Digital Version In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, digital transformation stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, promising to improve patient outcomes, increase accessibility, and reduce costs. Among the pioneering figures shaping this transformation is Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul is a prominent specialist in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Health based at Taipei Medical University (TMU) in Taiwan. With a career spanning cutting-edge research and hands-on implementation, Prof. Shabbir embodies the forefront of how AI, quantum computing, and digital technologies converge to redefine healthcare for the 21st century. Prof. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul’s contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence and digital health are not just commendable—they are globally recognized. Ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world by Stanford University, his work stands at the forefront of medical innovation. With a remarkable citation record on Google Scholar, his research continues to shape the way healthcare systems evolve, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, aging populations, and data-driven medical interventions. His academic influence stretches far beyond institutional boundaries, reflecting a vision grounded in impact, relevance, and forward-thinking discovery. Digital Health in Taiwan: A Model for the World   Taiwan offers a unique and inspiring example of how an advanced digital health ecosystem can be developed and integrated within a comprehensive healthcare system. According to Prof. Shabbir, the island’s health system benefits from a universal healthcare coverage model combined with a rapidly maturing digital infrastructure. This synergy has facilitated the swift adoption of AI-driven smart healthcare solutions, especially noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic, which acted as a catalyst for digital health expansion worldwide. During the 2025 World Health Assembly, Taiwan successfully hosted a “Smart Medicine Forum” on the sidelines of the event. The forum showcased Taiwan’s advancements in smart healthcare technologies, including AI-assisted diagnostics, smart hospital systems, and wearable health monitoring devices—highlighting the nation’s growing integration of AI, telemedicine, and digital health solutions. Data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) indicates that demand for healthcare services is rising, and the adoption of digital health solutions is helping to meet this demand while expanding access to care.   Prof. Shabbir emphasizes that the widespread use of wearable technology such as smartwatches and biosensors, coupled with edge AI — which enables localized data processing at the device level — is reshaping how health data is captured and utilized. These devices currently offer instantaneous tracking of vital signs, long-term health conditions, and wellness indicators with exceptional speed and precision. AI and Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier   While AI has already begun transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient monitoring, Professor Shabbir is especially enthusiastic about incorporating quantum computing into the healthcare field. Working with IBM’s quantum computing initiatives, he explores how this revolutionary technology can simulate molecular interactions at the quantum level, accelerating drug discovery and personalized medicine development. Quantum computing has the potential to enhance and promote the aims of Taiwan’s ‘Healthy Taiwan’ initiative by advancing telehealth through integration with AI and wearable technology. Quantum algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify disease patterns and predict health outcomes faster than classical computers. Prof. Shabbir foresees AI-enabled wearable devices predicting health events such as cardiac episodes with 95% accuracy, potentially saving countless lives. This hybrid care model, blending virtual and in-person healthcare delivery, aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits by 30% while enhancing access for rural populations through 5G-enabled telemedicine, projected to increase reach by 40%. These advancements hinge not only on technology but also on evolving regulatory frameworks focused on safeguarding patient privacy, responsible implementation, explainable AI and ensuring ethical AI use. “We are no longer waiting for symptoms to speak first. With AI-powered wearables, the body starts the conversation, and we listen in real time.” Advancing Skills and Knowledge for the Digital Health Age through Education and Research At the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics (GIBI) at TMU, Professor. Shabbir leads efforts to educate and train healthcare professionals, researchers, and students in AI and digital health applications. Founded in 1998, GIBI is Taiwan’s first biomedical informatics program, combining expertise in biomedicine, computer science, and healthcare management. Through programs such as the In-Service Master Program in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, TMU equips professionals with the necessary skills to implement AI solutions in clinical environments. Prof. Shabbir notes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing that effective digital health solutions require not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of healthcare workflows, ethics, and patient needs. GIBI also actively participates in international Horizon Europe research projects like SmartCHANGE, funded by EU for member