A landmark report by Milieu Insight and FemTech Association Asia has highlighted a significant uptake in femtech—technology-driven women's health solutions—across Southeast Asia. According to the findings, 60% of consumers in the region are currently utilising femtech products and services, signalling a robust adoption rate. Moreover, among those not yet using femtech, 54% are considering or intend to use such solutions in the near future.
The study, titled “Insights into the Femtech Landscape in Southeast Asia,” provides an in-depth analysis of the adoption, awareness, and attitudes towards femtech across six key Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It examines a wide array of topics, including consumer awareness, familiarity with femtech solutions, usage patterns, spending habits, future intentions of non-users, and the societal factors influencing these trends.
Comprehensive insights into consumer attitudes and spending
The report elaborates on the spending habits and usage patterns of current femtech users, indicating an anticipated increase in spending by approximately 5%. This reflects growing consumer confidence in femtech solutions and their perceived value in managing health needs.
It also provides a nuanced view of how women in Southeast Asia interact with media regarding their health. Half of the women surveyed see social media as a valuable platform for sharing and receiving information about women's health issues and facilitating open and supportive discussions. However, despite this progressive trend, public discussions on women's health are still hindered by cultural stigmas. Notably, 52% of women express concerns about judgement and shame when discussing health issues openly.
Educational and societal influences on women's health
The survey further explores the state of women's health education, which traditionally focuses on topics like menstrual health, puberty, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The report is pioneering in its approach, providing the first-ever quantified measure of consumer value for femtech in each included market.
Key societal influences such as media and religion also play significant roles in shaping perceptions and openness towards discussing women's health issues. The study assesses how these factors impact the acceptance and usage of femtech solutions, particularly in the areas of maternal and reproductive health and hormonal health concerns like menopause.
Looking forward: The future of femtech in Southeast Asia
“We are excited to partner with FemTech Association Asia to unveil these comprehensive insights into the femtech landscape in Southeast Asia,” said Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and CCO at Milieu Insight. “This report not only highlights the current state of femtech adoption but also lays the groundwork for future advancements and collaborations in improving women's health outcomes across the region.”
Lindsay Davis, Founder of FemTech Association Asia, added, “Empowering women to own their healthcare journey by leveraging technology is at the core of our mission at FemTech Association Asia. The findings of this report will not only inform our advisory and advocacy efforts but also inspire innovation and investment in femtech solutions tailored to the unique needs of this region.”
The report's findings will be presented at FemTech Connect Asia, a pioneering roundtable event to be held on June 20 and 21, 2024, in Singapore. Stakeholders from across Asia will gather to discuss the future of women's health technology.
The report, “Insights into the Femtech Landscape in Southeast Asia,” is now available for purchase on the Milieu Insight and FemTech Association Asia websites, providing a critical resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players interested in understanding and engaging with the evolving femtech landscape in Southeast Asia.
