Dear Partners, Stakeholders and all,
As we are nearing to the end of the year, I am excited to share our recent accomplishments and the meaningful strides we’re making to position Malaysia as THE Health Travel of the world.
Our Malaysia Healthcare Expos in Jakarta and Selangor were major highlights. MHX Jakarta attracted over 3,000 visitors, allowing us to connect with people seeking quality healthcare and to forge valuable partnerships for the future. Meanwhile, MHX Selangor Week, held with Tourism Selangor, an inaugural event where Health and Tourism partners were showcased together, further strengthened the ecosystem of health tourism that Malaysia offers.
Building on our commitment to connecting Foreign Patients in Malaysia with quality healthcare, MHTC hosted a special health talk event and warmly welcomed members of the Expatriates community in Malaysia, showcasing the unique blend of cultural hospitality and top-tier healthcare that Malaysia offers. Attendees benefited from health screenings offered by KPJ Ampang Puteri and KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospitals, giving them direct access to expert care and valuable wellness insights.
On the international front, MHTC conducted exploratory visit to 3 cities: Guangzhou, Shenzen and Xiamen to gain early entrance as our penetration strategy to China market. These cities were chosen due to their long ancestral link and heritage that connect with Malaysian. In Xiamen, the team and I had the pleasure of meeting with key players in the healthcare sector, including representatives from Xiamen Hongai Hospital and C&D International Travel Service. In Shenzhen, we connected with local healthcare and travel partners to explore opportunities for collaboration in supporting health travellers. Our engagement didn’t stop there, we have opportunity to meet with AirAsia China and Malaysian stakeholders in Guangzhou to discuss initiatives aimed at raising awareness of Malaysia’s healthcare services.
Q3 marked another significant milestone for Malaysia Healthcare when Ministry of Health Oman agreed to co-organize the 1st ever joint seminar with MHTC – Malaysia-Oman Medical Symposium 2024. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange between healthcare professionals from Malaysia and Oman and focused on various aspects of medical practice knowledge sharing to strengthen healthcare ties between the two nations. The Malaysia-Oman Medical Symposium 2024 was graced by H.E. Dr Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman.
Selected member hospitals also had the privilege to participate and represent Malaysia Healthcare at the 13th Oman Health Exhibition and Conference this quarter. This gathering brought together over 120 international and local healthcare leaders, a testament to the shared vision we all have to elevate healthcare and make it more accessible.
Closer to home, our story was told through media appearances on RTM ASEAN’s On The Table and Astro Awani’s Niaga Spotlight, reaching new audiences. It’s inspiring to see how our efforts resonate with people across the region.
Making healthcare travel easier remains a core focus for us, and our recent partnership with Express Rail Link (ERL) embodies this mission. By combining our Meet & Greet service with KLIA Ekspres tickets and added perks, we are ensuring health travellers feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive in Malaysia.
Finally, I want to highlight our EMH Stories video series, which celebrates the extraordinary people who make Malaysia’s healthcare stand out. Featuring inspiring individuals like Dato’ Dr. Alwi from Institut Jantung Negara and Ms. Lim Kooi Ling from Island Hospital Penang, these stories reflect the heart and dedication that define Malaysian healthcare.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for sharing in our vision. Together, we are not only creating exceptional healthcare experiences but also shaping a brighter future for Malaysia as a THE destination for medical tourism.
We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of MH Expo Jakarta 2024, which saw an incredible turnout over the past four days. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and took the time to explore Malaysia’s world-class healthcare services. Your enthusiasm truly made this event unforgettable!
A special note of gratitude goes to our valued partners and the dedicated teams from our member hospitals. Their unwavering support, from the early planning stages to the execution of the expo, has been pivotal in fostering strong connections and making high-quality Malaysian healthcare more accessible to our Indonesian healthcare travelers. Together, we continue to bridge the gap in delivering excellent medical services across borders.
