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Philips to help Koreans stay healthy

Published: 26 Jul. 2022, 18:10 Updated: 27 Jul. 2022, 14:35

Deeptha Khanna, executive vice president of Philips Personal Health, speaks about the company's goals during a press conference Tuesday. [PHILIPS KOREA]

Philips will focus on the health care business in Korea to cater to a rapidly aging population and greater public interest in health since the pandemic.

“Self-care” is the company's latest focus, a promise to customers to help them take care of their health with its innovative products.

“It is especially relevant in Asia, where a growing population and a greater emphasis on health and well-being are reshaping people’s health priorities,” Deeptha Khanna, executive vice president of Philips Personal Health, said during an online press conference Tuesday.

“Philips’ personalized solutions continue to empower people across the region to take more proactive ownership of their preventive health and lifestyles, supporting their health for the long-term.”

Khanna said bridging the “wellness gap” is essential, citing a survey it conducted on 4,000 people in Singapore, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand. Around 89 percent of respondents in Korea said they recognize the importance of preventive health, yet more than half feel that they could do more than they currently do to keep themselves healthy.

A full 56 percent said they would like to use personal health technology and devices to monitor their general health more in the next five years.

Muir Keir, business leader at the personal health division of Philips Asean Pacific, speaks during a press conference Tuesday. [PHILIPS KOREA]

The company introduced SenseIQ, a unique technology that brings so-called sensing services to products like electric toothbrushes, shavers and hair dryers. When a person uses a toothbrush, for example, sensors detect the pressure they apply. The sensors keep an eye on how long and how often the person brushes.

“Consumers in the region have displayed an openness to interacting with health technologies that offer personalized health approaches for better health outcomes,” said Park Hee-je, head of Philips Korea’s personal health team. “At Philips, we’re already doing this through devices like smart toothbrushes that are linked to consumer apps, offering insights that prompt action for more effective oral healthcare.”

Philips Korea said it will soon start a Wonder Of You campaign in the domestic market, which will offer Korean customers more opportunities to use its products to find the best options for their health.

Philips established its Korean subsidiary in March 1976 under the name Philips Electronics. It changed its name to Philips Korea in July 2017, and currently runs businesses in three divisions: diagnosis and treatment, so-called connected care and personal health.