SHAH ALAM - SunSuria Healthcare and Icon Cancer Centre announced a new joint venture entity with a shared commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing cancer care clinical expertise.
The partnership aims to elevate the standard of cancer care for Malaysians.
Icon Sunsuria aims to provide access to quality cancer care and improve the well-being of patients and their families, by establishing cancer centres across Malaysia via strategic partnerships with local healthcare operators.
Leveraging Icon Cancer Centre’s long-standing excellence in oncology and deep network of clinical expertise, the joint-venture will enrich the capability of hospitals’ existing medical services with specialised cancer expertise and enable patients to access comprehensive cancer care and cutting-edge treatments.
The signatories of the agreement were Sunsuria Healthcare chief executive officer Audrey Ooi, Icon Asean and Hong Kong chief executive officer Serena Wee.
The signing was witnessed by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, accompanied by Sunsuria Berhad founder and executive chairman Tan Seri Datuk Ter Leong Yap and Mt Alvernia Icon Cancer Centre medical director Dr Patricia Kho.
At the event, Zaliha applauded the collaborative initiative between Sunsuria and Icon Cancer Centre.
She said the partnership aims to complement the Health Ministry's own comprehensive action plan outlined in the Malaysian National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme (NSPCCP) 2021 - 2025 focusing on improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, and patient outcomes.
"We welcome future-facing solutions that align with our strategic goals of addressing the country’s cancer research needs and strengthening our medical talent pool,” she said in a statement.
Zaliha added the battle against cancer in Malaysia requires a united front, combining the efforts of the government, private sector, and society at large.
"By working together, Malaysia is committed to improving its healthcare system, reducing cancer morbidity and mortality, and ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens in the fight against cancer,” she expressed.
Meanwhile,Malaysia and Brunei Trade and Investment Commissioner Melanie Harris said the joint venture between Sunsuria Healthcare and Icon Group is a strategic partnership that will play a significant part in shaping the future of the healthcare sector in Malaysia.
"It is another example of the strong bilateral ties and confidence both Australia and Malaysia share, bringing mutual benefit to both economies,” she said.
Sunsuria Berhad founder and executive chairman Tan Seri Datuk Ter Leong Yap concurred.
He said Sunsuria Berhad takes pride in its proactive role in nation-building, which encompasses various facets such as job creation, knowledge transfer, attracting international investments, and fostering community development in Malaysia.
"Our approach involves forging exclusive partnerships that combine global expertise such as our partnership with Icon, supported with our local knowledge and network.
"Today, we embark on a new journey to further our vision by merging technology and knowledge transfer, much like our accomplishments in the field of education with Xiamen University Malaysia from China and Concord College International School from the United Kingdom,” he said.
Commenting further, Icon Asean and Hong Kong chief executive officer Serena Wee said at Icon, the patient is at the heart of everything.
"Being a vanguard of cancer care globally, it is in our DNA to expand our presence into new markets to deliver the best care, to as many people, as close to home as possible.
"Since 2022, our focus is for Asean expansion, and we found an ideal partner in Sunsuria Healthcare, as we strive to push the boundaries of cancer care in Malaysia,” she said.
Sunsuria Healthcare chief executive officer Audrey Oii said Sunsuria was driven by a mission to make an immediate impact on local communities.
"We are eager to strategically expand our network of cancer centres by partnering with local healthcare operators, doctors and specialists across the country.
"By embracing a comprehensive approach to cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, we aim to bring the latest in world class cancer care to the region,” she said.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) visiting senior government official Dr Steven Barraclough and Australian High Commission in Malaysia and Commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AUSTRADE) Melanie Harris.