Sunway Sanctuary's first-year anniversary
PETALING JAYA: Sunway Sanctuary is pioneering a new era of aged care and has managed to set a benchmark for senior living since its launch one year ago.
The facility, nestled in Sunway city, has successfully balanced the healthcare and hospitality segments through its offerings that have seen residents from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, China and Canada.
Now, the group is looking at growing its capacity and drawing more seniors especially from Malaysia as the nation becomes an ageing society.
Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long said the facility has about 70 residents at the moment, which translates to a 30% take-up rate.
He said 95% of its residents are locals while the remaining are Singaporeans.
“The group aims to double its number of residents to between 140 and 150 in the coming year. There are 235 rooms that are operational, and we have a capacity of up to 473 rooms which are in the process of being fitted and should be ready in 18 to 24 months,” he said during Sunway Sanctuary’s first anniversary media briefing.
According to Lau, there are plans to replicate the facility elsewhere as the group looks to leverage on its current landbank.
He said while they have no more space in Sunway city, the group still owns land in Ipoh, Kota Damansara and Iskandar Puteri.
“For instance in Tambun, Ipoh we have more than 100 acres of land. We could build a sprawling facility with more greenery and walkways if there is demand,” he said.
On top of that, Lau said the group is also looking at developing a facility that will keep its high standards but cost less than Sunway Sanctuary.
At the moment, the starting price of a promotional monthly package is RM8,050, with it going up to five figures depending on the offerings chosen.
“This may be costly for some, but if we can come up with a service of perhaps three or four stars but with lesser costs, it is something we will consider. If that model works and should any national or government agency want to follow this model, we are happy to collaborate with them,” Lau said.
He also said seniors living abroad looking to go to warmer countries during the winter season is also something to leverage on.
“There are many seniors in the United Kingdom, Australia or Japan that do not like the cold, so rather than live in a hotel or serviced apartment, Sunway Sanctuary is actually a good option for them. We are working with travel agents to build on this,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunway Senior Living Sdn Bhd general manager Leonard Theng Boon Liang said Singaporeans were a large part of their target market, particularly due to the strength of their currency.
“What Singaporeans may pay for a facility like this will not be the same in their country. Here, they will be able to live well, surrounded by other seniors while all their needs are met,” he said.
Theng said there were a number of reasons why the idea and formation of such a service took off quickly after Sunway Sanctuary was launched.
“Firstly, we owe it to the Sunway Group name, it is a trusted brand. The close proximity to the hospital has also contributed to our success because residents and their families do not need to worry in case an emergency happens,” he said.
According to Theng, the RM250mil first-of-its-kind facility that sits next to a hospital opened up opportunities in terms of its potential residents.
He said Sunway Sanctuary has two options – independent living and assisted care with a flexible stay period.
The independent living residents are all able-bodied and enjoy a variety of activities and social interactions with each other while the residents that require assisted care are looked after by a team of highly trained staff that do everything from feeding, showering and changing diapers for residents.
“We have patients recovering from surgeries who come and stay with us. Some require rehabilitation, some have ongoing hospital appointments. Being so close to the hospital makes it a seamless and easy transition for them,” he said.
Additionally, the integration of Sunway city surrounding the facility has also been a draw for seniors. He said being seniors, some may not want to drive or feel the need to.
“They can take the bus or walk should they want to go to the bank, have a meal outside or do some shopping. Everything required for daily living is right here, that’s the great thing about being in an integrated city.”