states and by NSTC for Taiwanese researchers. SmartCHANGE focuses on developing AI-based health risk prediction models targeting youth cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Using machine learning and federated learning approaches, the project prioritizes privacy-preserving, personalized assessments—demonstrating TMU’s global leadership in responsible digital health innovation. AI-Powered Personalized Care for Aging Populations A significant challenge in healthcare today is managing aging populations with complex chronic conditions. Prof. Shabbir highlights AI’s critical role in addressing these needs through predictive analytics and continuous monitoring. Wearable devices integrated with AI can detect early signs of deterioration, such as cancer relapses or cardiac irregularities, complications of chronic diseases enabling timely interventions. This proactive approach aligns with Taiwan’s broader health goals focused on chronic disease prevention and management. Moreover, “Smart Hospitals” equipped with IoT devices and advanced data analytics are emerging as centers for personalized, efficient care. Prof. Shabbir’s research into using wearables in hospice and palliative care settings illustrates how real-time data can enhance patient comfort and quality of life, even in the most vulnerable populations. TMU is also at the forefront of smart hospital development, transforming its affiliated healthcare system—including TMU Hospital, Wan Fang Hospital, and Shuang Ho Hospital—into models of digital innovation and sustainable care. These hospitals leverage AI-powered clinical decision support systems, IoT devices, robotics, and integrated electronic health records to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes. TMU’s focus on predictive and personalized medicine aligns with the “4Ps” of future healthcare: prediction, prevention, personalisation, and participation. “You can’t implement innovation without understanding the

Digital Magazine In an era where corporate leadership is often synonymous with cold efficiency and bottom-line priorities, Alwin Swales stands as a compelling counterpoint. As a Partner at PwC UK, his journey—from the rural landscapes of apartheid-era South Africa to the upper echelons of global consulting—is not merely a story of professional ascent. It is a narrative about the transformative power of people-first leadership, the courage to challenge systemic barriers, and the quiet determination to ensure others don’t face the same obstacles alone. Swales’ approach to leadership is anchored in a philosophy he sums up in a single, deeply personal mantra: “People matter more than things.” This principle, forged through decades of navigating spaces not designed for someone like him, has shaped his career, his advocacy, and his vision for inclusive business. His story is one of resilience, yes, but also of profound humanity—a reminder that the most influential leaders are those who lift as they climb. Leadership, to me, has never been about titles or corner offices — it’s about the responsibility you carry when you’ve walked through doors that were once closed to people like you. It’s about looking back, reaching out, and making sure those doors stay open for others. Every obstacle I’ve overcome, every boardroom I’ve stepped into, has been a reminder that true success isn’t measured by how far I’ve come, but by how many people I’ve helped move forward. Early Foundations: Education as Liberation Alwin Swales’ journey began in humble circumstances. Born in rural Swaziland (now Eswatini) and raised in apartheid South Africa, he understood early that education was his only viable escape from systemic oppression. “The message was clear: if you were Black, your options were limited,” he recalls. “But my parents instilled in us that learning was the one thing no one could take away.” This belief propelled him to excel academically, even when the odds were stacked against him. In a pivotal turn of fate, a utility company launched a bursary program for disadvantaged Black students with top marks—a rarity at the time. Swales was among the first cohort to benefit, securing not only a university education but also a guaranteed job upon graduation. ” Getting that bursary changed my life completely,” he shares. “It proved to me that even in places where opportunities seem absent, they can still be made.” He studied Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics, hedging his bets between technology and actuarial science. Yet, it was an unexpected leadership role in his third year of employment—overseeing a team of 20—that altered his trajectory. “I hadn’t considered myself a leader before then,” he admits. “But seeing how guiding a team could unlock collective potential—that was electrifying.”   The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building and Letting Go Swales’ early career was marked by an entrepreneurial drive. Alongside friends, he launched a small consulting firm that grew rapidly, amassing 20 clients from South Africa’s top 40 listed companies and a team of 22 within two years. The business was acquired by a listed consulting firm, where Swales stayed on as divisional COO, managing over 125 employees. This phase taught him critical lessons about scaling businesses, but more importantly, about the kind of leader he wanted to be. “I saw how traditional hierarchies could stifle innovation and morale,” he says. “I realized that if you want people to invest in a vision, you have to invest in them first.” In 2005, seeking new challenges, he moved to the UK to join Paragon Consulting, a 20-person firm with ambitions to grow. As