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- New photon-counting CT scanner aims to enhance diagnostic imaging capabilities for SKH.
- Advanced technology provides clearer images with lower radiation dose, improving diagnostic precision and patient safety.
SINGAPORE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) officially launched a new Siemens Healthineers photon-counting computed tomography (CT) scanner today, strengthening its imaging capabilities to enhance diagnostic precision and confidence for better patient care. This next generation technology delivers highly detailed submillimetre images with improved contrast using less radiation compared to conventional CT scanners.
How it works
The Siemens Healthineers NAEOTOM Alpha is a Dual-Source Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) system that uses advanced photon-counting detector technology. Unlike traditional CT scanners, which convert X-rays into visible light before creating images, this new system directly converts X-ray photons into digital signals with lower radiation.
What this means for patient care
This means safer scans for patients, along with sharper imaging that helps doctors detect and better understand complex conditions. From heart and brain vessel enhancement to delicate internal ear evaluation, this technology opens new possibilities in precision diagnostics and patient care.
Professor Teo Eng Kiong, Chief Executive Officer, SKH shares, "This advanced imaging system demonstrates our commitment to provide value-based care – enhancing care while optimising resources – for our patients. Delivering clearer images with lower radiation, the photon-counting CT scanner helps to improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of care through early disease detection and intervention. With over 1,800 successful cases since November 2024, we are seeing how this technology helps us build a more resilient healthcare system that serves our patients' needs today and tomorrow."
Supporting healthcare professionals in decision-making
"We are delighted to witness the launch of our NAEOTOM Alpha Photon-Counting CT scanner at SKH— marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind installation in a public healthcare setting in Southeast Asia," says Ms Siow Ai Li, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers Singapore and Malaysia. "With this next generation Photon-counting CT technology, we aim to empower clinicians and radiologists with sharper insights that elevate diagnostic precision and treatment across various clinical disciplines, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and oncology. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of healthcare and improving outcomes of patients in Singapore".
Key clinical benefits include:
- Clearer images of heart vessels and blood vessels in the brain
- Better views of delicate structures like the inner ear
- Earlier detection of lung nodules and diseases
- Clearer imaging around metal implants
- Lower radiation exposure, especially beneficial for patients needing frequent scans or those sensitive to radiation
"The high image quality helps us detect diseases earlier, more accurately and with greater confidence. We can now detect even small fractures or early signs of bone disease, enabling earlier treatment and better outcomes," explains Dr Mohammad Taufik Bin Mohamed Shah, Senior Consultant, Department of Radiology, SKH, who specialises in musculoskeletal imaging.
This press release and a press picture is available at
https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-sg/press-room/press-releases-sg/skh-introduces-pcct-scanner
The product/features mentioned in this press release is/are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details. The product and features mentioned in this press release are meant for healthcare professionals only.
Contact for media enquiries, please get in touch with:
Siemens Healthineers
Jo'an Chng
Head of Marketing, Sales Operations and Communications
Phone: +65 8328 1015; E-mail: jo-an.chng@siemens-healthineers.com
Sengkang General Hospital
Geraldine Lee
Manager, Communications, Sengkang General Hospital
Phone : 6930 3159 ; 9060 8304 ; Email : Geraldine.lee.s.k@skh.com.sg
Farah Rahman
Senior Executive, Communications, SKH
Phone : 6930 4475 ; 9686 7159 ; Email : Farahliyana.Rahman@skh.com.sg
Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €22.4 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.
Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) plays a vital role in providing quality and accessible care to better serve the healthcare needs in North-Eastern Singapore. Offering a wide spectrum of specialist clinics and co-located with Sengkang Community Hospital, we are a part of the integrated hospital campus delivering multi-disciplinary and patient-centric care covering all major healthcare disciplines. Reflecting on our mission of achieving better health together, SKH's team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals practise multi-disciplinary and team-based care. Patients who need longer-term rehabilitative care can be seamlessly transferred from the general hospital to the community hospital to receive the appropriate care during their recovery. We also work together with polyclinics, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers to ensure timely and appropriate access to specialist care for acute and complex cases.
Enabling residents in the northeast access to national specialty services nearer their homes, SKH has collaborated with KK Women's and Children's Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Dental Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, and Singapore National Eye Centre, to set up satellite clinics within the hospital's Medical Centre. For more information, visit www.skh.com.sg
- New photon-counting CT scanner aims to enhance diagnostic imaging capabilities for SKH.
