Singapore – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore’s university of applied learning, today announced that they are collaborating to provide the next generation of radiographers with hands-on learning experience of the latest in diagnostic and imaging technology. This is a first for university students to be trained in health technology facility. Previously, students had to do their practical in hospitals and healthcare organisations but with this collaboration, it releases hospitals’ valuable resources as students will now do their practical at the Philips APAC Centre.

As part of the agreement, students from SIT’s Bachelor of Science with Honours in Diagnostic Radiography will be granted access to Philips’ technology in its APAC training facilities in Singapore which include its Learning Centre, Learning Academy and Health Continuum Space. This extends the purview of Philips’ APAC Learning Academy, which regularly holds training workshops to upskill existing healthcare professionals in innovative health technology, to ensuring students who intend to enter the workforce possess future-ready skills.

With an ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic diseases, there is a growing emphasis on early diagnosis. As such, Asia Pacific is expected to see an increased demand for imaging services. Coupled with the shortage of medical talent, there is a need to ensure incoming radiographers have access to the latest technology, up-to-date technical knowledge and integrated solutions in their training.

“We recognise the need for specialised training in diagnostic radiology for radiography students in Singapore and the region, so that they are proficient in the latest procedures and technologies to enable first-time right diagnosis and better health outcomes. To meet this need, we are working together with industry partners on various initiatives to extend knowledge-sharing to the next generation of radiographers,” said Ivy Lai, Country Manager, Philips Singapore. “Leveraging our strengths in health technology, we hope to share our experience and empower students with the tools to cultivate a curious mindset and learning culture where they can improve innovations of the future.”

“Medical imaging is very much technology-reliant that involves the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques. Strategic collaborations with health technology companies like Philips provide our students with an environment for industry-relevant learning and development,” added Associate Professor Luis Lanca, Programme Director, SIT. “As we look towards integrating learning, industry and community into our applied learning curriculum, we will continue to explore new ways of innovative learning, to enhance our students’ training and education as they prepare to enter the workforce.”