We’re excited to share our ongoing initiatives in Surabaya, one of the top 5 cities for medical tourism to Malaysia. This thriving city offers a strategic opportunity for us to extend our premium healthcare services to more Indonesian travelers seeking top-quality medical care.
In this edition, we are proud to announce our collaboration with Tourism Selangor, highlighting Selangor’s modern medical facilities, rich cultural attractions, and evolving tourism landscape. Together, we are creating a unique healthcare experience that seamlessly integrates world-class treatment with leisure and cultural exploration.
We extend our gratitude to Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, Menteri Besar Selangor, Dato Ng Suee Lim, Selangor Tourism EXCO, Tuan Azrul Shah Mohamad, CEO of Tourism Selangor and Dr Mohamed Ali, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) for their invaluable support.
This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional care and unforgettable healthcare tourism experiences for all.
MHTC’s recent visit to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen aimed to establish Malaysia’s presence in China’s healthcare travel market. The cultural and historical links between these cities and Malaysia provided a meaningful context for engagement.
In Xiamen, MHTC met with Xiamen Hongai Hospital and C&D International Travel Service. Shenzhen allowed the team to explore collaborative opportunities with local partners, while discussions in Guangzhou with AirAsia China and Malaysian stakeholders focused on promoting Malaysia’s healthcare offerings.
Malaysia Healthcare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Oman, proudly co-organized the Malaysia-Oman Medical Symposium 2024. This historic event provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share insights and advance medical practices.
The symposium was officiated by H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari and brought together over 120 healthcare leaders. Malaysian participants, including IHH Healthcare Malaysia, Sunway Medical Centre, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, also showcased their capabilities at the 13th Oman Health Exhibition and Conference, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a global healthcare leader.
In collaboration with KPJ Healthcare and TEG Media, a health talk was organized at Domitys Bangsar. Dr. Nur Adila Anuar, Haematologist from KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, delivered an insightful session on identifying early signs of women’s cancers and improving health through lifestyle and family support.
Attendees benefited from health screenings by KPJ Ampang Puteri and KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospitals. The event also welcomed the expat community in Malaysia, blending world-class healthcare knowledge with Malaysian cultural elements.
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has teamed up with Express Rail Link (ERL) to offer special packages for healthcare travelers. Starting 19 September 2024, these packages combine MHTC’s Meet & Greet service with a one-way KLIA Ekspres ticket and VIP benefits. MHTC CEO, Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, shared that this partnership aims to make healthcare travel easier and more convenient, as more health travelers choose Malaysia.
ERL CEO, Noormah Mohd Noor, highlighted the smooth journey health travelers will experience—from airport assistance to a quick 28-minute ride on the KLIA Ekspres to the city. The train also offers free 5G Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and convenience during the trip.
The premium package (RM225 for adults, RM200 for children) includes a KLIA Ekspres ticket and Meet & Greet service, while the VIP package (RM325) offers additional perks like porter service and a limousine ride. This partnership strengthens Malaysia’s position as a top healthcare destination. To book, contact MHTC at +603 8776 6168 or WhatsApp +6018 870 0100.
The MHTC team met with hospitals in Kuching (Borneo Medical Centre, KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Normah Medical Specialist Centre, and Timberland Medical Centre) and Miri (Borneo Medical Centre Miri and KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital).
Our discussions focused on strengthening partnerships and showcasing Sarawak’s exceptional healthcare offerings. We presented exciting marketing programs for the second half of 2024, designed to elevate Sarawak as a premier medical tourism destination.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, skilled medical professionals, and renowned hospitality, Sarawak is poised to play a vital role in Malaysia’s world-class healthcare landscape. We’re excited to collaborate further with our Sarawakian partners to provide accessible and exceptional patient experiences.
During MHTC’s recent corporate expedition to the historic city of Melaka, we were on a mission to strengthen our relationships with our member hospitals. It was truly our pleasure to engage with the dedicated and passionate teams from Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka Putra Specialist Hospital, and Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh.