- Advanced technology provides clearer images with lower radiation dose, improving diagnostic precision and patient safety.
SINGAPORE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) officially launched a new Siemens Healthineers photon-counting computed tomography (CT) scanner today, strengthening its imaging capabilities to enhance diagnostic precision and confidence for better patient care. This next generation technology delivers highly detailed submillimetre images with improved contrast using less radiation compared to conventional CT scanners.
How it works
The Siemens Healthineers NAEOTOM Alpha is a Dual-Source Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) system that uses advanced photon-counting detector technology. Unlike traditional CT scanners, which convert X-rays into visible light before creating images, this new system directly converts X-ray photons into digital signals with lower radiation.
What this means for patient care
This means safer scans for patients, along with sharper imaging that helps doctors detect and better understand complex conditions. From heart and brain vessel enhancement to delicate internal ear evaluation, this technology opens new possibilities in precision diagnostics and patient care.
Professor Teo Eng Kiong, Chief Executive Officer, SKH shares, "This advanced imaging system demonstrates our commitment to provide value-based care – enhancing care while optimising resources – for our patients. Delivering clearer images with lower radiation, the photon-counting CT scanner helps to improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of care through early disease detection and intervention. With over 1,800 successful cases since November 2024, we are seeing how this technology helps us build a more resilient healthcare system that serves our patients' needs today and tomorrow."
Supporting healthcare professionals in decision-making
"We are delighted to witness the launch of our NAEOTOM Alpha Photon-Counting CT scanner at SKH— marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind installation in a public healthcare setting in Southeast Asia," says Ms Siow Ai Li, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers Singapore and Malaysia. "With this next generation Photon-counting CT technology, we aim to empower clinicians and radiologists with sharper insights that elevate diagnostic precision and treatment across various clinical disciplines, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and oncology. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of healthcare and improving outcomes of patients in Singapore".
Key clinical benefits include:
- Clearer images of heart vessels and blood vessels in the brain
- Better views of delicate structures like the inner ear
- Earlier detection of lung nodules and diseases
- Clearer imaging around metal implants
- Lower radiation exposure, especially beneficial for patients needing frequent scans or those sensitive to radiation
"The high image quality helps us detect diseases earlier, more accurately and with greater confidence. We can now detect even small fractures or early signs of bone disease, enabling earlier treatment and better outcomes," explains Dr Mohammad Taufik Bin Mohamed Shah, Senior Consultant, Department of Radiology, SKH, who specialises in musculoskeletal imaging.
This press release and a press picture is available at
https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-sg/press-room/press-releases-sg/skh-introduces-pcct-scanner
The product/features mentioned in this press release is/are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details. The product and features mentioned in this press release are meant for healthcare professionals only.
Contact for media enquiries, please get in touch with:
Siemens Healthineers
Jo'an Chng
Head of Marketing, Sales Operations and Communications
Phone: +65 8328 1015; E-mail: jo-an.chng@siemens-healthineers.com
Sengkang General Hospital
Geraldine Lee
Manager, Communications, Sengkang General Hospital
Phone : 6930 3159 ; 9060 8304 ; Email : Geraldine.lee.s.k@skh.com.sg
Farah Rahman
Senior Executive, Communications, SKH
Phone : 6930 4475 ; 9686 7159 ; Email : Farahliyana.Rahman@skh.com.sg
Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €22.4 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.
Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) plays a vital role in providing quality and accessible care to better serve the healthcare needs in North-Eastern Singapore. Offering a wide spectrum of specialist clinics and co-located with Sengkang Community Hospital, we are a part of the integrated hospital campus delivering multi-disciplinary and patient-centric care covering all major healthcare disciplines. Reflecting on our mission of achieving better health together, SKH's team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals practise multi-disciplinary and team-based care. Patients who need longer-term rehabilitative care can be seamlessly transferred from the general hospital to the community hospital to receive the appropriate care during their recovery. We also work together with polyclinics, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers to ensure timely and appropriate access to specialist care for acute and complex cases.
Enabling residents in the northeast access to national specialty services nearer their homes, SKH has collaborated with KK Women's and Children's Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Dental Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, and Singapore National Eye Centre, to set up satellite clinics within the hospital's Medical Centre. For more information, visit www.skh.com.sg
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Sengkang General Hospital Introduces Siemens Healthineers Photon-Counting CT Scanner to Advance Diagnostic Capabilities
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
