A Doctor’s Experience from the Asian HEAL Program
By: Devane Sharma
Improving the lives of the community is so material to Musim Mas that it is part of the first pillar of our Sustainability Policy. Over the years, our charitable giving in Singapore has focused on five key pillars: Education, Children and Youth, Healthcare, Sports, and Community Development. These areas reflect our commitment to inclusive progress, especially in urban hubs like Singapore, where innovation and collaboration can generate far-reaching regional impact.
Among these pillars, healthcare and mental health have become especially critical in the post-pandemic world. Recognizing the increasing need for healthcare leadership and mental wellness support across Asia, Musim Mas has been directing our philanthropic support to institutions that are advancing innovations in these fields. One such recipient is Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a long-time leader in Southeast Asia’s public health landscape.
In 2023, Musim Mas donated to SGH to support the establishment of the Asian hub for the Global Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN Asia). The donation is also funding a regional fellowship under the Asian Institute for Healthcare Leadership & Management (Asian HEAL) program—an initiative that empowers healthcare leaders across South and Southeast Asia through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and leadership development.
Musim Mas’s donation has bolstered the development of the curriculum of the Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership & Management program, awarded by the National University of Singapore and Asian HEAL. The Executive Master Programme was developed following the success of Asian HEAL’s short courses that equipped future healthcare leaders with leadership competencies and industry knowledge, thereby seeding a new generation of professionals capable of elevating healthcare management excellence across Asia.
Asian HEAL serves as a vital platform where healthcare professionals from across Asia converge to share insights, exchange experiences, and champion solutions tailored to the region’s unique healthcare challenges. This Asian-centric approach ensures that solutions are both culturally relevant and practically applicable to local healthcare systems.
Since its establishment, Asian HEAL has delivered impactful healthcare management program that have enhanced the capabilities of healthcare leaders throughout Asia. Among the distinguished participants is Dr David Hariadi Masjhoer, Director of Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Provincial General Hospital in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, who attended a training programme in December 2024.
Interview with Dr. David Hariadi Masjhoer
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and your current role?
Dr Masjhoer: I’m a specialist in orthopaedic surgery with a master’s degree in Hospital Management. I currently serve as the Director of Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Provincial General Hospital in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. In addition to my hospital work, I’m an active member of the Indonesian Regional Hospital Association, and I also teach at the Faculty of Medicine at Mulawarman University. My dual role as a practitioner and educator gives me a holistic view of the healthcare landscape in Indonesia—especially when it comes to bridging gaps between policy, patient care, and leadership.
Q: What inspired your shift into healthcare management?
Dr Masjhoer: My interest in healthcare management stemmed from a desire to improve both patient experience and safety. As a clinician, you can help one patient at a time—but as a hospital leader, you have the ability to shape systems and environments that impact thousands. It’s this broader scale of influence that attracted me to the administrative side of healthcare.
Q: What opportunities do you see for healthcare leaders in Indonesia today?
Dr Masjhoer: Indonesia is undergoing a healthcare transformation, led by the current Minister of Health. One of the biggest opportunities is the push to improve infrastructure in remote regions, tailoring services based on the most pressing health issues in each area. This targeted, data-driven approach can greatly enhance the efficiency and equity of care delivery, especially in provinces like mine, where access remains uneven.
Q: How did the Asian HEAL program shape your thinking or practices as a hospital director?
Dr Masjhoer: The program was eye-opening. One highlight was visiting Sengkang General Hospital, where I saw first-hand how data was used to design patient-centric infrastructure. It made me reflect on how we can use our own patient feedback surveys to drive change—not just collecting data but actively responding to it to improve care quality and experience.
I was also impressed by the safety innovations in place across Singapore hospitals—from simple but effective practices like alcohol swabbing and routine ward inspections, to more systemic approaches to infection control. These aren’t always high-cost interventions, but they require strong systems and leadership. Since returning to Samarinda, I’ve adapted some of these practices into our own hospital’s ward design and patient safety protocols.
Q: What would you like to see added to future Asian HEAL program?
Dr Masjhoer: The program already covers a wide range of valuable topics, but I believe there’s room for deeper dives. I would recommend dedicating a few sessions to participant-driven focus areas. For instance, on the third and fourth day, we could break into smaller groups based on our interests—be it hospital financing, emergency response, or digital health—and engage in intensive discussions or problem-solving labs. That way, we not only learn from the host institution but also from each other’s regional challenges and innovations.
Q: What kind of partnerships do you think would benefit healthcare systems in the region?
Dr Masjhoer: Leadership development should be a cornerstone of regional collaboration. Strong systems require strong leaders—not just at the top, but across departments and specialties. Programmes like Asian HEAL help foster this, but we can go further by establishing ongoing peer networks, joint projects, or mentorships between hospitals. A more connected region is a more resilient one, and I believe healthcare leaders must take the lead in building those bridges.
Strengthening Communities, Together
Dr. Masjhoer’s experience is just one example of the ripple effect that strong healthcare leadership and thoughtful collaboration can create. At Musim Mas, we are deeply inspired by the work of Singapore General Hospital and the impact of the Asian HEAL program, as seen through the experience of its beneficiaries. It affirms our belief that when we invest in people—especially those leading change in their communities—we help build stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across the region.
We remain committed to supporting initiatives that improve lives, not only in Singapore but throughout Asia. By continuing to partner with institutions like SGH, we hope to play a small but meaningful role in shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
