Friday, 13 June 2025

"Go Healthy with Taiwan” Global Call for Proposals Malaysian Innovators Invited to Co-Create a Healthier World with Taiwan

“Go Healthy with Taiwan” Global Call for Proposals  

Malaysian Innovators Invited to Co-Create a Healthier World with  Taiwan 

Taiwan is calling on global partners—including Malaysian  institutions and innovators—to join its latest global initiative: “Go Healthy with Taiwan.” This global  call for proposals aims to foster international collaboration by inviting creative project ideas that  integrate Taiwan’s cutting-edge health technologies and quality solutions. 

Organized by the International Trade Administration (TITA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA),  Taiwan, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign seeks to  engage governments, institutions, enterprises, and organizations from around the world to submit  innovative proposals. The organizers aim to promote sustainable and healthier lifestyles globally— especially in fast-growing markets like Malaysia. 

Health Meets Innovation 

The campaign focuses on five key areas where Taiwan holds global leadership: 1. Smart Healthcare Technologies 

  1. Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Checkups 
  2. Fitness Equipment 
  3. Sports Technology 
  4. Bicycles  

Taiwan—known as the "Bicycle Kingdom" and a global hub for AI-powered fitness and health  tech—is actively seeking international collaborators to co-develop and localize innovative solutions.  With Malaysia’s growing health, wellness, and smart city sectors, this initiative presents a prime  opportunity for bilateral cooperation. 

Pitching Taiwan’s Best – Win USD 30,000! 

Top 3 proposals will each receive USD 30,000 (approx. RM127,000) and be invited to explore  further collaboration with Taiwanese enterprises. The submission deadline is 14 August 2025, and high-quality entries will also receive matchmaking support and exposure on the global stage. A Home Run for Global Health 

At the campaign launch event in Taipei on June 3, the theme “Pitching Taiwan’s Best: A Home Run  for Proposals!” came to life with a baseball-themed setting. Taiwanese baseball star An-Ko Lin and  FuBear, the beloved mascot of Taiwan Excellence, hit symbolic “home runs” to represent Taiwan’s  proactive approach to global health collaboration. 

Ms. Susan Hu, Deputy Director General of TITA, emphasized that this campaign is aligned with  Taiwan’s national goal of building a “Healthy Taiwan,” while also contributing to international  wellness efforts. Mr. Joe Chou, Executive Vice President of TAITRA, noted that Taiwan’s world class manufacturing, ICT, and R&D capabilities are perfectly positioned to support innovative health  solutions worldwide. 

Join the Movement! 

Last year’s “Go Green with Taiwan” campaign attracted 396 proposals from 45 countries. This year,  Taiwan aims to surpass 500 submissions from all five continents—and hopes to see strong  participation from Malaysia’s vibrant innovation community. 

 For more information and to submit your proposal, visit: 

gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org 

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Friday, 13 June 2025

Sunway Medical Centre Launches Genomic Medicine Services, Enhancing Personalised and Preventive Healthcare in Malaysia

Sunway Medical Centre Launches Genomic Medicine Services, Enhancing Personalised and Preventive Healthcare in Malaysia

Sunway Healthcare Group’s first hospital-based genomic medicine services to deliver integrated diagnostics and personalised clinical support for patients and families.

In a milestone for Malaysian healthcare, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) has launched its Genomic Medicine Services within the newly opened Health Screening Department - the second screening department within the hospital, designed to serve both local and international patients. It is the first hospital-based facility of its kind within the Sunway Healthcare Group. These services integrate genomic science into clinical care, supporting more informed, patient-specific healthcare approaches in Malaysia and the region.

As genomic medicine continues to reshape global healthcare, these services contribute to Malaysia’s progress in genomic services by providing access to advanced testing and insights previously limited to specialised international institutions. From earlier diagnoses to tailored treatments, these services add a new layer of data-informed care for patient management.

Addressing Malaysia’s Evolving Healthcare Needs

Malaysia, like many developing countries, is facing a dual healthcare challenge: an ageing population with rising rates of chronic conditions, and a growing number of patients living with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed rare diseases. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey, nearly 1 in 6 adults live with diabetes, while over 1 in 3 have high blood pressure. At the same time, rare and genetic conditions continue to go undetected due to limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. The Genomic Medicine Services aims to address this gap by offering timely and relevant genetic insights that support early intervention and improved care planning.

