MALAYSIA'S PATIENT CARE MODEL PRESENTED TO INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES IN BEIJING

BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) was invited by the International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center (IHECC), an institution under the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, to speak at the Seminar on High-Quality Development of International Medical Services and the 8th Belt and Road Medical Assistance Conference (MASSCON 2026). This marks the first time Malaysia has been invited to participate as a speaker at this prestigious platform. The invitation reflects the growing international recognition of Malaysia's healthcare travel industry and underscores the country's leadership in delivering high-quality healthcare services. It also provides a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to share its experience and best practices while strengthening knowledge exchange and collaboration with international healthcare stakeholders.

Held in conjunction with the 32^nd China International Medical Equipment Exhibition and Scientific Conference (China-Hospeq) 2026 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, MASSCON 2026 brought together policymakers, healthcare authorities, medical institutions and international healthcare organisations to discuss the future of international medical services, cross-border healthcare collaboration and Belt and Road cooperation. Under the theme "Smart Connectivity along the Silk Road: Advancing High-Quality International Medical Cooperation", the conference focused on strengthening international medical services through policy innovation, healthcare connectivity and the sharing of best practices.

MHTC Chief Executive Officer Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah said the invitation reflected the confidence international health authorities now place in Malaysia's healthcare travel ecosystem.

"This invitation marks a shift in how Malaysia Healthcare is regarded, not only as a destination for care, but as a contributor to how international medical services are designed. It recognises the strength of an integrated ecosystem in which hospitals, government agencies and industry partners work together to deliver a seamless patient journey. As we advance the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 under the Healing Meets Hospitality proposition, we look forward to deepening collaboration with China and to shaping services that keep patients at the centre of care."

China is among Malaysia Healthcare's fastest-growing markets. In 2025, healthcare travel revenue from China exceeded RM200 million for the first time, following a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% in revenue and 20% in healthcare traveller volume between 2023 and 2025. This strong momentum continued into 2026, with first-quarter revenue increasing by 23% and healthcare traveller volume rising by 16% compared with the same period in 2025,  reinforcing China's position as a key growth market for Malaysia's healthcare travel industry.

For media enquiries and further information, please contact:

Muhammad Rasydan Bin Ma'at
Head, PR and Media Unit
Communications
+603 8776 6168
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                     
Head, Communications Department
+603 8776 6168                                                                                  
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my 

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the "Malaysia Healthcare" brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia's healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 91 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation's first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia's world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry's significant contribution to the national economy.

MHTC's website: https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.

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MALAYSIA'S PATIENT CARE MODEL PRESENTED TO INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES IN BEIJING

HONG KONG, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A delegation from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), led by Professor the Honourable Michael Ngai, Chairman of the Council, visited Sunway University and Sunway Group in Malaysia to explore new opportunities for collaboration in education, research and innovation. The visit built on recent engagements between the two institutions, including a visit by Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group and Founder and Chancellor of Sunway University, to CityUHK (Dongguan) earlier this year. The exchanges underscored a shared commitment to strengthening ties and creating new avenues for impactful international collaboration.

The CityUHK delegation included Professor Chun-Sing Lee, Acting President; Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy); Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Vice-President (Research); and Professor Shirley Chong, Chief Communications and Global Affairs Officer.

During the visit, the CityUHK delegation met with senior leadership at Sunway University, including Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Chai Lay-ching, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni). Discussions focused on identifying strategic areas of cooperation and leveraging the complementary strengths of both universities.

The two parties explored collaboration opportunities across a range of academic and research initiatives, including joint conferences, student and faculty mobility programmes, joint PhD supervision programmes and research partnerships. Particular attention was given to developing synergies in engineering and business, fields in which both institutions possess strong expertise and vibrant innovation ecosystems.

The CityUHK delegation also toured key facilities across the Sunway ecosystem, including the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway Business School and Sunway Medical Centre. The visits provided insights into Sunway University's interdisciplinary approach to education, research and industry engagement, while promoting knowledge transfer and innovation. The delegation later attended a dinner hosted by the Sunway Group, where they met with Sir Cheah and Professor Datuk Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Sunway Education Group.

After the meetings, representatives from both universities expressed optimism about the potential for deeper cooperation and agreed to continue exploring concrete initiatives. Together, they aim to nurture global talent, advance research excellence, and leverage higher education to address global and societal challenges.

The visit marks an important step towards strengthening the partnership between CityUHK and Sunway University. It lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration in education, research and knowledge exchange across the region and beyond.

During the visit, Professor Chong also chaired a university ranking workshop, in which she shared CityUHK's experience in building a global reputation and strategic planning with the deans and department heads of Sunway University's various faculties. The session fostered exchanges between the two institutions on trends in higher education development and strategies for university internationalisation.

 Media contact:

Venus Doon, Communications and Institutional Research Office, CityUHK (Tel: 3442 6377)

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CityUHK strengthens ties with Sunway University to advance research and global education