Taipei: Taiwan's leading medical institutions have forged stronger ties with their Vietnamese counterparts, hosting a significant conference in Hanoi to enhance bilateral cooperation in cancer care, smart healthcare, and medical technology. This initiative is part of Taiwan's broader health diplomacy strategy in Southeast Asia.
According to Focus Taiwan, the 2026 International Conference on Cancer Care, themed "The Future of Integrated Cancer Treatment," was held at the Pullman Hanoi hotel. The event was co-hosted by Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) and the Vietnam Medical Association, attracting over 400 medical professionals, government officials, hospital administrators, and industry representatives. It marked the largest Taiwan-Vietnam medical exchange since the conference's inception in 2024.
The Taiwanese delegation, led by TVGH, included esteemed institutions such as Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Show Chwan Healthcare System, En Chu Kong Hospital, and Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital. The secretary-general of the Vietnam-Taiwan Affairs Committee highlighted the pivotal role of medical cooperation in strengthening Taiwan-Vietnam relations, expressing optimism that continued exchanges will enhance healthcare development and public welfare in both nations.
Taiwan's representative to Vietnam, Liu Shih-chung, emphasized that the participation of five major Taiwanese hospital systems represents a new milestone in bilateral medical cooperation, built on years of mutual trust. The president of the Vietnam Medical Association noted that the annual symposium has become a vital platform for professional exchanges, with this year's focus on cancer treatment poised to elevate the quality of care through shared expertise.
TVGH Deputy Superintendent Wang Shuu-Jiun underscored the importance of patient-centered personalized medicine, which relies not only on advanced technologies but also on multidisciplinary teamwork. He expressed hope that the conference would further precision oncology and smart healthcare collaboration between Taiwan and Vietnam.
During the conference, TVGH signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam's Duc Giang General Hospital, while En Chu Kong Hospital established a separate cooperation agreement with Vietnam's E Hospital. These agreements aim to expand collaboration in cancer care, smart healthcare, medical education, and personnel training.
TVGH stated that the conference has evolved from a medical exchange platform into a comprehensive mechanism linking hospitals, academia, industry, and government. This year's event also marked the first-time participation of five major Taiwanese healthcare systems and biotechnology companies, highlighting Taiwan's strengths in integrating medicine, biotechnology, information and communications technology, medical devices, and artificial intelligence.
The initiative supports the government's New Southbound Policy while bolstering Taiwan's international health diplomacy efforts.