Windy Shao windysjf@hotmail.com GUANGMING Science City, a vital center for technological innovation in Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), has experienced a remarkable influx of foreign-funded enterprises and overseas talent in recent years. This transformation has been driven by local government initiatives aimed at fostering technological advancement and attracting global expertise. Growing international appeal As a pioneering zone for the comprehensive national science center in the GBA, Guangming District has attracted a number of Fortune 500 companies and leading foreign enterprises in recent years, leveraging its policy advantages, industrial space, and research resources. The district has been continuously improving its service capabilities for foreign investors, providing thoughtful living services and work conveniences for expat talent. As of the end of February 2025, there were over 1,500 foreign-funded enterprises in the district. In 2024, the district welcomed 38 new foreign-funded enterprises. Foreign-funded enterprises contributed nearly 25% of the district’s total import and export value in 2024. In terms of national distribution, the number of U.S.-invested enterprises leads with 53, followed by Japanese and South Korean companies with 39 in total, and European companies with 23. Data from Guangming District’s foreign affairs bureau indicates that in 2024, there was a 50% increase in the number of foreign residents in the district, reflecting the area’s growing international appeal. Growing need for high-end health care This growing international presence has led to more diverse medical needs within the science city. In response, the International Medical Center (IMC) was established at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (SAH-SYSU) to cater to these emerging health care demands. The IMC has served nearly 400 patients since opening in August 2023, with an impressive one-third of them being overseas visitors from countries such as the United States, Australia, and Ireland, as well as from China’s Hong Kong and Taiwan, Dr. Ma Lin, director of the IMC, told Shenzhen Daily during a recent interview. This demonstrates the rapid evolution of health care services aimed at meeting the needs of a diverse population in Guangming Science City. The influx of international talent not only drives technological innovation but also heightens the demand for high-quality health care services. The arrival of overseas professionals is closely tied to the accelerated development of Guangming Science City. With continuous advancements in research and enhancements to industrial infrastructure, many international research projects and businesses are relocating to the area, bringing along corporate executives and researchers who expect superior living support services, particularly in health care. The IMC plays a crucial role in fulfilling these expectations, allowing international professionals to focus on their work in the science city without health care concerns. Since its establishment, the IMC has received widespread acclaim for its high-quality services and the expertise of its professional international medical team, reinforcing Guangming Science City’s reputation as a premier destination for both technological innovation and health care excellence. Top-notch medical facilities “We are the first in the district to process commercial insurance direct payments for our patients,” Dr. Ma stated. Commercial insurance direct payment is a critical service for high-end medical insurance. The IMC has implemented a process that allows foreign nationals, residents from China's Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and various VIP groups to receive medical treatment using their insurance cards without needing to pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. This streamlined solution effectively alleviates reimbursement challenges for patients and significantly enhances their medical experience, according to Dr. Ma. The IMC has access to all medical resources available at SAH-SYSU, offering a wide range of services including medical treatment, health care, and rehabilitation. SAH-SYSU is the first affiliated hospital established by the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and is managed by the university. It began operations in May 2018 and spans an area of 235,200 square meters, with a planned bed capacity of 4,000 beds. The initial batch of 800 beds is already in use, with the remaining 3,200 expected to be operational later this year. Leveraging high-quality medical resources from its brother hospitals, SAH-SYSU has introduced 27 national key clinical specialty teams. The hospital features two Nobel Laureate Laboratories, one Guangdong Key Laboratory, and two Shenzhen Key Laboratories. In July 2024, the Shenzhen Municipal Public Hygiene and Health Commission and the Shenzhen Municipal Public Healthcare Security Administration jointly released the list of the first batch of International Medical Service Pilot Units and International Health Community Centers (Hong Kong-style Family Doctor Studios), selecting 14 hospitals including SAH-SYSU. This inclusion signifies the hospital’s recognition in the realm of international medical services. The IMC stands ready to provide medical support for international events, Dr. Ma noted, as the district increasingly hosts various international academic conferences and sporting events. The center is equipped to offer medical services in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Swedish, Japanese, and Korean. A patient-centered service philosophy is paramount at the IMC. Premium health care is characterized by evidence-based medicine, advanced technology and equipment, a comfortable environment, compassionate service, and a straightforward payment system. “Some of our expat patients have formed friendships with the medical staff,” Dr. Ma shared with Shenzhen Daily. “One of my patients, an American mother who gave birth in our medical center last year, now sends me pictures of her baby to share her joy,” she added with a smile. To strengthen medical cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and to facilitate cross-border medical services for Hong Kong residents, SAH-SYSU signed a cooperation agreement with Nanyang Commercial Bank in Hong Kong in June 2024. This partnership aims for deep collaboration in the field of cross-border medical services, achieving mutual benefits through resource sharing. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among Hong Kong residents in seeking health care services on the Chinese mainland. This collaboration combines resources to offer comprehensive, high-quality medical services to Hong Kong residents. It enhances the international profile of SAH-SYSU and extends the benefits of its high-level services to a broader audience, supporting the city’s ambition to become a modern international metropolis with greater global influence. HK-style clinics In addition to the IMC, Guangming District People’s Hospital has recently launched three new “Hong Kong-style Family Doctor Clinics” at its Yulyu, Jiulongtai, and Tianhui Times Garden community health centers. This initiative represents the first batch of such clinics in the district and highlights Guangming’s commitment to providing high-quality health care services. The newly established clinics aim to offer accessible, international-standard health care to residents, compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, and international visitors. Designed as one-stop health care facilities, these clinics provide a comprehensive range of services, including general care, remote medical collaboration, chronic disease management, and post-treatment health follow-ups. This innovative model demonstrates a successful integration of medical services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The clinics primarily serve those with commercial insurance. Services available include diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, chronic disease management, rehabilitation guidance, medication consultations, report interpretations from certified family doctors, and traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture and massage. For patients requiring specialized care, the clinics will facilitate referrals to higher-level medical facilities. These clinics have been designed to meet Hong Kong’s family medicine service standards. The decor is bright, warm, and tidy, featuring thoughtful details that enhance the overall patient experience. The opening of these new clinics marks a significant step in Guangming’s ongoing efforts to improve health care accessibility and quality for its diverse population. | 