Malaysia’s Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) is expanding its engagement with Cambodia, as more and more patients seek specialised medical treatment abroad, particularly for cancer and heart-related conditions.

In an online interview with The Post, Bryan Lin, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Asia OneHealthcare and Chief Executive Officer of SJMC and Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC), explained that demand from Cambodian patients has continued to grow in recent years as awareness of advanced treatment options increases.

“Patients today expect more than just treatment — they want clarity, confidence in outcomes and a seamless experience from start to finish,” he said.

“SJMC has built its model around delivering that, from pre-arrival coordination to post-treatment follow-up,” he noted.

Malaysia has increasingly promoted medical tourism as part of its broader “Visit Malaysia 2026” and “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026” initiatives, combining healthcare services with tourism and hospitality offerings.

Within that effort, SJMC has been recognised as a finalist for the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme 2023 – 2025 by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), reflecting its role in advancing the country’s healthcare tourism ambitions.

According to the hospital, the number of Cambodian patients treated at SJMC increased by more than 50 per cent over the past year, driven largely by demand for specialised services and internationally accredited care.

Accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), SJMC adheres to internationally recognised standards in patient safety and care outcomes.

Established four decades ago, SJMC is among Malaysia’s established private quaternary hospitals and has developed specialised expertise in oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, neuroscience, gastroenterology, vascular and interventional radiology (VIR), as well as women’s and children’s health.

It was also the first hospital in the Asia-Pacific region to have four Centres of Excellence certified by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International, covering oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology and paediatrics — an achievement that underscores its commitment to clinical excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

Under Bryan’s leadership, the hospital has gained increasing global recognition. SJMC was listed in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026 for the third consecutive year, ranking among the top 250 hospitals globally and within the top 10 in Southeast Asia.

It was also recognised in Newsweek Asia’s Top Private Hospitals 2026, with its hip surgery and replacement services ranked number one in Malaysia.

Further strengthening its credentials, SJMC has received the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for “Hospital Company of the Year” for four consecutive years, as well as multiple honours at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2026, where it was named “Hospital of The Year in Malaysia” and “Service Provider of the Year” across several specialties, including neuroscience, oncology, bone marrow transplant, advanced genetics and nuclear medicine.

To support cross-border patients, SJMC provides an end-to-end care pathway, including visa facilitation, case assessment and administrative coordination before travel.

Upon arrival, patients are assisted with expedited immigration clearance, airport transfers and logistics at no additional cost.

Khmer-speaking interpreters are also available to ensure clear communication and cultural understanding.

The hospital has also introduced financial counselling services to improve transparency in treatment costs, addressing a common concern among patients considering overseas care.

“We want patients to have a clear understanding of their treatment journey, including costs, before they make decisions,” said Bryan.

Clinically, SJMC delivers care through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, bringing together specialists such as oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and patient counsellors to ensure coordinated and comprehensive treatment.

The hospital continues to invest in advanced diagnostics, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for personalised cancer care, alongside its “Connected Care” platform, which enables remote monitoring after patients return home.

Beyond patient services, SJMC is pursuing long-term collaboration with Cambodia’s healthcare sector through knowledge transfer and joint case management.

Bryan stressed that the hospital does not intend to establish a direct commercial presence in Cambodia, but instead aims to complement local systems.

“We believe in working alongside Cambodian doctors, not competing with them,” he said. “By sharing expertise and collaborating on cases, we can help ensure continuity of care when patients return home.”

SJMC’s growth strategy has been shaped by early adoption of complex procedures and sustained investment in high-acuity specialties.

The hospital was the first in Malaysia’s private sector to perform open-heart surgery in 1985 and has since developed strengths in areas such as bone marrow transplantation, with more than 1,000 procedures completed, and daycare total knee replacement (TKR) surgery.

Internally, the hospital operates under a structured governance framework, with dedicated committees overseeing clinical ethics, financial accountability and regulatory compliance.

Regular audits and continuous professional development are used to maintain high standards as services expand.

Looking ahead, SJMC is focusing on expanding capabilities in neurosurgery and organ transplantation, including advanced procedures such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), as well as liver and kidney transplant programmes.

Bryan said the hospital is exploring future advanced therapies, including cell-based treatments such as CAR-T therapy, subject to regulatory approvals and clinical requirements.

At the same time, investments in digital health technologies, including artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled systems, are expected to strengthen long-term patient management and cross-border care.

As incomes rise and awareness of specialised healthcare expands in Cambodia, Bryan said SJMC sees growing potential for closer healthcare cooperation between the two countries.

“Our aim is to build a healthcare bridge between Malaysia and Cambodia,” he said. “One that ensures patients receive high-quality care while strengthening collaboration between the two healthcare systems.”

Original source: kh