Icon Sunsuria set to open its first Cancer Centre in Island Hospital

PENANG: Icon Sunsuria Sdn Bhd has formed its landmark partnership with Island Hospital - which paves the way for their first cancer centre in Malaysia, slated to open here in early 2024.

The strategic alliance combines Icon Sunsuria’s regional oncology expertise with Island Hospital’s leadership as one of Malaysia’s largest private hospitals and a renowned medical tourism powerhouse, to provide patients with access to world-class cancer care.

Representing Icon Sunsuria in its signing ceremony was Icon ASEAN and Hong Kong chief executive officer Serena Wee while Island Hospital was represented by its chief executive officer Mark Wee.

Also witnessing the ceremony was Sunsuria Bhd founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap and Island Hospital chief of staff Lim Kooi Ling.

This milestone follows the recent joint venture between Sunsuria Healthcare, a subsidiary of Sunsuria Bhd, and Icon Cancer Centre Singapore, part of Icon Group, Australia's largest integrated cancer care provider, resulting in the formation of Icon Sunsuria.

This collaboration brings together Icon Group’s deep expertise in oncology — which includes more than 300 doctors, over 50 cancer centres and 5 chemotherapy compounding facilities — with Sunsuria Healthcare’s strength and knowledge of the local network and healthcare landscape, to enhance Island Hospital's internationally accredited suite of medical specialties and world-class facilities. This ensures that patients, both local and regional, gain access to comprehensive and evidence-based cancer care.

"Icon Sunsuria’s core mission is to make advanced cancer care accessible with a comprehensive, patient-centred approach,” said Serena.

“Our collaboration with Island Hospital is a testament to this mission, combining our extensive oncology expertise with a renowned healthcare institution.

“Together, we will harness our collective capabilities, to help reduce gaps in cancer care access and address the healthcare burden.

“This partnership is an important step forward in our vision to provide world-class cancer care and greater access to quality cancer treatments for patients in Malaysia and the region.”

Serena added: “Through this collaboration, we will empower patients and their families with the knowledge and resources in their fight against cancer and make vital steps towards survivorship.”

Mark shared, "This partnership marks yet another bold commitment by Island Hospital to further develop oncology as one of its pillars of medical excellence.

“Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing access to patients from across the region to the best-in-class treatments and technologies, offering a wide range of multidisciplinary cancer treatments, supported by Island Hospital’s team of dedicated professionals and cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment.

“In addition, we believe that in cognizance of the needs of our patients, this collaboration will advance the public-private partnership envisioned by the Ministry of Health in advancing cancer care for our community under the principles of person-centred care.”

He highlighted, "By further leveraging on our formidable presence and strength in the Asia Pacific region, we aim to provide a unique advantage to the northern Malaysia community, while simultaneously advancing Malaysia’s thriving medical tourism sector to the next level.”

Established in 1996, Island Hospital stands as a 600-bed internationally accredited healthcare institution. Widely acknowledged as a premier healthcare provider in Malaysia, it caters to patients from both local and international communities. Notably, Island Hospital holds the exclusive distinction of being the sole hospital in Penang to be shortlisted by the Ministry of Health for inclusion in the prestigious Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme (FMTH).

With an estimated 200,000 health travellers’ visits from over 70 countries in 2023, Island Hospital stands at the forefront of the industry, playing a pivotal role in the Health Ministry’s blueprint of Malaysia Healthcare.

"Icon Sunsuria selected Penang as the location of our first centre for its strategic location and well-established reputation as a destination for patients seeking advanced medical treatment, said Sunsuria Healthcare chief executive officer Audrey Ooi.

“By establishing our centre here, we’re not only enhancing access to top-quality cancer care for the northern Malaysian population, but also those in the greater Southeast Asian region.

“Today, this vision is made possible through our collaboration with Island Hospital, one of Malaysia’s leading healthcare institutions.”