SMCV signs MoU with Taiwanese hospital to advance cross-border healthcare
KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital (DTCH), a Taiwanese non-profit institution under the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 24 to formalise a cross-border partnership, in recognition of their shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.
The MoU was formalised at SMCV and attended by Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) hospital and healthcare operations managing director Dr Khoo Chow Huat, SMCV chief executive officer Susan Cheow, chief operating officer Tee Siew Ching, medical director and consultant emergency physician Dr Wee Tong Ming and SHG healthcare management office corporate responsibility and sustainability head Tracia Lee Chooi Hsia.
Also present were representatives from key medical specialties, including consultant neurosurgeon Dr Mah Jon Kooi; consultant orthopaedic, trauma and spine surgeon Dr Chang Kok Chun; consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and internal medicine physician Dr Tee Teong Jin; along with other SMCV consultants and members of the management team.
Representing DTCH were neurosurgeon and vice superintendent Dr Chen Jin-Cherng, orthopaedic surgeon and director of spine surgery Dr Yang Chang-Chen, colorectal surgeon and director of colon and rectal surgery Dr Hsu Ta-Wen; strategy and planning director at the hospital's International Medical Centre Dr Harriet Shen Szu-Ching, the International Medical Centre manager Chen Tzu-Ying and representatives from the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia.
Strengthening clinical competency through exchange initiatives
Through this agreement, both institutions will jointly implement clinical exchange initiatives, which are designed to strengthen clinical competency, standardise best medical practices, and support continuous education for healthcare professionals across both institutions.
DTCH's medical expertise spans several advanced specialties, including digestive health, orthopaedic, and minimally invasive surgeries for spinal and colorectal conditions.
These knowledge-sharing opportunities will allow SMCV and DTCH to enhance patient care services, treatment outcomes and introduce innovative techniques that will benefit many patients across the region.
Advancing medical research and innovation
This partnership will also facilitate collaborative research efforts between SMCV and DTCH, enabling joint multicentre clinical trials and co-publishing of international research.
Both institutions aim to advance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment protocols through expertise and knowledge exchange, clinical insights and medical findings.
These efforts will not only contribute to global medical knowledge but also lay the groundwork for future medical advancements.
Improving patient access to specialised care
In line with its patient-centred approach, the MoU also introduces a bilateral patient referral agreement for complex cases, continuity of care and preventive medicine services.
'This agreement enables both institutions to tap into each other's strengths and provide timely, coordinated care for patients with specialised needs,' said Dr Wee.
'With streamlined emergency transfer protocols and cross-institutional expertise, we can ensure patients benefit from seamless care delivery and improved health outcomes.'
A shared commitment to sustainability
With environmental stewardship at the core of both institutions, the MoU establishes a framework for mutual benchmarking on green hospital practices and development of ESG-focused key performance indicators.
SMCV is the first hospital in Malaysia to commit to the Race to Zero initiative while DTCH has been a pioneer in sustainability, aligning with the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals' 10 goals and implementing impactful interventions in energy, waste, food and transport as part of its Race to Zero by 2050 commitment.
Reflecting its dedication to sustainable healthcare, SMCV is continuously working to enhance its environmental impact and advance green hospital management practices.
'It has always been part of Sunway Healthcare Group's approach to drive progress not just among our hospitals, but also through partnerships that help us enhance the quality of care and service delivery,' said Dr Khoo.
'Collaborations like this also support our group-wide sustainability goals and contribute to building a more resilient, responsible healthcare ecosystem.'
Echoing this sentiment, Cheow emphasised the broader value of cross-border collaborations, stating: 'This partnership strengthens our cross-border ties and advances our pursuit of global best practices to deliver patient care that meets international standards, with a clear eye toward long-term growth.'
Through this partnership, SMCV reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centred care while continuously expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
For enquiries, contact 03-9772 9191 or email smcv-enquiry@sunway.com.my. For more information or to learn more about SMCV, visit www.sunmedvelocity.com.my (Facebook: Sunway Medical Velocity).
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