Globalizing Medical Technology: Insights from SEGA’s Closed-Door Meeting

The SEGA private meeting in November was nothing short of extraordinary. Among the highlights was an electrifying session led by Ms. Qin Zhizhen, a celebrated global health expert and founder of Global Impact Solutions International. With her unparalleled experience advising organizations like the WHO and the Global Fund, Ms. Qin brought the audience on a journey through the challenges and opportunities of taking medical technology enterprises global. Her insights were as practical as they were inspiring, leaving everyone buzzing with ideas and fresh perspectives.

Unveiling Global Opportunities

Ms. Qin started by addressing a question on everyone’s minds: how can companies navigate today’s unpredictable geopolitical and economic landscape? With a mix of humor and pragmatism, she described the evolving paths for medical technology companies.

“For years, the dream was to crack the North American and European markets,” she explained. “But geopolitical tensions have made that road rockier—especially for Chinese enterprises.” Instead of lamenting the roadblocks, Ms. Qin encouraged a shift in perspective. Emerging markets like Latin America and Africa, she pointed out, offer untapped potential. While challenges like language barriers and regulatory differences can feel daunting, these markets are hungry for innovation and partnerships.

As she touched on the exciting rise of artificial intelligence in healthcare, Ms. Qin didn’t shy away from discussing its challenges, particularly around data privacy. “AI is changing everything—from diagnosis to digital health—but we need to tread carefully when it comes to protecting patient data,” she cautioned.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Ms. Qin’s candid approach made her advice on international procurement especially memorable. “Too many companies think low prices will win the day,” she said with a smile. “But public health procurement is not about bargains—it’s about trust, quality, and technical excellence.”

She shared stories of companies tripping over seemingly small details, like submitting reversed financial and technical documents, and stressed the importance of understanding local rules and expectations. “The key isn’t just playing by the rules—it’s mastering them,” she quipped, earning a few chuckles from the audience.

Making Your Mark in Overseas Markets

When it comes to marketing in the global public health space, Ms. Qin was crystal clear: it’s all about relationships and relevance. “Don’t pitch your company’s story like you’re trying to woo venture capitalists,” she advised. “In public health, it’s not about where you came from—it’s about whether you understand the challenges and can solve them.”

She urged companies to tap into the power of multilateral organizations and NGOs. “These groups are like keys to unlocking new markets,” she said. “They can open doors, build trust, and even help you navigate government partnerships. If you’re serious about making a splash, they’re the ones to work with.”

Bringing Leadership and Teams to the Forefront

Ms. Qin’s passion for people-centered strategies shone through when she spoke about leadership and team building. “Internationalization isn’t just a strategy—it’s a commitment,” she emphasized. Leaders need to be actively involved in global efforts, connecting directly with customers and ecosystems. “You can’t grow globally while staying stuck in your comfort zone,” she said, her tone equal parts encouraging and firm.

She also highlighted the importance of creating diverse, localized teams. “The best global teams blend professional expertise with cultural adaptability,” she explained. “You don’t want just technical whizzes—you want people who can walk into a room anywhere in the world and truly connect.”

Stories from Around the World

Throughout the session, Ms. Qin peppered her advice with fascinating anecdotes about different regions. ASEAN countries, she said, are a mix of opportunities and challenges, requiring companies to navigate complex distributor networks. India, she noted, is a fierce battlefield where local partnerships are a must. She spoke warmly of Central Asia, where relationships with leadership can drive success, and described Africa as a land of bold possibilities for those with the courage to innovate.

Latin America, with its smaller pool of competitors, stood out as an area brimming with potential—provided companies invest in understanding local languages and culture. “Every region has its quirks,” she said, “but the secret to success is the same: know the market, respect its nuances, and build bridges, not walls.”

“Going global isn’t about jumping in headfirst—it’s about stepping in thoughtfully,”

Ms. Qin ended her talk with an inspiring challenge to leaders. “Going global isn’t about jumping in headfirst—it’s about stepping in thoughtfully,” she said. Start small, she advised, whether through pilot projects or test markets. Learn, adapt, and above all, be ready to take risks.

“Internationalization is a journey, not a sprint,” she reminded everyone. “It’s not just about making your company bigger—it’s about making it better, stronger, and more connected to the world.”

As the session drew to a close, the room was filled with energy and excitement. Ms. Qin’s wisdom had sparked new ideas and encouraged bold thinking. SEGA expressed heartfelt gratitude for her enlightening session and promised more thought-provoking discussions in the future.