CEO Insights Magazine

The healthcare and hospitality industries are vital because they directly affect individuals' well-being and recovery experiences. They work together to provide essential medical care in a supportive and comfortable environment. Healthcare leaders are crucial for driving innovation, improving patient care, and shaping the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. Anthony Jude Tan, Founder and Managing Director of AJT Wellity Asia, is a highly respected professional with over 40 years of diverse experience in hospitality and wellness management. His expertise has significantly shaped Southeast Asia's healthcare and wellness sectors, impacting countries like Singapore, Thailand, China, and beyond. AJT Wellity is a comprehensive turnkey consulting, development, and management firm specialising in medical wellness across the healthcare, property development, and hospitality sectors.

In a candid interview, Jude shared insights into his professional journey, future vision, and leadership approach.

Give a brief account of your professional background and experience. What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

With over 40 years of experience, I began my career in the hospitality industry, dedicating 26 years to food, beverage, and hotel management for esteemed brands like Le Meriden Hotels, The Goodwood Group in Singapore, Raffles Marina and Hotel Lisboa in Macau. My passion for creating exceptional guest experiences led me to design and launch several successful hotel concepts. About 20 years ago, I shifted into the healthcare sector. I applied my hospitality expertise to develop one of the first integrative wellness centres, merging luxury hotel environments with medical services.

 I later served as the CEO of a hospital and wellness corporation, driving innovation by incorporating hospitality principles into healthcare. For the past 11 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur, leading wellness projects across Asia, including in Malaysia, Veitnam, Philippines, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. I recently assumed the CEO role at a biopharmaceutical company in Thailand, where I’m focused on restructuring and expanding its product offerings in the healthcare space. My daily drive comes from a commitment to hands-on learning and continuous improvement. Having recently completed a master's in medical wellness, I lead through experience, mentor others, and focus on sustainable solutions in healthcare.

With over four decades of experience, how would you describe your journey to success? What core principles define your personal success mantra?

My path to success is defined by a hands-on approach and a strong emphasis on collaboration. I actively engage with the healthcare community, partnering with doctors and entrepreneurs to gain insights and share knowledge. By shifting from a consulting role to that of an advisor, I focus on mentorship rather than simply providing guidance. I work closely with clients, designating a project lead who learns the essential business fundamentals alongside me, empowering them to achieve results independently. I value every business model and individual, recognizing that everyone has something to contribute and learn. By cultivating a culture of partnership and openness, I drive the success of the projects I undertake.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership style is centred on collaboration and support. I focus on working alongside my team rather than merely providing quick answers. By assigning tasks and projects to my colleagues and clients, I encourage them to explore different perspectives and approaches. This hands-on involvement not only fosters their learning and growth but also allows me to guide them in identifying opportunities for improvement and assessing potential risks. In essence, I embody a 'buddy system' approach to leadership, empowering others to build their skills and confidence while I provide ongoing support and mentorship.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organisation towards the future?

The business landscape has significantly shifted, especially amidst challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions. Success in the medical wellness industry today requires foresight and a commitment to ethical practices. Wellness encompasses a broader spectrum beyond spa treatments and anti-aging solutions. To thrive, one must understand wellness fundamentals and conduct thorough feasibility studies of the intended business model. This involves analysing demographics, networking, and financial health to effectively support business development and sustainability. Value transfer is essential, particularly during crises, as businesses must adapt and reposition themselves. Successful delivery of your vision relies on operational readiness, company structure, pricing strategies, and technology integration. A harmonious blend of hardware and software is crucial, with AI enhancing operations. However, technology cannot replace the personal touch in healthcare. Balancing business acumen with ethical considerations is vital for achieving long-term success in this evolving landscape.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

I have established a solid reputation in the industry, and I aspire to leverage this by sharing my insights with the community. There exists a substantial knowledge gap in the medical wellness and healthcare sectors, often characterised by price wars and unethical practices. My objective is to transform my expertise into an educational model that adds value to others. Furthermore, I aim to pivot my focus from consulting and advisory roles toward developing biomedical and biotech products. The consulting landscape has become overcrowded, and I prefer not to engage in price-driven competition. Instead, I seek to collaborate with clients who genuinely understand the business dynamics. My services are aligned with market needs, and I prioritise partnerships with those who share my dedication to ethical practices and sustainable growth. Over the next five years, my goal is to strengthen the medical community and advocate for a more ethical approach to wellness and healthcare.

Anthony Jude Tan, Founder & Managing Director, AJT Wellity Asia

Anthony Jude is a distinguished professional with nearly 40 years of experience, including 20 in the healthcare sector. He prioritises ethics and integrity over profit, employing a handson approach that values the insights of both employees and clients. His commitment to collaboration fosters improved services and a welcoming environment for all.