PETALING JAYA: Fertility care provider Alpha IVF Group Bhd has commenced operations in China with the opening of a new sales representative office in Shanghai’s Huangpu district.
This is Alpha IVF’s second international expansion following its initial public offering in March 2024, adding to its recent venture into the Philippines.
Last week, Alpha IVF announced its entry into the Philippine medical sector, focusing on obstetrics, gynaecology, and fertility, through a joint venture with two local doctors to form Alpha IVF (Manila) Inc.
Additionally, the group operates in Malaysia and Singapore, with three specialist centres in Malaysia – two in Kuala Lumpur and one in Penang – and one in Singapore.
Operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary Alpha International (Shanghai) Medical Consulting Ltd, the new office in Shanghai aims to capitalise on China’s rapidly growing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) market besides strengthening the group’s regional footprint.
In a statement, Alpha IVF said its Shanghai office would serve as a key gateway for Chinese patients to access its advanced fertility services.
This includes preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies.
This is a screening technique for chromosomal abnormalities that is not yet available in China.
“The office will also emphasise the group’s high IVF success rates and streamline the process for patients seeking treatment in Malaysia,” Alpha IVF pointed out.
Group managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee Soon Soo highlighted China’s potential, noting that the new office would enhance patient experience, reduce logistical challenges, and expand access to advanced fertility treatments.
“With China facing chronic fertility challenges, we hope to play a pivotal role in helping couples set up their families, facilitating access to our cutting-edge reproductive technologies and high IVF success rates,” he noted.
The Shanghai office is projected to have the capacity to recruit over 150 egg retrieval procedures annually.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese patients accounted for 21% or RM12.8mil, of the group’s Malaysia operations revenue for the financial year ended May 31, 2020 (FY20).
The pandemic resulting in border closures had led to a decline in this contribution. It had since recovered.
The company mainly focuses on assisted reproductive services, with a strong emphasis on IVF.