Tencent has partnered Bupa Hong Kong to launch Hong Kong’s first palm verification check-in service for the healthcare sector, introducing a contactless option designed to speed up clinic access while improving hygiene and convenience.

The Express Check-in service, which went live on Tuesday, has been rolled out across 20 selected Bupa network clinics in Hong Kong. It allows customers to verify their identity using palm-based biometric technology or a QR code, removing the need for physical documents or manual registration at reception counters.

Palm Verification Check-In Rolls Out Across Bupa Clinics

Three locations – Bupa’s flagship medical centre in Central, as well as clinics in Tsim Sha Tsui and Admiralty – are equipped with advanced palm-scanning kiosks powered by Tencent PalmAI. The remaining clinics offer QR code-based Express Check-in, ensuring consistent access across the network.

PalmAI uses artificial intelligence (AI) to capture both palm print and palm vein patterns, enabling dual biometric authentication. Customers place their palm above a high-precision scanner for instant verification, without touching surfaces or removing face masks.

According to the companies, the system is designed to improve patient flow, reduce waiting times and enhance hygiene standards, particularly in busy urban clinics.

Biometric Technology Aims to Improve Privacy and Hygiene

Tencent said PalmAI combines security and accuracy by analysing internal vein patterns alongside external palm features, reducing the risk of duplication or misuse compared with single-mode biometric systems.

Steven Choi, General Manager of Tencent Cloud Hong Kong & Macau, said the collaboration supports a more seamless healthcare experience.

“By leveraging Tencent’s advanced PalmAI technology, we are enabling a secure, contactless, and truly frictionless check-in experience that reduces waiting times and offers a more hygienic, mask-friendly option for users,” he said.

PalmAI has been deployed globally since 2022 and is used in applications ranging from access control to identity verification and payments. Bupa’s implementation was delivered by Tencent Cloud, Tencent’s cloud services business.

Part of Bupa’s Digital Healthcare Strategy

Bupa Hong Kong said the launch aligns with its broader digital transformation and “Connected Care” strategy. The palm verification service is fully integrated with the insurer’s Blua Health app, enabling customers to move through the check-in process with minimal staff interaction.

Yvonne Leung, Chief Customer, Data & Digital Officer at Bupa Hong Kong, described the initiative as a milestone for the company and the sector.

“By introducing this breakthrough technology, we are setting a new benchmark for convenience and safety, allowing customers to check in faster without ID cards or physical interaction,” she said.

Chief Technology Officer Earvin Lim added that the dual-biometric approach also strengthens data protection and operational efficiency, positioning Bupa for future digital services.