD kickstarted the preparation work of BME 2023, the theme of the Conference has been set to be “Healthcare Innovation & Technology: Roles of HK biomedical engineers in GBA”, aiming to promote biomedical industry and career prospects of I&T in healthcare and connect university, industry, start-ups and students/expertise. BME 2023 is now scheduled to be held in August 2023 under leadership of Conference Chairman Ir Kannie Chan.
Role of Biomedical Engineers in Greater Bay Area (GBA)
Biomedical engineers have an important role to play in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Healthy China 2030 initiatives in advancing healthcare technology and improving public health outcomes. In the GBA, biomedical engineers are involved in the R&D of medical devices and equipment, as well as in the implementation of digital health technologies. We work closely with healthcare professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Practitioners) to ensure that new technologies are safe, effective, and meet related regulatory standards. Biomedical engineers in the GBA are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of medical equipment to ensure that it functions properly and is available when needed. They work to optimize healthcare systems, contributing to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
In Healthy China 2030, biomedical engineers are playing a critical role in the development and implementation of digital health technologies. We are using our expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to develop new tools and applications that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. We are also working to develop innovative solutions that can address the unique challenges of healthcare in China, such as the aging population and the need for remote healthcare services. Overall, biomedical engineers are essential to the success of healthcare technology and services in the GBA and Healthy China 2030.
Webinars, competition and conference
To support promoting biomedical engineering knowledge and STEM education, the Division also organized various webinars to committee and public, including
⚫ “Technical Webinar: Biomedical imaging for Telemedicine: The new frontier for primary care” by Dr. Russell CHAN
⚫ “Technical Webinar: Digital Transformation in Healthcare Company” by Dr. Angel LO
⚫ “Technical Webinar: Intellectual Property for Engineers” by Mr Frank Lee
⚫ “Webinar: Surgical Robotics Technologies – Engineering into a Healthier Future” Co-organized with AMC Division
⚫ Supporting organization of HKMHDIA MedTech Forum 2022: “Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area”, organized by HKMHDIA
⚫ Supporting organization of 第三屆生物醫學工程創意競賽之 愛．創耆樂 , organized by Biomedical Engineering Department, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
⚫ Supporting organization of Asia Pacific eHealth Conference 2023 (APEHC 2023), organized by HKSMI
I would like to extend my gratitude to the excellent support from the HKIE Headquarters and other Divisions’ enthusiastic collaboration. The active participation of all of our Committee Members and stakeholders are also crucial for organising the activities during the year. In the upcoming year, the BMD will continue promotion of the field, organising learned society activities and attract young talents to pursue the biomedical engineering profession. I have great confidence that the new Committee members will lead the Division to the next era, with healthy growth and contributions benefiting our biomedical engineering profession, industry, and community.