15 September 2026

Blog – Dispatch from Singapore: two days at the heart of global medical device regulation by Graham Nash, Health Data Strategy Lead at the GMDNAgency

The 30th International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) has brought Graham Nash, Health Data Strategy Lead, and Deniz Bruce, CEO of the GMDN Agency, to Singapore—where a packed programme and valuable conversations are offering a window into the future of medical device regulation.

Sunday: setting the regulatory compass
The visit began with regulator training sessions focused on reliance and conformity assessment—complex subjects with significant implications for international cooperation.

Discussions explored the different approaches taken across jurisdictions and device types, alongside an important message: regulatory reliance does not mean surrendering local control. Instead, it can support more efficient decision-making while respecting each authority’s responsibilities.

Monday: navigating the digital health frontier
Day two turned to artificial intelligence and software as a medical device. Presentations and panel discussions brought together regulatory, clinical, patient and industry perspectives, highlighting both the potential of these technologies and the practical challenges of overseeing them consistently.

The conversation ranged from variations in implementing IMDRF guidance to the realities of regulatory reliance for industry. A recurring theme was the speed at which software evolves—and how frameworks such as Predetermined Change Control Plans can help regulation keep pace while maintaining safety and performance.

The Singapore setting may be far from home, but the questions being tackled here are truly global: how can regulators work together, support innovation and protect patients in an increasingly connected health ecosystem?

Some of the most valuable moments have happened beyond the formal agenda, through informal conversations with regulators and other stakeholders. These exchanges are helping to build shared understanding and strengthen the relationships that make international harmonisation possible.

The conversations between sessions
As the journey continues, Graham and Deniz are looking forward to more discussion, new perspectives, and further opportunities to champion clear, consistent medical device nomenclature as a foundation for better global health data.