Sultan of Brunei praises IJN's medical expertise following treatment
Anwar, who visited the monarch at IJN before his return to Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, said the Sultan expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism and efficiency of the medical team.
'Although he is no stranger to world-class healthcare, His Majesty said he was highly impressed by the excellence and dedication of the doctors at IJN,' he said.
Speaking at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum (FIM) Series 6 at Menara Prasarana tonight, Anwar added that such commendation should serve as motivation for the country's healthcare and other sectors to continue raising standards rather than becoming complacent.
'We must acknowledge our strengths, but also look forward and strive to compete healthily with other nations. This recognition should inspire us to keep improving,' he said.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 78, arrived in Malaysia on May 25 to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27.
He was reported to have rested at IJN on May 27 due to fatigue.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled
At a time when corporate leaders are seeking balance amid hectic and demanding schedules, three high-profile Malaysian executives have turned to an increasingly popular sport to stay fit, focused and fulfilled – cycling. But to the three gentlemen – RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy and National Heart Institute cardiovascular sports and fitness director and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon – cycling isn't just a sport, it's a passion. Rediscovering the joy More than a hobby, cycling is rediscovering a childhood ritual, says Adissadikin, 55. 'I used to cycle to school every day in Jasin, Melaka,' he recalls. 'But I only got serious about road biking seven months ago after an earlier health scare.' Now, he rides every weekend, covering up to 40km along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). 'It helps me stay fit and clear my mind. When you're heading a company, you need mental clarity. Sitting in the office for too long can bog you down. Cycling brings balance.' Adissadikin says cycling is an accessible sport, with affordable options for beginners. For him, the pursuit started casually, through a corporate ride event organised by RHB. The bank is big on organising community sports events, like the RHB Lekas Highway Ride. But Adissadikin eventually started taking cycling more seriously. 'I bought my own road bike and started doing 30km-40km weekend rides. I realised that not only was it good for my health, it also helped me stay mentally sharp,' he says. 'Cycling allows me to reconnect with myself.' His usual weekend route along the GCE near his home offers him enough time to ride and come home before his kids wake up, he says. "Sunday mornings are family time. So if I go out by 7am, I'm back by 9am. In life, it's all about balance.' A doctor's prescription If anyone understands the science behind exercise, it's Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, 60. 'I got into cycling through mountain biking more than 15 years ago,' he says. 'As a doctor, I knew the importance of cardiovascular workouts, and I used to jog and play football. But as time passed, I needed something gentler on my joints. Cycling is non-weight-bearing, making it ideal for people recovering from joint injuries,' he explains. 'In group rides, you must stay alert. You're responsible not just for yourself but also the safety of others,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. Today, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant's rides are a mix of solo routes and group rides, including multi-sport events like the Powerman duathlon. 'Cycling helped me transition into relay-endurance sports,' he says. Its benefits are not just physical. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant emphasises how being on a bike cultivates discipline, humility and leadership. 'In the office, you may be the boss. But on the road, you've got to earn your place in the peloton. Others might wait for you once or twice, but after that, you'd better keep up. It can be a humbling experience. 'And that lesson translates back into the workplace. It helps you understand your team better and you become more compassionate.' He also notes the mental benefits of this activity. 'During solo rides on safe roads, my mind gets to wander. That's when the best ideas come,' he adds. 'But in group rides, you must stay sharp and alert. You're responsible not just for yourself, but also for the safety of others.' Building bond on wheels For Chandran, cycling is both a personal passion and a company-wide movement. 'I started with mountain biking in 2018 and eventually moved to road cycling in 2022,' he shares. 'It began as a fitness goal – something to help me lose weight and stay active. And it worked. I used to weigh 85kg–90kg. Today, I'm 74kg.' Chandran says cycling brings out a different side of people. Chandran's enthusiasm and drive for the sport has become contagious at Batik Air, where he actively encourages employees to join him on rides. 'We even created a new wellness section in our in-flight magazine inspired by cycling,' he adds. 'There's something about riding together – whether it's with colleagues or fellow company executives – that brings out a different side of people.' Like Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Adissadikin, Chandran highlights the absence of hierarchy during group rides. 'At work, I may be the boss. But on the road, my staff have taught me how to gear up hills or pace myself. It levels the playing field.' More than a sport All three leaders agree that cycling is much more than just a physical activity. It's a tool for leadership development, a way to manage stress and a platform for community outreach. 'Cycling teaches you how to face problems,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. 'If your tyre punctures or your chain drops, you've got to figure it out. You can't always rely on others to fix it for you. It mirrors how we troubleshoot in life and at work.' (From left) Adissadikin, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Chandran each has his own personal goal in cycling. RHB's sponsorship of cycling events like the Lekas Highway Ride and WCE Century Ride speaks of a larger corporate commitment toward community building. Similarly, IJN's Ride 4 Your Heart initiative promotes cardiovascular fitness and a healthy lifestyle through cycling. Cycling is also woven into Batik Air's social mission. 'We supported the cycling mission of a child and helped raise awareness about the benefits of the sport for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's meaningful when something personal becomes impactful,' says Chandran. Is cycling the new golf? While golf has long been considered the sport of business networking, these corporate leaders suggest cycling is carving its own path – and perhaps, a more inclusive one. 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The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Pioneering a greener healthcare centre
