Meet Henry Subagiyo, an alumnus of the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship program. He is a clinical professional who transformed into a digital strategist. With experience in NGOs and the hospital industry, Henry is now dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems through innovation.
Choosing GBSH: A Vision Born in Rural Care
Henry began his journey into digital health in the rural public health centres of Indonesia. As a young doctor, he faced inefficiencies in the system that required creative solutions. He developed a simple and effective technological tool to improve the way diseases are prevented. This system had such a massive impact that it remains in use to this day.
This experience was a turning point. Henry recognized the rapid rise of AI and the critical role of technology in modern medicine. He searched for a program that could bridge the gap between clinical practice and sustainable business models. The MSc at UCL was the perfect fit because it offered a unique intersection of AI modules, public health strategy, and the business perspective necessary to ensure that technology is sustainable.
The UCL Experience: Beyond the Classroom
For Henry, the value of GBSH extended far beyond traditional lectures. While the academic standards were exceptionally high, he was most impressed by how professors crafted projects to serve as pilots for real world applications.
During his time at UCL, Henry took his leadership skills to the next level. He co-founded and served as the President of the Health and Innovation Pitching Society. This was a student group designed to help peers sharpen their communication skills. Under his leadership, the society hosted a major pitching competition which gave students a platform to present their ideas to experts. Henry and the other students worked closely with Dr. Waty Lilaonitkul to build this society. He continues that collaboration today through the Alumni Association. This proves that GBSH is a hub for building networks and skills that last long after graduation.
Impact: Then and Now
Henry completed his MSc as a recipient of the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education. This competitive scholarship identifies and develops future leaders to drive progress in Indonesia. After graduating, he gained international experience through an internship in Vietnam. He worked on a project with USAID and PATH that focused on HIV prevention where he applied the digital health principles he learned at UCL.
Following the internship, Henry returned to Indonesia to fulfil the mandatory service period required by his scholarship. He moved into the private sector to work on business development for a major Indonesian hospital group. His UCL degree became his greatest asset in this role. He acted as the essential bridge between technical developers and the healthcare workers on the front lines. By translating clinical needs into technical requirements, he ensured that new systems were actually embraced and adopted by the medical staff using them every day. Today, he also serves as the Head of Analytics for the GBSH Alumni Association.
Advice for Students
For prospective students: “The UK and especially London serve as a global centre for innovation. It is one of the few places where you can witness technology moving directly from the lab to the industry. Take advantage of the exhibitions, seminars, and workshops the city offers. Choosing GBSH connects you to leaders in the healthcare industry. These doors will open for you as long as you are proactive and stay involved in projects outside the classroom.”
For current students: “A year passes in the blink of an eye. If you feel you are not yet seeing the benefits of the network, it is time to be more active. Being a student is a great power. You can reach out to almost any leader in the industry and introduce yourself as a UCL student to ask for mentorship or collaboration. Maximize every opportunity, but remember to stay present and enjoy the moment.”