part of the leadership team, the company expanded to 95+ employees with offices in London, Dubai, and delivery teams in Singapore and Istanbul. When PwC acquired Paragon in 2010, Swales found himself in a global arena—one where he would continue to champion leadership grounded in service, not just strategy. When the world told me I had no place in it, education whispered otherwise—it gave me a name, a path, and the courage to keep going. The Heart of Leadership: “People Matter More Than Things” Swales’ leadership ethos crystallized in his early 30s when he penned his personal purpose statement: “People matter more than things.” This wasn’t just a platitude; it became the lens through which he made decisions, from team management to client engagements. “Leadership isn’t defined by who speaks the most or the loudest,” he notes. “It’s about creating a space where others feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.” This servant-hearted approach, inspired in part by the book Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, contrasts sharply with the stereotypical, top-down corporate model. At PwC, he has embodied this philosophy in multiple roles: leading the graduate program, steering financial services solutions teams, and serving as a Lead Client Partner. Whether mentoring junior staff or advising C-suite executives, his focus remains on unlocking potential. “A leader’s role isn’t about knowing everything,” he explains.. “It’s to ask the right questions and help others find their superpowers.”   Navigating Spaces That Weren’t Built for Him Swales’ career has been shaped by his experiences as a Black leader in industries where diversity remains a work in progress. From apartheid South Africa to the UK’s corporate landscape, he has learned to navigate—and ultimately reshape—systems that weren’t designed for someone like him. One of his earliest lessons came at 22, when he was elected to lead the Black Managers Forum at his first job. “Suddenly, I was representing Black employees to senior leadership,” he recalls. “It was daunting, but it taught me how to advocate for others while bridging divides.” Many years later, in his role as PwC’s Consulting Partner and sponsor of the Colourbrave campaign, he applied those same abilities to lead open and honest discussions about race in the workplace. His TED-style talk to 150+ PwC partners the year after George Floyd’s murder stands out as a defining moment. “I shared three personal stories about racism—not to shame, but to help them feel what many of their colleagues experienced daily,” he says. The impact was profound, with partners still referencing it years later as a catalyst for

Digital Version In Poland’s increasingly dynamic business landscape, the intersection of technology, finance, and entrepreneurship is creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. At the forefront of this movement is Patrycja Strzelecka, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of CashDirector, a pioneering fintech company redefining the way small businesses manage their finances. Her professional journey is a powerful testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and the belief that technology can democratize access to financial services for all. What begins with a vision becomes a movement — when it’s fueled by clarity, commitment, and the courage to reinvent what’s possible. Patrycja Strzelecka’s career is not just a story of fintech innovation, but of bold leadership, purposeful risk-taking, and an unwavering drive to empower others at every step. The Inspiration Behind CashDirector The idea for CashDirector was born from a clear and urgent need: to revolutionize the delivery of accounting services to micro and small businesses. Drawing on years of experience in financial outsourcing and a successful exit from their first venture, Patrycja and her team recognized that millions of small enterprises lacked access to affordable, intuitive financial management tools typically reserved for large corporations. Additionally, they observed that many accountants were confined to repetitive tasks, limiting their potential for professional development. The vision was to digitize accounting, integrate it directly with online banking, and create a seamless, empowering financial management experience for SMEs. “Our journey has been about consistently realizing this vision,” Patrycja shares. In 2016, CashDirector achieved a milestone by executing the first full integration of a cloud-based accounting system with online banking in Europe. Since then, the company has expanded its reach significantly, now serving 250,000 users and collaborating with six major banks in Poland. Initially envisioned as a pure SaaS platform, CashDirector quickly evolved into a comprehensive Tech-Enabled Accounting Services provider. Recognizing that clients needed full-service offerings, including handling tax and accounting matters, the company’s technology now enables accountants to manage up to 150 micro-companies per month — an extraordinary leap in efficiency and scale. Balancing Strategy with Innovation and Agility As Managing Director, Patrycja embraces a leadership philosophy centered around trust and transparency. She fosters an environment where innovation thrives, encouraging her team to experiment, propose ideas, and learn from their experiences. “I believe in a participative leadership style — encouraging decision-making, solution testing, and quick learning from mistakes,” she explains. Setting clear strategic goals provides a vital compass, ensuring that creativity is aligned with the company’s mission and market needs. Patrycja’s