APHM President Visits Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan, Calls for Joint Action on Cancer Innovation, Smart Health, and Regional Access to Therapies

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Malaysia’s healthcare sector is at a pivotal moment of transformation, facing a surge in cancer cases and mounting drug prices, while also contending with regulatory, value-based care, and public-private partnership challenges. With an aging population, a growing burden of chronic diseases, and persistent shortages of medical professionals, Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), visited the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan to explore Taiwan’s experience in innovative therapies and smart healthcare, aiming to spark new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.


Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), highlighting the need for collaboration to address rising cancer rates and drug costs by learning from Taiwan's healthcare advancements.


“The challenges we have in Malaysia, and the technology I see in Taiwan, show that it can actually help Malaysia,” Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh said. Malaysia is grappling with a sharp rise in cancer cases and high drug prices, while striving to build a healthcare system that balances quality and cost. He pointed to Taiwan’s expertise in medical innovation, high-quality generics, and value-based care metrics as key areas for potential partnership.

Cancer Care in Focus: Building a Regional Supply Chain with Taiwan
Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh noted that Malaysia’s private hospitals are investing heavily in cancer innovation, particularly in immunotherapy and biologics. He hopes to collaborate with Taiwan on technology R&D and regional production, not only to benefit Malaysian patients but also to improve access to advanced care across ASEAN countries. Addressing the challenge of drug access, Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh called on Taiwanese pharmaceutical firms to bring their high-quality generics to Southeast Asia-a move he described as “not just a business opportunity, but a crucial step toward improving regional healthcare accessibility."

Smart Healthcare: Recognizing Taiwan’s Digital Strengths
Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh highlighted the importance of integrating technology into healthcare delivery, noting that electronic medical records and AI-driven outcome assessments are vital for boosting system efficiency. He praised Taiwan’s capabilities in software development and practical application, expressing interest in learning from Taiwan’s experience in data governance and smart system deployment.

From Silos to Synergy: Learning from Taiwan’s PPP Model
Public-private collaboration was another key focus. Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh observed that Malaysia’s healthcare resources are fragmented, and that adopting Taiwan’s mature public-private partnership (PPP) model could help reduce redundant investments and foster a more resource-efficient, integrated healthcare system.

Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh and C-level executives from leading Taiwanese healthcare/technology companies interacted at the 2024 Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan, exploring potential partnerships to leverage smart healthcare solutions and data integration.

Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh’s visit underscored Taiwan’s growing influence on the global healthcare innovation map and opened a new chapter in Malaysia-Taiwan medical cooperation. From cancer innovation and smart healthcare to drug transparency, value-driven care, and resource integration, both sides are poised to jointly advance healthcare in the Asia-Pacific. As the world faces an aging population and a chronic disease epidemic, deepening collaboration between Malaysia and Taiwan is not just a response to current challenges, but a vital step toward sustainable healthcare development. By sharing technology and best practices, the two countries have the potential to become twin engines of medical innovation in the region over the next decade.