Fireside Chat with guest speakers and Willy Chan (L) and Sharon Campbell (C)
International collaboration took center stage as health information management leaders from across Asia and beyond gathered in Hong Kong to celebrate the official launch of the Greater Bay Area Health Information Management Association (GBA-HIMA). Held in April 2026, the inaugural symposium Health Information Management: Shaping the Digital Health System marked an important milestone for the profession in the Greater Bay Area region.
GBA-HIMA has been established to provide a platform for professional development, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. The Association seeks to bring together healthcare professionals, academics, students, and industry partners to strengthen the role of Health Information Management in supporting safe, connected, and data-driven healthcare systems.
Keynote Speaker Ms Vicki Bennett, Immediate Past President of IFHIMA
The Grand Launch and Symposium welcomed participants both in person and virtually from across the Greater Bay Area and the international HIM community. The event provided an opportunity to introduce GBA-HIMA’s vision and strategic direction while fostering meaningful dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession in an increasingly digital health landscape.
The symposium featured distinguished speakers from healthcare organisations, universities and professional associations from Hong Kong, mainland China, Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia. GBA-HIMA was especially honoured to welcome Ms. Vicki Bennett, Immediate Past President of IFHIMA, as a keynote speaker. Her presentation highlighted IFHIMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the profession globally.
Another highlight of the event was the international fireside chat, facilitated by Ms. Sharon Campbell, former IFHIMA Western Pacific Regional Director and Board member of GBA-HIMA. The panel brought together leaders from the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA), the Saudi Health Information Management Association (SHIMA) and the Japan Society of Health Information Management (JHIM) including Mr Willy Chan, Chair of the IFHIMA Digital Health Community of Practice and Vice President of GBA-HIMA to exchange perspectives on digital health, information governance, workforce capability and the evolving role of HIM professionals within their respective countries and regions. The discussion demonstrated that while every health system faces unique challenges, many of the opportunities and lessons in digital transformation are shared.
Representatives from national HIM Associations participating in the Fireside Chat
Beyond the formal presentations, the symposium offered valuable opportunities for networking and relationship-building among healthcare leaders, academics, and HIM professionals. These conversations reflected GBA-HIMA’s commitment to fostering enduring partnerships that will support education, innovation, and professional exchange across the Greater Bay Area and internationally.
GBA-HIMA extends its sincere appreciation to IFHIMA for its support and participation in this landmark event. The Association also acknowledges HIMAA, SHIMA, JHIM, speakers, attendees, and event staff for their contributions to making the Grand Launch and Symposium such a success.
GBA-HIMA looks forward to working alongside IFHIMA and its member associations to strengthen the profession and create new opportunities for collaboration throughout the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Authors:
Willy Chan, B.A.Sc.HIM, AFCHSM, AFHKCHSE, CHIM, CSM
Lead, Data Governance
eHealth NSW
willy.chan@health.nsw.gov.au
Sharon Campbell BSc HIM, MHM, AFCHSM, CHIM
Director Information Management NT
Sharon.campbell02@outlook.com
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