approach to leadership highlights the importance of balancing ambition with clarity. Strategy, in her view, must be flexible enough to adapt to new realities but structured enough to provide direction. By embedding openness, mutual respect, and continuous improvement into CashDirector’s culture, she has cultivated a resilient and dynamic team capable of thriving in the fast-moving fintech sector. Modernizing SME Banking: Overcoming Challenges Introducing innovation into traditional industries often means challenging established mindsets. For CashDirector, one of the greatest hurdles was winning the trust of both banks and small business owners — stakeholders who are, by nature, cautious and skeptical of new technologies. The solution was simple but powerful: deliver measurable results. By demonstrating how their platform could save time, reduce costs, and minimize financial risks, Patrycja and her team slowly but steadily built confidence among their partners. Banks came to realize that integrating accounting and banking services into a single, user-friendly platform could provide them with a competitive edge. It allowed them to deepen customer relationships, increase transaction volumes, and enhance user loyalty. Strategic partnerships with forward-thinking banks became instrumental in scaling the adoption of CashDirector’s services, ultimately setting a new standard for SME banking in Poland. A Career Shaped by Global and Entrepreneurial Experience Patrycja’s career path reflects a unique blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial daring. She began her professional journey in global organizations such as AT&T and Raiffeisen Bank, where she honed her leadership skills, mastered large-scale project management, and learned to navigate complex, international environments. “Working in these well-organized structures was like a practical MBA,” she reflects. After nearly a decade in the corporate world, Patrycja made the conscious decision to transition into entrepreneurship. She wanted the freedom to innovate, to build something impactful, and to invest her energy and resources into projects she believed in. The combination of corporate discipline, startup agility, and international perspective equipped her with the resilience and adaptability necessary to lead a fintech venture in today’s volatile business environment. Above all, it gave her the ability to recognize moments of transformation and the courage to act upon them — a skill that has proved invaluable throughout her journey. Empowering Small Businesses Across Borders At its core, CashDirector is about empowerment — giving even the smallest businesses access to the kind of real-time financial insights and tools traditionally available only to large enterprises. The company’s platform integrates seamlessly with banking services, offering users a full suite of capabilities: financial data organization and visualization, automatic cash flow forecasting, intelligent reminders, receivables and payables monitoring, direct payment functionality, and even automated settlements with national authorities. Beyond technology, CashDirector also uplifts the accounting sector through OSCBR, a network of 3,000 modern accounting partners. Through this initiative, accountants receive training, technology, and support designed to help them unlock new levels of efficiency and client service. “Our mission is to democratize access to high-quality financial management and to transform the role of accountants from number-crunchers to strategic advisors,” Patrycja emphasizes. Women don’t need to wait until they’re ‘ready’ — they already are. Confidence comes from stepping in and speaking up. Guiding Principles Behind CashDirector’s Vision Patrycja’s leadership is deeply rooted in two core principles: “Think big” and “Give first.” Thinking big drives her to set ambitious, global goals — envisioning CashDirector not merely as a Polish success story, but as a European standard-bearer for SME-focused digital ecosystems. Giving first reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others, and building authentic partnerships grounded in mutual trust. Diversity, transparency, and authenticity are not just buzzwords in Patrycja’s

Digital Version In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, few leaders have left as profound a mark as Kyle Y. Faget, Partner and Co-Chair of the Health Care & Life Sciences Sector – Medical Devices at Foley & Lardner LLP. Recognized among 2025’s Most Influential Leaders Advancing Telehealth Transformation, Faget’s journey weaves together science, law, innovation, and personal experience, positioning her as a true catalyst in the transformation of healthcare delivery. A Personal Journey Into Healthcare Law For Faget, the path to healthcare law was shaped as much by intellectual passion as by personal experience. Before entering law school, she was a basic science researcher investigating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and the genetic roots of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). That scientific grounding instilled a deep understanding of the challenges and possibilities in medicine. But it was a deeply personal encounter that sharpened her focus on telehealth. In 2017, after her late wife was misdiagnosed by several healthcare providers, it was a small telehealth practice that finally identified the root cause—stage IV lung cancer. This experience was a revelation for Faget. “That was the first time I witnessed telehealth being used,” she recalls. “I knew immediately this was the future of healthcare.” From that moment, she immersed herself in