AS climate change becomes more apparent around the world—with melting icecaps, rising sea levels and severe, more frequent weather conditions—many industries have taken notice and are finding ways to reduce their carbon and GHG impact of their operations. Similarly, the post-Covid 19 pandemic demonstrated companies that embraced environment, social and governance (ESG) values tend to show more resilience, as mentioned in two separate reports on China (Gao, M., Geng, X.) and Nordic (Habeeb Yahya) companies. Straddled in a unique yet precarious situation is the healthcare industry, which National Heart Institute (IJN) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib described the practices as 'a very complex environment.' He admitted in a recent interview that hospitals are traditionally one of the main culprits of carbon emitters due largely to the wide range of medical devices that they use. 'In the past, we used cloth masks so they were reusable. Due to worries of infection, there was a change to disposable masks and caps in the operating theatre.' He said this resulted in the increase in single-use medical devices that resulted in an increased number of waste products. 'Now with the concern for sustainability, environment and ESG, there's a relook at what we're doing now, if that is correct,' he added, referring to the use of plastic containers and bags for medication. 'To make that change will result in rising costs to repackage and redeliver these sustainably, and that is challenging. That's why it's not easy for the medical line to become fully ESG, but no doubt we are moving in that direction,' he explained. A greener approach Dr Mohamed Ezani: 'As a role model, we need to be responsible for our patients, and the environment as well'.— RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star . Dr Mohamed Ezani explained that IJN is recognised as a premier health centre globally, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and services. 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Food containers are also recyclable as opposed to using plastic or polystyrene in the past. About 30% of the hospital's surgical cases are already almost green,' he said. He also explained that the hospital has policies that minimise or eliminate redundancies in its operations, in order to be as green as possible. Social awareness Dr Mohamed Ezani pointed out that IJN has been taking the CSR road before ESG became important. 'We realised that in Malaysia, there's a lot of issues about non-communicable diseases and for the last 10 years, we have visited more than 160 rural areas, such as the islands off the East Coast, to conduct healthcare screening for more than 160,000 participants for free. He explained that the hospital conducted such screenings to identify those at risk, then referring them to the nearest hospital when needed, or even bringing them back to IJN for treatment if necessary. 'We have been doing this as a service to return what we have gained back to the people. Our way of giving back to the community.' He also mentioned that patients can expect the best care possible and that the accessibility to this standard is important. 'When you talk about being sustainable, it also means that any Malaysian should have access to IJN. Our target is that 75% of new patients should receive their first appointment within two weeks. We will also ensure IJN is free of risk of infections—these are the things that we monitor.' Matter of governance IJN has been diligent in ensuring it is accredited in its standing, from ISO 55001:2014 Asset Management System to MS ISO/IEC 27001:2013 in Information Security Management System and more. 'Way before anybody had been talking about this, we've been looking at topics like anti-bribery, net zero carbon charges, cybersecurity and of course digitalisation. We've been careful to ensure that SDG Goal 5 in upholding transparency is observed all the way up to the board of directors. 'We have to report to our audit risk and compliance committee to make sure these are performed.' In light that World Ocean Day is in July, he shared that IJN will embark on more rural community work, which will include cleaning out the beaches from plastics and other marine litter.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- The Sun
Brunei Sultan thanks Malaysian medical team for exemplary care
KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the excellent service and dedication shown by the Malaysian medical team directly involved in his recent healthcare treatment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared this following his telephone conversation with His Majesty, during which he inquired about the Sultan's health after receiving medical care in Malaysia. 'Alhamdulillah, His Majesty's health condition is reported to be improving and continues to be closely monitored by the medical team, including Malaysian healthcare personnel,' Anwar wrote in a Facebook post today. Anwar said that during the conversation, they also discussed the positive progress in bilateral relations between Malaysia and Brunei, which remain strong, as well as ongoing regional developments within ASEAN. 'I pray for the continued health, well-being, and Divine protection of His Majesty and the entire Bruneian royal family,' Anwar added. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrived in Malaysia on May 25 to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27. Following the summit, His Majesty was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for five days from May 27 due to fatigue, and continued resting at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before returning to Bandar Seri Begawan on June 3.