A New Era of Personalised, Predictive Medicine

Through these new services, patients will have access to a comprehensive range of genomic testing services, including whole exome sequencing, couple carrier screening, hereditary cancer risk screening, liquid biopsy for cancer screening, rare disease diagnostics, etc. These services are seamlessly integrated with Sunway Medical Centre’s multidisciplinary care model, ensuring that genomic insights are not only generated but translated into actionable steps for patient management.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director of Hospital & Healthcare Operations at Sunway Healthcare Group, said, “At Sunway Medical Centre, our goal is not just to treat illness but to stay ahead of it. The launch of these services reflects our vision for a future where healthcare is personalised to each patient’s needs and risks, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. We are proud to offer Malaysian patients access to precision medicine that is on par with the world’s best.”

Improving Diagnostic Pathways for Paediatrics and Rare Conditions

For many families, especially those with children who have complex or unexplained symptoms, a diagnosis can take years. Known as the “diagnostic odyssey,” this prolonged process can be emotionally exhausting and delay critical treatments.

These services hope to change that. With tools like whole exome sequencing, it may help identify potential genetic causes of conditions through comprehensive testing, cutting years of uncertainty into weeks of clarity.

Advancing Leadership in Genomic Healthcare 

Beyond serving patients, the genomic services are designed to play a larger role in Malaysia’s healthcare landscape, and the hospital is committed to making genomic testing accessible to more Malaysians.

With the launch of the Genomic Medicine Services at the hospital’s Health Screening Department, Sunway Medical Centre reinforces its role as a healthcare pioneer, committed to integrating innovative diagnostic technologies into patient care. The Genomic Medicine Services are now open to the public. They can be accessed through physical or virtual consultation by physician referrals or self-enquiries.

As Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, Sunway Medical Centre continues to lead with innovation and impact.  The hospital has been ranked Malaysia’s No. 1 hospital in 2025, and listed among the World’s Top 250 Hospitals in 2024 and 2025, by Newsweek, a recognition that reflects its ongoing pursuit of clinical excellence and its leadership in patient-centred care.

Friday, 13 June 2025

Taiwan Expo 2025 in Malaysia Opens Doors to New Partnerships from June 23

Taiwan Expo 2025 in Malaysia Opens Doors 

to New Partnerships from June 23

Receiving Strong Support from 26 Malaysian Trade Associations and Chambers

TAIWAN EXPO 2025 in Malaysia is set to take place from June 23 to 25, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Over 200 Taiwanese exhibitors will showcase their products and services, focusing on five key themes: AI & Industry 4.0, Health & Wellness, Green & Sustainability, Smart Lifestyle, and Culture & Tourism. In addition to exploring 10 thematic pavilions and five featured industrial zones, trade visitors will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one business matching, the AI Innovation Seminar, and various industry-related workshops and presentations. The Expo aims to provide participants with the latest industrial trends, insights, and diverse business opportunities from Taiwan—all under one roof.

Sneak Preview of Real-world AI Applications

Participants who attended the Official Launch of the Expo on 10 June were treated to a sneak preview of the highly anticipated AI and advanced healthcare applications. The AI-driven medical innovations on display include V5MED Inc.’s AI-powered lung cancer detection systems and Alpha Intelligence Manifolds Inc.’s DeepXray AI-assisted diagnosis and monitoring devices for osteoporosis and degenerative arthritis. Other notable technologies comprise CloudMile Inc.’s enterprise digital solutions with AI integration; InWin Development Inc.’s commercial water-cooled server designed with advanced heat dissipation to meet the cooling needs of high-load AI chips.

Unitech Electronics Co., Ltd showcased its rugged industrial PDA equipped with barcode scanning and RFID capabilities. Energy-saving building materials specialist Zirco Applied Materials Co. introduced its Uplus The One Solar Film, which boasts outstanding heat insulation properties that reduce air conditioning energy consumption by 18% and is already in use at Changi Airport, Singapore. Other notable products include the Healthin Energy Wear from Healthin International Co., Ltd, halal-certified fruit and vegetable enzymes from Jialian Biotech Group, winter melon tea bricks from Forever Sweety Sugar Trade Company, and many more. The exhibits highlighted Taiwan's robust industrial strength and its diversity in healthcare, environmental protection, and cultural diversity, while allowing attendees to have first-hand exposure to the products and engage in dynamic exchanges with the exhibitors.

Building Exemplary Collaboration between Malaysia and Taiwan’s Complementary Industries 

According to Mr. Keven Cheng, Deputy Executive Director of the Market Development Department at TAITRA, the Taiwan Expo in Malaysia has attracted over 1,200 Taiwanese companies since its launch in 2017. This annual event has been highly successful, drawing approximately 160,000 visitors and generating more than USD 400 million in business opportunities. In today’s evolving global supply chain, Taiwan’s advanced technologies in AI, smart healthcare, and sustainability align closely with Malaysia’s development blueprint for the next phase of industrial growth towards net-zero emissions. There is significant potential for collaboration between both countries to build a sustainable, technology-driven future.

