Prudential Launches New Research that Underscores Critical Role of Technology in Improving Healthcare in Asia

The report also highlights the
opportunity for governments to improve public health information through
digital channels. According to the research, social media is the most
frequently cited source of personal health and wellness information. However,
the survey respondents overwhelming agreed that the most trustworthy sources are
national government and public health authorities. Governments can seize the
opportunity by becoming the most reliable source of quality health information
for citizens.

The report also recommends that
governments look to promote connected health devices, but that these need to be
underpinned by strict data governance. Data security will enable health data to
be safely centralised, empowering governments to design better policies and
build more targeted healthcare infrastructure.

Nic Nicandrou, Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, commented,
“This ground-breaking research demonstrates that while Asia has already begun
to embrace digital health technologies, the region is still some way from realising
the full potential technology has to offer. The private and public sectors need
to come together to make these opportunities a reality, and in doing so, improve
health and wellness outcomes for individuals.

“Making digital healthcare a
reality is an integral part of our efforts at Prudential. Through our app, Pulse by Prudential, we have linked up with partners
at the forefront of innovation to deliver health information and guidance, as
well as provide access to medical professionals. Our goal in doing this is to enable people to live well, for longer.”

Charles Ross, Editorial Director from
the EIU, commented, “Our research shows that to
make health and wellbeing more accessible and affordable, the public and
private sectors need to come together to seize the initiative. A key way to do
this is by breaking down ‘data silos’ between disparate healthcare services and
creating secure connections between health apps, devices and centralised
digital patient records.”

About Pulse of Asia – Health of Asia Barometer

Prudential commissioned the new Pulse of Asia – Health of Asia Barometer
report to highlight the challenges people in the region face in improving their
health and wellbeing. It is based on a survey of 5,000 people from 13 countries
and territories in Asia — Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and
Vietnam. Respondents range from 21 to 55 years old and cross income groups.

The full report can be accessed at pulseofasia.economist.com

About Prudential Corporation Asia

https://www.prudentialcorporation-asia.com/

Prudential Corporation Asia (Prudential) is a business
unit of Prudential plc*, comprising its life insurance operations in Asia and Africa, as well as its asset management business, Eastspring Investments.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Prudential helps people get the most out of life
through savings, protection and investment solutions that meet their diverse
and evolving needs.

Prudential is a leading life insurer with operations
spanning 13 markets in Asia, covering Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan,
Thailand and Vietnam. In Africa, Prudential has a presence in eight markets,
covering Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Uganda and
Zambia. With a robust multi-channel distribution platform, Prudential delivers
comprehensive and innovative solutions to more than 16 million customers across
the two continents.

Eastspring Investments manages investments in Asia on
behalf of a wide range of retail and institutional investors. It is a leading
Asia-based asset manager with on-the-ground presence in 11 major Asian markets
as well as distribution offices in North America and Europe. It has US$220
billion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2020), managing funds across
a range of asset classes including equities and fixed income.

In line with the company’s mission to make healthcare
affordable and accessible for all, ‘Pulse by Prudential‘ (Pulse) was
first introduced in Malaysia in August 2019. Today, Pulse is available in 12
markets across Asia and Africa. The app uses AI-powered self-help tools and
real-time information to serve as a 24/7 health and wellness partner to users,
helping them prevent, postpone, and protect against the onset of diseases. As
at January 2021, the app has been downloaded more than 16 million times in
Asia. For more information on Pulse: www.wedopulse.com.

* Prudential plc is listed on the stock exchanges of
London (PRU.L), Hong Kong (2378.HK), Singapore (K6S.SG) and New York (PUK.N).
It is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company
whose principal place of business is in the United States nor with The
Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company
incorporated in the United Kingdom.