BDMS Wellness Clinic's Participation in a Global Wellness Dialogue
BDMS Wellness Clinic, a leading preventive healthcare centre under Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), participated in the event 'Enhancing Thailand: A Journey of Culture and Connectivity' in Singapore on 8 August 2025. This gathering brought together regional leaders to highlight Thailand’s growing influence as a wellness hub. The event was hosted by the Career Women's Group (CWG) under the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.
Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, shared his insights on preventive healthcare, focusing on the role of modern women in navigating complex societal roles. His key message emphasized that health is not just a personal concern but a transformative force that shapes nations and drives global progress. Attendees included high-profile figures such as H.E. Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, Dr. Hwang Yee Cheau, CWG Chairperson, and Ms. Rachel Sim, CWG Committee Member and Director of V3 Group, along with leaders from both public and private sectors. The event took place at the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.
Wellness and FemTech: Redefining the 5.0 Era
In today’s 5.0 era, driven by rapid advancements in technology and medicine, women's health has become a crucial element of sustainable development. It impacts family wellbeing, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Singapore is at the forefront of this movement, prioritizing women's health through policies that support preventive medicine and investment in female-focused health technologies (FemTech).
FemTech extends beyond disease treatment, promoting holistic wellbeing by addressing hormone balance, mental health, pregnancy care, sleep quality, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These aspects are essential for improving long-term quality of life while driving gender equality and societal sustainability.
Dr. Tanupol highlighted BDMS Wellness Clinic's preventive health management model, which is based on lifestyle medicine and the principles of Scientific Wellness. This approach uses scientific data to empower individuals to better understand their bodies and adopt sustainable health behaviors.
The event, opened by Ambassador Ureerat, attracted a diverse audience from across Singapore, showcasing the region’s growing interest in proactive healthcare.
Singapore's Aging Population and the Role of Preventive Healthcare
Singapore is projected to become a 'Super-Aged Society' by 2041, with more than 25% of its residents expected to be over 60. This demographic shift presents significant public health, economic, and policy challenges. According to Dr. Tanupol, the solution lies in proactive and preventive healthcare.
He referenced a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) report indicating that over 75% of deaths in Singapore are caused by NCDs—approximately 20,100 annually, or 2.3 deaths per hour. Leading causes include cancer, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
Adding to these concerns is Singapore's rising obesity rate, with more than 42% of the population—about 2.4 million people—classified as overweight or obese. This condition is a major contributor to NCDs and accelerates cellular aging.
"Obesity significantly shortens telomeres—the protective caps at the end of chromosomes," Dr. Tanupol explained. "This shortening translates into a biological age up to 8.8 years older than one's chronological age, significantly reducing life expectancy."
These statistics underscore the urgent need for preventive health strategies that address both physiological and behavioral factors, especially in countries like Singapore facing accelerated aging.
Thai Wellness: Where Tradition Meets Scientific Wellness
Dr. Tanupol also emphasized Thailand's unique position in the global wellness movement. Beyond being a physician, he promotes Thailand as a world-class wellness destination rooted in cultural identity and scientific excellence.
Thailand's wellness heritage includes Thai massage, herbal remedies, nutrient-rich cuisine, and holistic mind-body practices. These traditional therapies are seamlessly integrated with scientific wellness solutions such as telomere analysis, epigenetic testing, antioxidant profiling, hormone evaluation, and tailored lifestyle medicine—all available in Thailand's leading clinics.
This fusion of Thai wisdom and modern science distinguishes Thailand as a leader in wellness tourism. According to Dr. Tanupol, it represents not just an economic strategy but a powerful form of health-related soft power that creates sustainable global value.
"By combining tradition with cutting-edge medical innovation, Thailand offers a truly transformative health experience," he concluded. "It inspires people around the world to care for their body, mind, and spirit in more meaningful ways."