Our collaborative discussions were fruitful as we exchanged thoughts and information on our marketing programs for the second half of 2024. We delved deep into sharing invaluable insights, all aimed at significantly elevating the landscape of medical tourism.
By fostering these meaningful connections with our member hospitals, we are more enthusiastic than ever about our commitment to elevating Malaysia Healthcare, ensuring it reaches new heights for all healthcare travellers around the world.
Prince Court Medical Centre, in collaboration with First Ambulance, has launched Malaysia’s first electric motorcycle ambulance as part of its First Responder Service, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to delivering faster, life-saving medical assistance and enhancing emergency care.
The electric motorcycle ambulance plays a crucial role in Prince Court’s aim to improve response times, providing immediate care in traffic-congested areas until a conventional ambulance arrives to transport patients to the hospital’s Accident & Emergency department.
Equipped with essential medical supplies, the electric motorcycle ambulance enables paramedics to stabilise patients and provide vital interventions quickly, which can be crucial in life-threatening situations.
As part of Prince Court’s dedication to community well-being, the hospital is providing free ambulance services within a 10-kilometre radius of its location in Kuala Lumpur.
“At Prince Court, our commitment to patient care and emergency response drives us to continuously set new standards. The launch of our electric motorcycle ambulance represents a significant step forward in delivering faster, more efficient medical assistance,” said Dr. Shuba Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Court Medical Centre.
“With this initiative, Prince Court is at the forefront of emergency medical response, reinforcing our dedication as a responsible healthcare provider to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve,” Dr. Shuba added.
“We are honoured to partner with Prince Court to launch the electric motorcycle ambulance as part of our emergency response. This innovative approach will help our paramedics reach patients quicker and provide essential interventions more effectively. We are proud to support Prince Cour in enhancing patient care,” said Steven Penafort, Managing Director of First Ambulance.
Prince Court has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Orion Residence, a new property development off Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration provides residents with an integrated panic button within Orion Residence that connects directly to Prince Court’s ambulance service, significantly improving response capabilities.
“We are proud to partner with Prince Court Prince Court to enhance the safety and well-being of our residents. The new panic button system, supported by Prince Court’s electric motorcycle ambulances and ambulances, will ensure fast emergency response and give our residents peace of mind, knowing help is only a button away. This initiative reflects our commitment to a safe and supportive community,” said Thomas Ling, Executive Director of Orion Tower Sdn Bhd.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) hosted a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Gala Dinner for survivors, donors, caregivers, doctors and supporting medical teams to celebrate over 900 successful bone marrow transplants performed in the hospital, for both adults and children. In 1999, SJMC was the first private hospital to perform an adult haematopoietic stem cell transplant in Malaysia and to date, it continues to achieve significant milestones with having the highest number of bone marrow transplant cases performed by a private hospital in the country.
The Gala Dinner held was a night filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt gratitude, and a commitment to future advancements. It was part of SJMC’s “Courage Over Cancer” series, honouring the resilience and strength of bone marrow transplant patients, their families, and the dedicated medical teams who make these life-saving procedures possible.
Bryan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of SJMC, highlighted the hospital’s journey and dedication to patient care. “Tonight, we are celebrating the incredible stories of how bone marrow transplant has bridged lives. SJMC takes pride in being a pioneer by introducing stem cell transplants through the establishment of our Blood Diseases Centre and Blood Bank. Prioritising our patients at the heart of care, we hope to continue this journey, celebrating courage and celebrating life.”
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
Uplifting stories took centre stage as panel discussions with both adult and paediatric BMT survivors and their doctors provided an intimate look at the personal journeys and triumphs of those who have undergone bone marrow transplants.
Eugene Yap, a 51-year-old patient treated by Dr. Ng Soo Chin, Consultant Haematologist at SJMC, shared his moving story. Diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2016, Eugene experienced a relapse and underwent a haploidentical transplant with his half-matched brother. Reflecting on his journey, Eugene shared, “I am looking forward to catching up on the time lost with my family, going on a family trip, and looking forward to living life again”.