Ms. Phoebe Yeh, Representative of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia, stated that bilateral trade between Malaysia and Taiwan reached USD 39.1 billion in 2024, marking a historic annual growth rate of 38.5%. Taiwan is Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner, and its investment in Malaysia more than doubled year-on-year during the same period, reaching USD 1.29 billion. This makes Taiwan the 7th largest source of direct foreign investment in Malaysia. Currently, over 1,700 Taiwanese companies have significant investments in Malaysia, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two partners.

At the launch ceremony, Mr. Mazlan Harun, Director of the China & Northeast Asia Section at MATRADE, remarked that Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation and move up the value chain. He emphasized that the Taiwan Expo provides an excellent platform for enterprises from both sides to accelerate business matching, deepen exchanges, and jointly explore opportunities in regional and global markets for mutual growth and shared prosperity.

Most Anticipated Expo Featuring the Very Best of Taiwan 

This year marks the 8th edition of the Taiwan Expo in Malaysia, an event that has garnered overwhelming support from 26 trade associations and chambers, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SME Malaysia), and the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Malaysia (TWCHAM), among others. This strong backing from trade organizations reflects the deep grassroots ties between Malaysia and Taiwan.

During the launch ceremony, Datuk Ada Poon, National Vice President of the SME Association of Malaysia, remarked that Taiwanese companies are renowned for their technological innovation and adaptive management, qualities that have propelled them to become global powerhouses. The Taiwan Expo is poised to further enhance the competitiveness of companies from both countries and foster long-term cooperation. The enthusiastic participation of industry players is encouraging and is expected to elevate Malaysia-Taiwan economic and trade cooperation to new heights.

Taiwan Expo 2025 will be held from 23 to 25 June in Halls 4 and 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The three-day event will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free admission. Trade visitors who engage in business discussions with participating exhibitors will have the chance to win round-trip air tickets to Taiwan. Business owners and members of the public interested in establishing trade relationships with Taiwanese companies are warmly invited to attend the Expo. For more information or to register attendance, kindly visit the official website at: https://mys.taiwanexpoasean.com/zh-tw/index.html or follow our official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExpo.mys/

Taiwan Expo 2025 in Malaysia at a glance 

5 Key Themes

10 Thematic Pavilions

5 Industrial Zones

Programs & Activities

  1. AI & Industry 4.0
  2. Health & Wellness
  3. Green & Sustainability
  4. Smart Lifestyle 
  5. Culture & Tourism
  1. Taiwan Excellence Pavilion
  2. Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion
  3. Green & Innovation Showcase
  4. Innovative Living Pavilion
  5. Taiwan Select Pavilion
  6. Sustainable Packaging Pavilion
  7. Taiwan Tourism Pavilion
  8. Taste Taiwan Delights
  9. AI-driven Future Taipei Pavilion
  10. Taoyuan Lifestyle Showcase
  1. Industrial Solution 
  2. AI Innovation 
  3. Smart Healthcare 
  4. Taiwan Beauty 
  5. Smart Lifestyle 

【Seminars & Stage Presentations】

1. Smart Upgrade: Taiwan AI Technology & Application

2. Greener Together: Taiwan’s Eco Future

3. A New Vision for Healthy Living

4. Stylish Living: Aesthetics of Home Life

5. Taiwan Tech Forward: Solutions for a Connected World


【Stage Activities】

1. Taiwan Excellence - Fu Bear High-Five Record Challenge

2. Taiwan Cultural Performance

 

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Friday, 13 June 2025

HEINEKEN Cares: Celebrating Five Years of Supporting Communities in Need

HEINEKEN Cares: Celebrating Five Years of Supporting Communities in Need

In the past five years, the HEINEKEN Cares Programme transitioned from short-term food aid to enhancing food security and water access for vulnerable communities nationwide

HEINEKEN Malaysia has officially concluded its fifth year of the HEINEKEN Cares programme, reaffirming its commitment to building more resilient communities. Through strategic partnerships, the programme has continued to support vulnerable groups across Malaysia with access to clean water, improved food security, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Guided by its Brew a Better World sustainability strategy, HEINEKEN Malaysia has channelled over RM1.9 million into initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also build the foundation for long-term social and environmental impact.

