Sunsuria Healthcare, a subsidiary of Sunsuria Berhad, and Icon Cancer Centre, an integral arm of the global cancer care provider, Icon Group, are thrilled to announce their joint-venture entity, Icon Sunsuria Sdn Bhd, aptly named “Icon Sunsuria”.
This collaborative endeavour underscores their shared commitment to advancing clinical expertise in cancer care and improving patient outcomes, with the aim of elevating the standards of cancer care throughout Malaysia.
Malaysia, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), witnessed approximately 48,639 new cancer cases in 2020, a figure expected to double by 2040. This is compounded by the country’s cancer survival rates, where research indicates that for every five newly-diagnosed cases, three individuals succumb to cancer within the same period.
Icon Sunsuria’s mission is to facilitate access to high-quality cancer care and enhance the well-being of patients and their families by establishing cancer centres across Malaysia through strategic collaborations with local healthcare operators.
Leveraging Icon Cancer Centre’s distinguished expertise in oncology and extensive network of clinical professionals, this joint venture will bolster hospitals’ existing medical services with specialised cancer expertise, offering patients comprehensive cancer care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
During the landmark partnership signing ceremony, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Health Malaysia, commented, “Efforts such as these complement the Ministry’s own action plan for battling cancer, as outlined in the Malaysian National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Program 2021-2025.
“In addition to improving the health of cancer survivors from diagnosis through treatment, we welcome forward-looking solutions that align with our strategic goals to address the country’s cancer research needs and strengthen our medical pool of talent.”
The agreement was signed by Audrey Ooi, CEO of Sunsuria Healthcare, and Serena Wee, CEO of Icon ASEAN and Hong Kong, with the distinguished presence of YB Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong Yap, founder and executive chairman of Sunsuria Berhad, and Dr Patricia Kho, medical director of Icon Cancer Centre at Mt Alvernia.
The signing ceremony also hosted Dr. Steven Barraclough, visiting senior government official of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) at the Australian High Commission in Malaysia, and Melanie Harris, trade and investment commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AUSTRADE).
Ter, reflecting on the collaboration, stated, “Sunsuria Berhad takes pride in its proactive role in nation-building, encompassing facets such as job creation, knowledge transfer, attracting international investments, and fostering community development in Malaysia. Our approach involves forming exclusive partnerships that combine global expertise, such as our collaboration with Icon, supported by our local knowledge and network.
“Today, we embark on a new journey to further our vision by merging technology and knowledge transfer, much like our accomplishments in the field of education with Xiamen University Malaysia from China and Concord College International School from the United Kingdom.”
Icon Group, with Icon Cancer Centre as a pivotal component, delivers a comprehensive range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, haematology, pharmacy, and chemotherapy compounding. As Australia’s foremost integrated cancer care provider, the Group has expanded its global presence to encompass over 50 cancer centres across Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Icon Cancer Centre, as the majority shareholder of Icon Sunsuria, will contribute clinical expertise and extensive healthcare leadership, working in close partnership with Sunsuria Healthcare as a trusted Malaysian collaborator.