“While haploidentical bone marrow transplantation is a complex procedure, it offers a beacon of hope for patients who may not have a perfect match donor available. Advancements in medical technology and conditioning regimens have made it a viable and potentially life-saving option for a wider range of patients. It’s rewarding to witness the resilience of our patients as they undergo this transplant and emerge with a renewed chance at a healthy life,” expressed Dr Ng Soo Chin.
The brave, 8-year-old Mahiyaa Bala Jeganath, also took the stage with her mother, Lavaniyah Ganapathy and Dr. Chan Lee Lee, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Haematologist-Oncologist of SJMC. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2019 and was found to have the high-risk Philadelphia chromosome, requiring chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and an anti-cancer drug to achieve remission.
After undergoing a bone marrow transplant from her 4-year-old brother, she now celebrates her one-year post-transplant mark. Reflecting on her experience, Mahiyaa remarked, “I went through many types of treatment in the past three years. Now, I feel brave that I’ve beat cancer”.
The night also featured a video about Beh Bao Yuan, a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the age of 4. She underwent a bone marrow transplant with Prof. Emeritus Dr Lin Hai Peng, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Haematologist-Oncologist of SJMC, while her 9-year-old sister served as her donor. Now, 2 years post-transplant, Beh Bao Yuan is thriving. “After the transplant, she can swim and do the things she loves,” shared her parents, relieved and happy.
Commitment to Patients and Community
Continuing the evening with a collective passion for pushing the boundaries, Dr. Alan Teh Kee Hean, Consultant Haematologist at SJMC, spoke on “Bone Marrow Transplantation: State-of-the-Art”. Dr Teh highlighted the latest advancements in BMT technology and practices. He shared that advancements in haploidentical transplants now offer outcomes comparable to matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant, making them a viable alternative treatment.
SJMC recognised three associations, namely the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Faith Hope Love (FHL) Care Hospice Malaysia, and Childhood Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM), in a mock cheque presentation. The funds will help the associations continue their work to provide critical support to underprivileged BMT and cancer patients. This gesture emphasised SJMC’s dedication to community support and corporate social responsibility.
There were also various entertainment segments, including live performances, stand-up comedy by the well-known Douglas Lim, and exciting lucky draws. A portrait display in the foyer showcased the inspiring stories of eight adult and paediatric survivors alongside a donor, celebrating their bravery and resilience.
Looking Ahead to the Future
“Bone marrow transplant is a highly delicate and complex procedure. Finding a perfectly matched donor is key to a successful transplant. Even with a matched donor, collecting sufficient healthy stem cells requires careful management. The future of bone marrow transplant is filled with exciting possibilities as we continue to expand our knowledge and harness the power of technology,” stated Mr Bryan Lin.
SJMC’s advancements include the introduction of in-house Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, which allows for more accurate donor matching, thereby increasing the pool of compatible donors and improving transplant success rates.
This partnership combines top oncologists and supportive care specialists in a new state-of-the-art cancer facility
Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara has teamed up with OncoCare Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd to improve cancer care standards in Malaysia and the region.
The partnership aims to deliver personalised treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs, supported by the latest research and clinical trials.
The Thomson OncoCare alliance will offer comprehensive, patient-centered care through a tumour site-specific approach, including access to innovative oncology clinical trials and alternative therapies. The center will also host regular international tumour board meetings featuring top oncology experts from across Asia to discuss complex cases and refine treatment strategies.
Thomson’s Oncology and Nuclear Medicine facility boasts advanced technology, including the Mediso AnyScan SPECT/CT/PET imaging system – the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region – and a state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) with a surface image guided system (SIGRT). The facility has conducted over 5,500 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, addressing cancers of the cervix, breast, lung, rectum, head, neck, and brain.
Thomson Hospital is the first in Malaysia to earn accreditation for its cancer services from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International.
Source: healthcareasiamagazine.com
MHTC had an insightful discussion with Official Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on strengthening their dedication to providing value-added services to Malaysian institutions.
