Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2024 – CelcomDigi Berhad ("CelcomDigi"), through its Innovation Centre, have entered a strategic partnership with KPJ Healthcare Berhad ("KPJ") to advance cross-border access to healthcare through telemedicine. The collaboration will leverage cutting-edge telemedicine solutions to access to specialised treatments, offer cost-effective care across borders, and ensure high-quality medical services are accessible to patients worldwide – positioning Malaysia as a preferred hub for healthcare tourism.

The key advantages of this partnership are extensive, as telemedicine improves access to care by connecting patients with international specialists, allowing particularly those in remote or underserved regions to receive quality medical consultations. It offers cost-effectiveness by reducing travel and accommodation, making specialised healthcare more affordable for patients. Patients will also gain faster access to and quality consultations and second opinions from renowned Malaysian specialists, which includes seamless continuity of care post-treatment and follow-ups, helping patients manage their recovery more effectively.

The partnership seeks to reduce geographical and financial barriers that often prevent patients from seeking necessary medical care. By doing so, it will position Malaysia as a leader in health tourism and digital healthcare innovation, attracting local and international patients seeking high-quality and cost-efficient healthcare solutions.

The MoU signing was represented by Shahril Mizani Ariffin, Chief Digital Officer of KPJ Healthcare Berhad, and Kugan Thirunavakarasu, Chief Innovation Officer of CelcomDigi, during the official launch of the National AI Office. The event was witnessed by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.

"This partnership with KPJ represents a significant step forward in reshaping healthcare delivery, within Malaysia and across borders," said CelcomDigi's Chief Innovation Officer, Kugan Thirunavakarasu. "By adopting the advancements of telemedicine, we are overcoming traditional barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that patients can receive tailored healthcare services, wherever they are. We are empowering both patients and providers to enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and redefine the patient's experience."

Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare also commented, "Patient-centricity, a core principle of our Care for Life purpose, drives us to explore innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes and experiences, which we aim to achieve through this collaboration. KPJ is also dedicated to integrating advanced technologies like AI and telemedicine to revolutionise healthcare delivery. AI enhances efficiency and accuracy by enabling predictive diagnostics, personalised treatment plans and proactive disease management; while telemedicine expands access to specialised care and ensures continuous remote support. These advancements will contribute to a robust healthcare ecosystem that we are building to redefine patient-centred care and fosters a healthier, more connected future for all".