understanding the provider side of healthcare, diving into the complexities of digital health. Her commitment paid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, when telehealth surged as a preferred mode of care delivery. Today, as a leading voice in health law, Faget is helping shape a sector undergoing rapid transformation. Rooted in science, shaped by personal experience, and driven by purpose—this journey redefines what it means to lead with both heart and foresight in transforming healthcare for tomorrow. The Intersection of Law, Innovation, and Telehealth Faget sees the intersection of law, innovation, and healthcare as a pivotal moment in history. She notes that we are experiencing a time of rapid technological progress. Advances such as artificial intelligence (AI) and telehealth are transforming the way healthcare is provided, making it both more accessible and more effective. For example, decentralized clinical trials are leveraging AI and telehealth to increase efficiency, while digital health products for remote patient monitoring are allowing patients to better manage their health and intervene earlier when problems arise. “By improving how we monitor our health, we can take preventive action at the right time,” explains Faget. She sees enormous potential to improve overall population health, but also recognizes that this transformation comes with complex regulatory and strategic challenges. Innovation needs more than vision — it needs a legal strategy that understands its heartbeat. Guiding Innovators Through the Legal Landscape As Co-Chair of the Health Care & Life Sciences Sector – Medical Devices, Faget leads Foley & Lardner’s efforts to help innovators navigate a heavily regulated industry. Many entrepreneurs come to Foley eager to launch groundbreaking healthcare solutions, unaware of the intricate legal terrain. As Faget points out, the healthcare industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors. Laws such as the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, which restricts non-professional corporations from practicing medicine or employing physicians, can complicate even the most promising business models. Additionally, the anti-kickback statute and state-level fee-splitting laws require careful structuring of financial arrangements. Faget and her team help clients understand these barriers and design compliant, scalable solutions. Navigating a Shifting Regulatory Environment The regulatory environment for telehealth is in flux, with state-level oversight creating a patchwork of requirements. From how clinician-patient relationships are established to licensing and practice standards, each state brings its own approach. Yet Faget sees progress: “More states are aligning on practice standards, and many are joining the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines physician licensing across member states.” At Foley, a team of attorneys track these regulatory shifts, helping clients remain compliant and competitive in an increasingly national marketplace. To lead in healthcare law, you must think like a historian and adapt like a futurist. Legal Foresight for Sustainable Telehealth Platforms For Faget, legal foresight is essential to long-term success in telehealth. When engaging with clients, she emphasizes the importance of mapping out short- and long-term goals. “Whether it’s a single-state platform or a national one, we help structure the offering from the outset,” she explains. For example, the corporate practice of medicine may not be an immediate concern for a local startup, but it becomes critical when expanding across state lines. Foley’s proactive approach ensures that clients build on a foundation that can evolve as they scale. The Convergence of Medical Devices and Telehealth Bringing together medical devices and telehealth systems is reshaping patient care by enabling real-time data sharing and remote monitoring, though this combination also introduces both advantages and challenges. Faget highlights the need to address user tech-savviness, especially among aging populations, and the importance of navigating reimbursement policies, as coverage is not always readily available. Still, she is optimistic: “As these tools become more mainstream, we’re likely to see more favorable coverage decisions.” Tailoring Legal Guidance to Support Innovation Faget’s legal philosophy centers on education and informed decision-making. Whether advising startups or major healthcare systems, her role is to help clients understand legal requirements and enforcement trends, empowering them to make well-informed business decisions. “This is always the magic question: how to balance innovation and risk,” she says. By demystifying the regulatory landscape, Faget ensures that innovation is not stifled by uncertainty. The Critical Role of Cross-Sector Collaboration The success of telehealth depends on cooperation among the technology, healthcare, legal, and regulatory fields. Faget highlights that meaningful change requires the combined efforts of all these sectors, as no single area can achieve it independently. “Healthcare intersects with numerous legal domains, making a collaborative approach highly valuable for clients,” she explains. Foley’s industry-focused structure promotes integrated teamwork across various specialties, including patent law, corporate governance, tax, labor and employment, healthcare regulations, and FDA compliance. This comprehensive approach supports clients throughout the full innovation process, from developing patent strategies to bringing products to market. Mentoring the Next Generation of Healthcare Attorneys