Fahmi (centre), Mohamad Fauzi (third right), Mohamad Salim (third left) together with (from left) BHC trade manager (healthcare) Bhavna Vishwakarma, Haris, Shepherd and Murni at the collaboration announcement held during the MIH Megatrends 2024. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced several strategic partnerships with international players to drive healthcare innovation and improve healthcare delivery.
The announcement was made during the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2024 event at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which featured international partners such as the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the Australian Investment and Trade Commission (Austrade) and the British High Commission (BHC).
The MCMC said the collaboration aimed to address pressing healthcare challenges, including the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, an increasing elderly population and limited healthcare access in rural areas.
“By 2040, Malaysia’s elderly demographic is projected to nearly match the youth population, increasing the strain on healthcare services.
“In rural regions, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of medical professionals exacerbate disparities in health outcomes.
“These partnerships seek to bridge these gaps by leveraging advanced technologies and expertise from the US, Australia and the UK to improve Malaysian healthcare delivery,” said the MCMC.
During the ceremony, the MCMC said its partnership with the BHC would pave the way for a dynamic exchange of innovations, enhancing our healthcare capacity.
“The partnership with the USTDA will introduce cutting-edge solutions, supported by invaluable grant assistance.
“Austrade will provide innovation partnerships, empowering Malaysia to lead in healthcare transformation.”
Present at the announcement were British High Commissioner KL acting deputy commissioner Tom Shepherd, USTDA senior country representative Murni Ali and Austrade trade and investment commissioner Melanie Haris.The MCMC also noted that the involvement of USTDA, Austrade and BHC would accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions, bringing global expertise to foster innovation, stimulate growth and attract foreign direct investment.
“These efforts will establish Malaysia as a leading health tourism destination while strengthening the local healthcare ecosystem.”Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.
The MIH Megatrends also saw telecommunications companies joining forces with financial institutions to redefine financial support in healthcare.
The partnership between CelcomDigi and Ambank Group would focus on delivering advanced digital healthcare solutions, such as holo-medicine, intelligent medical assistance and remote healthcare solutions, focusing on providing financial ease and accessibility to clients.
CelcomDigi Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi and Ambank Group group chief executive officer Jamie Ling were present for the announcement.
Maxis and AmBank Group have also deepened their collaboration to accelerate transformation in Malaysia’s healthcare sector and make financing more accessible to healthcare solutions.
Both parties will explore innovative healthcare solutions enabled by connectivity, with potential applications such as remote consultation, robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality solutions and autonomous medical supply delivery.
Maxis was represented by chief executive officer Goh Seow Eng and chief enterprise business officer Prateek Pashine.
The event also saw the strategic partnership between Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Siemens Healthineers, which harnesses cutting-edge telecommunication technology and cloud-based solutions to transform future healthcare and medical equipment in Malaysia.
TM chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih, managing director and group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris and Siemens Healthineers Singapore and Malaysia director Jan Tiedermann were present for the collaboration announcement.
Among the state leaders witnessing the collaboration announcement were Negri Sembilan health, unity, information, national integration and NGO action committee chairman Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman, Penang agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, Pahang public works, transportation and health committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim and Perak health, consumer affairs, national integration and human resources committee chairman A. Sivanesan.
The MCMC said the rollout of 5G by telcos presents an opportunity to expand telemedicine and integrate wearable health devices, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of global healthcare transformation.
“The telcos are playing a crucial role in driving these advancements.
“The entry of international healthcare leaders into the Malaysian market will drive local progress by introducing leading- edge technologies, innovative solutions and best practices.
“This influx of expertise will encourage private hospitals to enhance their services, leading to a more competitive and dynamic healthcare sector,” said the MCMC.
