3 Healthtech trends we are watching in 2025

Southeast Asia’s healthtech landscape is undergoing rapid evolution, fueled by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviour. We explore three key trends shaping the sector as we head into 2025 – the specialization of telehealth, a ‘back to basics’ approach to holistic wellness, and the growing focus of mental health in the workplace.

Specialty telehealth for greater personalization and accessibility

The Southeast Asian telehealth market, projected to reach US$21.8 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 18% from 2025 to 2030, reflects the growing adoption of digital healthcare solutions across the region. With 89% of Southeast Asia’s population regularly using smartphones - surpassing the global average of 79.5% - telehealth has emerged as a useful tool for addressing healthcare gaps. While general telehealth platforms like PNT Health in the Philippines remain essential for eliminating adoption barriers by providing access through simple SMS texts for those without high-speed internet, the industry is increasingly shifting away from generalized digital healthcare toward specialized, niche-focused telehealth designed to meet specific needs.

Specialized telehealth is reshaping the industry by addressing underserved segments that need highly nuanced and individualized needs. FemTech startups lead the way, with Kindred Health in the Philippines providing culturally sensitive feminine health solutions, Motherhood Care+ in Malaysia supporting maternal health, and The Cloud Clinic in Singapore offering discreet sexual health services. Similarly, Singapore-based ORA focuses on conditions like hair loss, acne, and sexual health, providing privacy-conscious consumers with personalized telehealth consultations and treatment plans. These innovations are not only driving wider access to healthcare but also transforming the type of  care delivered.

This shift is designed to address the diverse cultural, demographic, and health-related demands of Southeast Asia’s population. By expanding accessibility beyond urban centers into tier 2 and 3 cities, specialized telehealth is making healthcare more affordable, inclusive, and impactful for underserved communities.

Community engagement for holistic wellness

Southeast Asian consumers are increasingly embracing a pre-emptive approach to wellness, moving away from treating ailments  to proactively pursuing well-being. This shift has historically prioritized physical activity and dietary supplements,  as key aspects of well-being. In 2023, vitamin supplements are among the most purchased health products in the region, with exercise equipment close behind, reflecting a commitment to staying active. Nearly 30% of Malaysians and one in four Filipinos purchase fitness supplements, signaling a broader move toward proactive health management through dietary choices.

However, we have started to see a rise in human engagement activities,  augmenting an online experience. Running clubs and community fitness initiatives are popular in urban areas like Singapore and the Philippines. In the Philippines alone, there are at least 93 active running clubs, some boasting impressive social media followings. In Singapore, initiatives like Anya Active x That Run Club redefine wellness by blending offline and online communities, creating "third places" where individuals connect over shared health and fitness goals, exemplifying the social aspect of modern wellness.

This integration of technology and human interaction is evident in the rising demand for fitness tracking devices, generating USD 102.4 million in Indonesia and USD 48.73 million in the Philippines in 2024. However, these devices are no longer just about static tracking metrics; they now play a critical role in daily active real-time health monitoring while also enabling hybrid wellness experiences. Programs like Singapore’s National Steps Challenge leverage gamification and rewards to encourage participants to share health data while fostering real-world connections. By engaging in these community-driven initiatives, individuals not only improve their health but also find their efforts more rewarding through the approval and support of a like-minded community.

On the other hand, consumers are increasingly seeking personalized, precision-driven guidance that combines the convenience of technology with the feeling of a human touch. The digital health and wellness coaching market in Southeast Asia reflects this trend, with projections indicating a CAGR of 8.57% from 2024 to 2029. This shift creates opportunities for brands to leverage AI-powered solutions that mimic human-like guidance, delivering care beyond the boundaries of traditional face-to-face approaches as wellness consumption transitions from nascent to mainstream. Singapore-based Nutricode exemplifies this evolution by offering AI-tailored nutritional advice paired with weekly tracking assessments, empowering users to seamlessly incorporate recommendations into their daily lives - anytime, anywhere with more active monitoring for better health outcomes.

Workplace acknowledgement of mental health - a step in the right direction

The growing recognition of mental health as a critical concern in Southeast Asia comes as 59% of workers report workplace struggles and many lack adequate support. The 2024 Global Life-Work Balance Index underscores the challenge, revealing that most Southeast Asian countries score below 50 out of 100, with Singapore leading the region, while the Philippines trailing near the bottom (See Table 2). Alarmingly, the World Health Organization estimates that 260 million people in the region with mental health conditions are not receiving adequate treatment due to resource constraints and stigma.

While conversations around mental health are increasing, social stigma around seeking mental health help persists. In the Philippines, nearly 36% of individuals avoid therapy due to embarrassment, while concerns about being perceived as weak or "crazy" remain significant barriers. Even in Singapore, where 60% of companies have implemented mental health policies, nearly half remain hesitant to hire individuals with mental health conditions.

In response to this growing need, companies and startups are stepping in with innovative approaches. Initiatives like paid mental health leave and wellness budgets are becoming more common, reflecting an understanding of mental health’s impact on productivity and satisfaction. For example, GushCloud introduced "Tinder Leave", offering employees an extra paid day off for socializing or dating, while Grab allocated SGD 4 million to its GrabBenefits 2.0 package, enhancing support for its platform workers.

The rapid adoption of digital health has also driven innovation in mental health access. Startups like Empath in the Philippines and Teduh in Indonesia are breaking barriers by providing affordable, easily accessible mental health resources tailored to their respective populations. These developments signify a broader shift towards addressing mental well-being as a critical component of overall healthcare in Southeast Asia, highlighting opportunities for further investment and innovation in this underserved market.

Southeast Asia’s healthtech trends demonstrate the growing influence of technology and changing consumer priorities. As digital solutions and holistic approaches continue to expand, the region unique consumer behaviours and values offer strong opportunities for innovation and investment, promising improved healthcare access and quality of life to more consumers beyond major cities.