A New Healthcare Landmark in Northern Malaysia

Located along Jalan Tambun in Sunway City Ipoh, SMCI is a 165-bed tertiary hospital designed to transform Perak into a regional medical and health-tourism hub.
It features 63 consultation suites, eight operating theatres, 24 critical-care units (including paediatric and neonatal special-care units), and six centres of excellence covering cardiology, orthopaedics, neurosciences, women & children’s health, digestive health, and clinical oncology.

Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities, SMCI brings advanced technologies to northern Malaysia, including the region’s first PET-CT scanner and a robotic-assisted surgical system, both rare in non-metropolitan Malaysian hospitals.

“This launch not only enhances access to advanced healthcare in the north, but positions Perak on the global medical map,” said Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group.
“We are committed to expanding world-class care beyond Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to be a healthcare hub for the region.”

Expanding a Nationwide Healthcare Network

SMCI marks the fifth hospital in Sunway Healthcare Group’s growing portfolio, which already includes five ambulatory and complementary care centres and Sunway Sanctuary, a premium senior-living residence. The Group aims to expand nationwide hospital capacity to more than 3,400 beds by 2032, with new hospitals planned in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri (Johor), Putrajaya, Seremban Sentral, Paya Terubong (Penang), and Kota Bharu (Kelantan).

This expansion underscores Sunway’s long-term confidence in Malaysia and Southeast Asia’s growing demand for premium healthcare services, spanning tertiary care, rehabilitation, senior living, and wellness.

Boosting Health Tourism and Regional Reach

During the launch, Sultan Nazrin Shah highlighted the project’s potential to attract both domestic and international patients, given Ipoh’s strategic location and Sunway City Ipoh’s integrated infrastructure combining healthcare, hospitality, and leisure.

Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad described the opening as “a vote of confidence in Perak’s role in Malaysia’s health-tourism ambitions,” noting that the facility supports the state’s economic diversification and skilled-employment agenda.

Malaysia’s medical-tourism revenue surpassed RM 2 billion in 2023, buoyed by 1.3 million international patient visits, and Sunway’s northern expansion positions the Group to capture a growing share of that market.

Strategic & Investment Implications

For investors and industry observers, SMCI represents a tangible demonstration of Sunway Healthcare’s scalability ahead of its anticipated initial public offering (IPO).
The project reinforces the Group’s strategy of integrating healthcare, hospitality, education, and sustainable urban ecosystems, creating an environment where wellness and infrastructure complement each other.

In terms of healthcare policy, SMCI’s establishment aligns with Malaysia’s goal of decentralising tertiary-care excellence beyond major cities, while also strengthening national capacity in oncology, cardiology, and advanced diagnostics.

Outlook: Malaysia’s Northern Healthcare Renaissance

The launch of Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh cements Sunway Healthcare’s status as one of the region’s most ambitious private healthcare networks.
With cutting-edge medical technology, royal and state endorsement, and a clear roadmap for nationwide growth, the Group is positioning itself as a catalyst in transforming Malaysia into an ASEAN-level healthcare destination, both for citizens and global medical travellers.

Author

Bernard Lee

Bernard is a social activist dedicated to championing community empowerment, equality, and social justice. With a strong voice on issues affecting grassroots communities, he brings insightful perspectives shaped by on-the-ground advocacy and public engagement. As a columnist for The Ledger Asia, Bernard writes thought-provoking pieces that challenge norms, highlight untold stories, and inspire conversations aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.