Making its first-ever debut in Asia, the biennial RehabWeek took place in Singapore from 24 to 28 September 2023 at the Resorts World Convention Centre in Sentosa. This marked the 7th edition of the well-established international conference that facilitates meaningful cross-disciplinary discussions on advancing rehabilitation and showcases how technology can be harnessed to deliver better patient outcomes.

The week-long event welcomed over 1,300 attendees, comprising medical experts, engineers, and entrepreneurs from countries across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. A diverse programme awaited them, featuring exhibitions with more than 40 exhibitors together with supporters without having an exhibition area – the highest number in the conference's history – alongside investor forums, scientific presentations, global workshops, and keynote lectures from renowned experts.

Singapore has established itself as a global and regional hub for healthcare innovation, thanks to its world-class research networks, a business-friendly landscape, and access to skilled local talent. This status is further bolstered by the presence of over 25 R&D centres. By leveraging Singapore’s reputation, RehabWeek 2023 has served as a catalyst for further development in rehabilitation technology within the region.

The conference was jointly organised by the National Healthcare Group (NHG), International Consortium of Rehabilitation Technology (ICRT), and Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. It was further supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Kenes Group, with eight reputable societies joining the event.¹

“It is an exciting moment for us as RehabWeek 2023 debuts in an Asian country,” said Zen Koh, General Chair of RehabWeek 2023 and President, International Industry Society of Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (IISART). “Events such as RehabWeek 2023 enable industry partners to forge closer ties and share knowledge and technology for the betterment of the sector.”

Guest-of-Honour for the occasion was Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat. In his opening ceremony speech, he shared that the 2023 edition of RehabWeek was particularly special as it coincided with the Society of Rehabilitation Medicine Singapore’s 50th anniversary of the rehabilitation medicine specialty in Singapore. As he emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges, he added, “We hope our [Singapore’s] compact size and linkages to global and Asian nodes can be useful, as we push to collectively advance the frontiers of rehab, to benefit people around the world.”

One of the many innovations that place Singapore at the forefront of rehabilitation practices is the One-Rehab Framework, a nationwide initiative which DPM Heng highlighted in his speech. It ensures timely access to rehabilitation care for Singaporeans, enabling seamless coordination and information sharing across different care professionals through a common IT portal and harmonised clinical outcomes.

Attendees got to experience an eventful scientific programme, starting with workshops around topics of clinical application of technology, ranging from cognitive rehabilitation and wearable technology to neurorehabilitation and telerehabilitation. This was followed by a host of panel discussions and keynote lectures on topics ranging from the creation of a rehab fraternity for advancements in patient care and global trends in clinical rehabilitation practices, to personal stories combined with entrepreneurship lessons in patient care. Keynote speakers included globally renowned experts from clinical neurosciences and rehabilitation technology, including Dr Nazirah Hasnan (University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia), Dr Loh Yong Joo (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore), Dr Liliana Paredes (Biomedical Data Science Lab, Switzerland), and more.

At the event’s exhibition area, attendees witnessed an array of advanced rehabilitation technology displayed by promising medtech companies from across the globe. This included rehabilitation robotics and AI leader Fourier Intelligence’s ExoMotus™ M4, a device that allows individuals with lower limb impairments to carry out everyday tasks such as standing or walking on flat terrain. There was also a special Singapore Pavilion that was supported by Enterprise Singapore and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), showcasing technologies such as the Rehabilitation Digital Hub, which enables tele-rehab services for hospitals and clinicians; H-Man, the first portable arm rehabilitation robot that helps stroke patients regain mobility in their upper limbs; and a Mobile Robotic Balance Assistant that assists users in everyday activities such as walking and exercise.

In addition to the on-site activities, RehabWeek gave attendees the unique chance to delve deeper through laboratory visits to four institutions: Jurong Community Hospital (JCH), Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore (RRIS), Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Clinic for Advanced Rehabilitation Therapeutics (CART), and United Medicare Ptd Ltd. Through these visits, attendees learnt from local experts and witnessed firsthand how institutions successfully integrate rehabilitation technology into their everyday clinical work and research.

More than just a conference, RehabWeek 2023 shone a light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, fostering critical dialogue for solutions that will deeply impact their lives and their reintegration into society. Leaders in the field shared inspiring innovations, explored their societal implications, and built lasting partnerships. Most importantly, it was a crucial platform that brought together designers and builders of rehabilitative devices with clinicians who use these devices with patients. Better communication between makers and users drives product and service enhancements that not only advance rehabilitation technology but also ultimately elevate patient care.

As Dr Martina Spiess, Secretary of the ICRT, one of the event organisers, aptly said: “The big benefit of coming to this conference is so we can improve the field and design better technologies that benefit patients. Clinicians attend it to network, learn, and improve their skills in interdisciplinary or even interprofessional communication, which they can use directly in their daily lives.”

RehabWeek has been hailed for its role in bridging the gap between East and West in the pursuit of advancements in neurorehabilitation. From showcasing life-changing technologies to forging vital connections, the event's impact extends far beyond its closing ceremony. The success of RehabWeek 2023 further solidified Singapore’s position as a leader in rehabilitation and care, and laid the groundwork for a brighter future where rehabilitation technology empowers individuals and transforms lives on a global scale.