Shu Yuan Lin highlighted the topic of cancer targeted therapy in his WeChat blog, explaining that it is based on molecular targets and treatment methods achieved through them, but it is not a universal cure.
According to Lin, patients must understand complex terminology before they can embrace innovations such as immunotherapy, CAR-T, proton, and heavy ion therapy. He noted that if people consider the concept of a 'target' to be a doctor's fabrication, they will be unable to choose these new treatment methods.
He stated that healthcare is inherently educational, and if he himself does not engage in clarification, he cannot expect someone else to do it for him.
Shu Yuan Lin is the founder and CEO of Shanghai Aijin Artificial Intelligence, which deals with medical imaging and is a global supplier for Siemens Healthineers. Aijin develops the Diffusion Go system, which converts CT and MRI scans into three-dimensional maps of the cerebral cortex, nerve pathways, blood vessels, and lesions, assisting clinicians in surgical planning, neuroscience research, drug development, brain-computer interfaces, and clinical validation via the GoViewer platform.
Lin views communication in healthcare as a tool for market building and a public service. He uses WeChat blogs, guest lectures, and everyday examples to explain non-specialists about medical services, insurance, private clinics, and health choices.
In his words, the fewer misconceptions there are, the healthier the industry will become and the more opportunities will arise. He believes that the 'soil' must first be cultivated.
In his view, more informed citizens can make safer decisions in healthcare, and investors better understand how policy changes affect the business models of medical companies. This knowledge also helps clients navigate commercial insurance and private hospitals.
Lin characterizes the medical innovation and neuroscience sector as less zero-sum and more collaborative than competitive, as companies can cooperate despite competition in overlapping product areas. They can share directions with clinicians, investors, technical experts, and international opportunities. He asserts: 'First, we need to enlarge the pie, and then we can compete for slices.'
He links this approach to serving the public good. Lin mentioned helping a company specializing in brain-computer interfaces promote brain health screenings in the Jiading and Ludian districts of Shanghai, including testing for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. Furthermore, he plans to hold health book clubs, lectures, and free consultations to combat dementia misconceptions and encourage early attention to neurological health.
Lin reported that Aijin is currently attracting funding from state and foreign investors but declined to disclose names or amounts due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). He specified that 70%–80% of the company's revenue is reinvested in research and development, product development, clinical work, and registration, while a smaller portion goes to business development. He sees fundraising as a tool, not proof of company growth, stating: 'You raise money when you need it.'
He contrasted the current technology and clinical practice-oriented environment with the relationship-based sales culture characteristic of China's healthcare sector in the 1980s and 1990s, where commercial expenses could open doors. Lin emphasized that relationships are reproducible, but technology is not. In his opinion, post-pandemic market pressure and increased scrutiny made businesses reliant on distribution networks more vulnerable, while companies with solid technology succeeded.
Lin noted that Aijin obtained US registration but failed to establish itself due to data limitations that hindered the transfer of core technologies. He views Europe as a potential next step, citing its scale, developed healthcare systems, and potentially more favorable political climate. He believes a viable market requires economic scale, a robust healthcare system, and geopolitical predictability.
When asked about medical imaging in China and the US, Lin noted that the US model is more service-oriented, whereas the Chinese one is focused on drug research and development. This contrast highlights the challenges facing China: finding international partners, collaborating with domestic colleagues, and helping the public understand new technologies before they are scaled up.