Wearable technology is changing the face of healthcare in Southeast Asia, making it possible to anticipate and prevent illnesses by monitoring patient data. Technological integrations in medicine—known as health tech—have spread across the region and the world, making it easier for citizens to manage their well-being and fitness. 

Smart wearables include fitness trackers, smartwatches, clothes, glasses, and headphones. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is the biggest market for smartwatch shipments, with brands like Samsung, Apple, and Fitbit proving popular. These products’ features monitor health and fitness levels and can connect to a user’s internet-capable phone, apps, or other smart devices. 

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According to Statista Research, the Digital Health market is on target to reach a revenue of USD 6.07 billion in 2024, with a steady annual growth rate of 8.59% from this year to 2028, reaching USD 8.44 billion. Its biggest segment, Digital Fitness & Wellbeing, will generate USD 2.67 billion.

Wearables became a mainstay in Southeast Asia after the COVID-19 pandemic restricted movement, and people adopted unhealthy eating and lifestyle decisions, such as not exercising. 

These devices have enabled customers to get back on track by monitoring their health data, tracking heart rates, recording sleeping patterns, encouraging mobility, monitoring blood glucose levels, and more.

Factors driving the growth of wearable tech

  • Rising health awareness

The COVID-19 pandemic made people more aware of their health as they sought to overcome lifestyle-related diseases common in Southeast Asia.

  • Increasing disposable income

The presence of a young and tech-savvy population in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) makes it likely that they will want to purchase and adopt technology as it enters the market. Those with disposable income can afford wearable products and any required subscription fees.

  • Technological advancements and innovation

As technology advances, society is under pressure to adopt user-centric solutions that offer great functionality and features. For example, gamification in health tech means more customer engagement. 

The virtual reality game PokémonGo received praise for increasing the community’s involvement by getting people to go outside and chase after the items in the game. 

  • Fashionable wearables 

People’s modern-day accessories are tied closely to their fashion. Since it is possible to compress wearable tech to create miniature devices, users can combine their clothes’ design choices and preferences with technology. Many design improvements exist, such as replaceable or colourful armbands for smartwatches.

  • Adoption and familiarity

Users in ASEAN are adopting technology as it becomes more commonplace and mobile health apps gain popularity. The ease of use of wearables and the pervasiveness of smartphone devices have contributed to tech adoption.

Challenges faced by health tech affecting adoption

  • Affordability

Purchasing wearables may not be possible for every Southeast Asian as high-quality technology tends to be costly. Product repairs and maintenance fees may also make potential users wary of buying the devices. Additionally, some products use software with in-app purchase functionality, which may be expensive.

  • Data management

Wearables collect and save a lot of user data, information that cybercriminals can exploit to steal identities or commit financial fraud. Some companies sell personal data to third parties, and policies on authorising data use are needed. Furthermore, data quality may be affected if device failures or syncing issues prevent information from being readily available.

  • Privacy concerns

Smart devices tracking your location and activities can create a security risk if anyone knows where you are and what you are doing.

  • Investment 

The wearables market has funding challenges, affecting startups’ ability to research, innovate, or upgrade their technology.

Addressing these issues can make wearable tech an essential part of ASEAN society. Using sustainable materials to avoid causing environmental damage is also vital as healthcare in Southeast Asia continues to evolve. 

Future of health tech in ASEAN

Due to innovations and the development of digital health solutions, the digitalisation of healthcare in Southeast Asia will continue growing. This year, the fitness tracker market looks set to reach revenue projections of USD 1.71 billion, with user penetration increasing by 3.48% by 2028. Singapore is leading the region in tech adoption.

Wearable technology can detect early signs of chronic disease, encourage healthy behaviour, and give users greater control over their stress. Monitoring sleep patterns can help identify areas for improvement and increase productivity. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) analyses the data collected by wearable devices, which can be vital for predicting the onset of disease. AI technology can also monitor a person’s fitness and well-being programs and make recommendations to enhance efficacy. Most smart wearables track every physical activity and record the data for review. These solutions can work well for seniors, keeping them on the move and assessing what to improve.