The GSMA Foundry, an industry collaboration program, has entered into a landmark strategic agreement with Singapore's National University Health System (NUHS), marking a significant step forward in the development of intelligent hospital ecosystems across Asia. This partnership focuses on leveraging advanced mobile network technologies, particularly 5G, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and robotics to revolutionize clinical and operational workflows in healthcare settings. Initial use cases include remote surgical assistance over 5G networks, XR-based training and simulation for clinicians, deployment of robotic systems for patient care, and facilities management powered by connected sensors and AI-driven software.

In the complex environment of modern hospitals, where large campuses demand stable, high-density connectivity, this initiative addresses critical challenges such as device density management, data security, and the segregation of critical clinical traffic from administrative networks. Adjunct Associate Professor Gao Yujia, Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer at NUHS, emphasized the transformative potential of these technologies. By integrating ambient AI, XR, and robotics with advanced connectivity, NUHS aims to accelerate the evolution toward truly intelligent hospitals. This approach promises to enhance clinical precision, streamline workflows, improve patient experiences, and empower care teams with tools for superior outcomes at every stage of care delivery.

Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry, highlighted the partnership as a model for cross-sector collaboration in connected health, one of the most impactful frontiers for mobile technology innovation. The collaboration will commence at NUHS sites in Singapore, with plans for international expansion to other early adopter centers worldwide. While specific commercial terms, investment levels, and deployment timelines remain undisclosed, the initiative underscores a commitment to secure, scalable solutions that boost patient outcomes and operational efficiency for hospital administrators and clinical leaders.

At MWC26 Barcelona, NUHS will showcase demonstrations at the GSMA Pavilion alongside partners Ericsson and Singtel. Highlights include a robot nurse companion, 3D holographic surgical planning using Microsoft's HoloLens 2, AI-driven augmented reality for vein detection, and hospital-at-home technologies. These demos illustrate how reliable wireless coverage and advanced device management enable seamless transitions between inpatient and outpatient care models. Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, noted that this builds on prior successful deployments, demonstrating tangible benefits from high-performance 5G combined with AI and robotics.

Keith Leong, Chief Customer Officer Enterprise at Singtel Singapore, added that Singtel's 5G standalone network, secure VPNs, and network slicing capabilities are tailored for demanding healthcare environments, supporting ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity for mission-critical applications. Past collaborations have already proven outcomes in remote surgical support, immersive XR training, intelligent robotics, and hospital-at-home models, paving the way for 6G-enabled care advancements. Gao Yujia will participate in key sessions at MWC26, including the Digital Health Summit and Global Health Connector Summit at 4YFN, outlining the next phases of this joint endeavor.

For hospital managers in Asia, this partnership exemplifies digital transformation strategies that integrate **Healthcare Information Technology** with **Facilities Management** and **Critical Care** enhancements. It positions Singapore as a leader in telemedicine and patient monitoring innovations, offering actionable insights for procurement professionals seeking scalable 5G-AI solutions. The focus on operational efficiency aligns with broader trends in **Healthcare Management**, where technology investments reduce costs and improve service delivery. As hospitals face rising demands from non-communicable diseases and complex patient needs, such collaborations provide a blueprint for sustainable growth, ensuring facilities remain competitive in a rapidly evolving B2B landscape.

Procurement teams can anticipate opportunities in sourcing connected devices, AI software, and XR hardware, while clinical leadership benefits from training simulations that minimize errors and enhance skills. This initiative also addresses infection control through robotic assistance and regulatory compliance via secure network slicing, making it highly relevant for **Emergency Care** and **Surgical Equipment** upgrades. Overall, the GSMA-NUHS alliance sets a new standard for strategic partnerships, driving investments that yield long-term value for Asian healthcare organizations committed to innovation and patient-centered excellence.