Launched in 2021 to provide food aid during the pandemic, HEINEKEN Cares has since evolved into a platform that champions community development and empowerment. Today, it focuses on building long-term resilience, from improving clean water access to remote villages, to building small farms that feed families, and equipping communities with tools to build a sustainable livelihood through sustainable aquaponics and vermicomposting. These efforts highlight the programme’s drive to create real, lasting change for communities in need.

Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs & Legal Director, HEINEKEN Malaysia, commented, “At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we believe that access to food and water is a basic human right. HEINEKEN Cares began as a response to immediate needs, but it soon became clear that lasting change required more. We have since shifted our focus to making long-term impact by empowering local changemakers and building strong partnerships. We're proud of how collective action has uplifted lives and strengthened communities, staying true to our purpose of Brewing the Joy of True Togetherness.”

The most recent HEINEKEN Cares collaboration brought together Hopes Malaysia, PWD Smart FarmAbility, Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (SIROM), and MyKasih Foundation to address essential community needs. This impactful initiative was made possible through a partnership with Sokong, a digital fundraising platform that supports NGOs, enabling HEINEKEN Cares to extend its reach. In 2024 alone, the programme allocated RM220,000 in support of critical projects nationwide.

Bringing clean water access to rural Sabah through Hopes Malaysia

With its longstanding partnership with HEINEKEN Cares, Hopes Malaysia is expanding access to clean water in rural Sabah for the third consecutive year. After successful projects in Kampung Pinolobuh in 2023 and Kampung Kiau Taburi in 2024, the NGO is now focusing on Kampung Naragai Tuguson, where 41 families will benefit from upgraded gravity-fed water systems.

Aaron Bosuang, Public Executive of Hopes Malaysia, said, “Hopes Malaysia  worked with the rural community of Kampung Kiau Taburi to reconstruct their damaged gravity water system’s storage, sustainably improving clean water access for 1,050 villagers. Thank you so much to HEINEKEN Cares for your tremendous belief and support in our humble team's impactful work for the third year running, and Sokong for supporting and funding our sustainable initiative!”

Enhancing food security through local farming with PWD Smart FarmAbility

In Klang Valley, PWD Smart FarmAbility is empowering marginalised groups—including welfare homes, old folks’ homes, orphanages, and youths in need —through aquaponics-based satellite farms. These innovative systems teach communities to sustainably cultivate vegetables and rear fish, boosting food security through self-sufficiency.

Dr. Billy Tang, Project Manager for PWD Smart FarmAbility, commented, “One of our most impactful initiatives was deploying the Soil-U-tion Aquaponics Satellite Farm Proprietary System to underserved communities. These systems enable marginalised groups to sustainably grow vegetables and farm tilapia using regenerative practices. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed—you are making a real difference in building resilience and sustainability.”

Introducing sustainable farming for the Orang Asli in Bentong with SIROM
In Kg Sg. Lebak, Bentong, SIROM has been training the Orang Asli community in sustainable aquaponics and vermicomposting, enhancing access to nutritious food while creating income opportunities. Harvests in May and August 2024 generated RM37,000 in sales, and the next phase will benefit 100 families (392 villagers) through training and expansion.

Joanne Yeoh, Project Manager for SIROM, said, “This project aims to empower the Orang Asli community in Kg Sg. Lebak at Bentong, Pahang. We would like to thank HEINEKEN Cares and Sokong for their support and funding. We hope such collaboration between organisers and the public will showcase how a caring society could come together as one to help the Orang Asli community to break away from the vicious circle of poverty.”

Combating hunger for B40 families with the MyKasih Foundation

Continuing its cashless food aid programme, MyKasih Foundation supports 120 families in Desa Mentari, who each receive RM100 credited to their MyKad to buy essential food items at over 600 retail outlets. This method gives families the dignity and flexibility to meet their daily needs.

Asha C Devi, Programme Manager for MyKasih Foundation, shared, “MyKasih not only aims to improve nutrition through its food aid programme but also strives to transform families through skills training and education to break the poverty cycle and give them hope for a better future. We are grateful that HEINEKEN Malaysia is committed and aligned with our vision to improve the quality of life for the underserved communities.”

Brew a Better World

As HEINEKEN Cares closes another impactful chapter, HEINEKEN Malaysia remains committed to supporting underserved communities through long-term partnerships that deliver sustainable results. Further information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s initiatives can be found at HEINEKEN Malaysia’s official website https://www.heinekenmalaysia.com/ or SPARK Foundation’s official website: sparkfoundation.com.my.

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