This meeting marked a significant intersection of education and healthcare travel, as both sectors collaborate to enhance the overall experience for international students and their families.
EMGS was represented by CEO Mr. Novie Tajuddin CA (M), FCMA (UK), CGMA CMO Mr. Lewis Tang, Senior Director of Marketing, Communication, and Branding Ms. Rahimah Ibrahim, Director of International Student Management Services (ISMS) Mr. Ramlan Bin Abd. Aziz, and Associate Director of Corporate Strategy Mr. Azhar Mohamed.
With this meaningful collaboration ahead, we aspire to present the best education and medical experiences on the international stage.
MHTC recently held a productive meeting with TA Securities to discuss their research on the growth and potential of Malaysia’s medical tourism sector. The session brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from AmanahRaya, EPF, KWAP, and PNB, facilitating a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and experiences.
As a dedicated advocate for the advancement of Malaysia’s healthcare travel, MHTC supported initiatives that aimed to drive the sector forward. The insights shared during this meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in crafting strategies that would elevate Malaysia’s global reputation as a premier healthcare destination.
MHTC believed that TA Securities’ in-depth research would play a crucial role in shaping future efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the competitive medical tourism landscape.
MHTC recently had the opportunity to sit down in RTM ASEAN’s “On The Table,” where we discussed Malaysia’s rise as a leading destination for medical tourism.
We showcased our top-tier healthcare services and highlighted MHTC’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s global healthcare reputation. We believe this exposure will be instrumental in showcasing the exceptional quality of Malaysia’s healthcare to the world.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to elevate Malaysia’s position as a top destination for international health travellers.
Malaysia’s healthcare tourism sector continues to gain global recognition, and this growth was the focus of Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar’s recent interview on 30 August 2024 at Astro Awani’s Niaga Spotlight. As CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Dr. Mohamed Ali shared insights into the country’s competitive medical services and how these offerings are attracting an increasing number of international patients seeking quality care.
During the session, he highlighted the factors contributing to Malaysia’s rise as a top healthcare destination, including world-class treatments, affordability, and exceptional patient care. The interview provided a comprehensive overview of how Malaysia is positioning itself at the forefront of the global healthcare tourism industry.
MHTC had the honor of participating as a panel speaker at the “Wellness and Lifestyle: Cultivating a Culture of Health through Business and Health Tourism” session, which took place at the Malaysian Health and Wellness Summit 2024. The event was held on August 27th at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
This prestigious summit brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare tourism. Key insights were shared on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector, highlighting the growing global demand for wellness and medical travel.
We were particularly excited to witness the enthusiasm surrounding Malaysia’s potential to become a leading destination for wellness and medical tourism. The discussions reaffirmed Malaysia’s unique value proposition in offering world-class healthcare services combined with holistic wellness experiences.
We were delighted to celebrate Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage at Prince Court Medical Centre with our health travellers. The event featured captivating traditional dance performances that highlighted the unity in diversity of our nation. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the warmth and hospitality that Malaysia is known for.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event truly unforgettable. Your presence helped create a vibrant and lively atmosphere that reflected the spirit of #JiwaMerdeka.
This was just the beginning! Keep an eye out for more cultural experiences at other renowned hospitals as we continue to bring the heart of Malaysia to you.
The EMH Stories video project is a special video series by Malaysia Healthcare, aiming to share inspiring stories from Malaysia’s healthcare travel sector. Our goals are to showcase expertise, enhance reputation, and increase brand awareness. The series covers Faces of MH, Success Stories, Breakthroughs, and Patient Stories. We plan to share these stories widely through social media, PR articles, events, EDM, and digital channels to reach our audience effectively.
For the third EMH Video, the team has successfully conducted an interview with a specialist from Institut Jantung Negara (IJN). In this episode, we walked you through the journey of Dr. Alwi, a Cardiothoracic Surgery from Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), as he takes us through as a cardiac surgeon and shares his experience of nurturing future medical leaders.
Watch the video by clicking here, and don’t forget to like and share it with others. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories!
