Malaysia-listed telecommunication firm CelcomDigi Berhad, through its Innovation Centre, have entered a strategic partnership with healthcare provider KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ) to advance cross-border access to healthcare through telemedicine.

The collaboration will leverage cutting-edge telemedicine solutions to access to specialized treatments, offer cost-effective care across borders, and ensure high-quality medical services are accessible to patients worldwide – positioning Malaysia as a preferred hub for healthcare tourism, the duo said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the key advantages of this partnership are extensive, as telemedicine improves access to care by connecting patients with international specialists, allowing particularly those in remote or underserved regions to receive quality medical consultations.

It offers cost-effectiveness by reducing travel and accommodation, making specialized healthcare more affordable for patients.

Patients will also gain faster access to quality consultations and second opinions from renowned Malaysian specialists, which includes seamless continuity of care post-treatment and follow-ups, helping patients manage their recovery more effectively.

The partnership seeks to reduce geographical and financial barriers that often prevent patients from seeking necessary medical care.

By doing so, it will position Malaysia as a leader in health tourism and digital healthcare innovation, attracting local and international patients seeking high-quality and cost-efficient healthcare solutions.

“This partnership with KPJ represents a significant step forward in reshaping healthcare delivery, within Malaysia and across borders,” said CelcomDigi’s Chief Innovation Officer, Kugan Thirunavakarasu.

“By adopting the advancements of telemedicine, we are overcoming traditional barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that patients can receive tailored healthcare services, wherever they are,

“We are empowering both patients and providers to enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and redefine the patient’s experience,” he added.

Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare, also commented that patient-centricity, a core principle of the firm’s care for life purpose, drives the firm to explore innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes and experiences, which it aims to achieve through this collaboration.

“KPJ is also dedicated to integrating advanced technologies like AI and telemedicine to revolutionize healthcare delivery,” he said.

According to him, AI enhances efficiency and accuracy by enabling predictive diagnostics, personalized treatment plans and proactive disease management; while telemedicine expands access to specialized care and ensures continuous remote support.

These advancements will contribute to a robust healthcare ecosystem that the firm is building to redefine patient-centered care and fosters a healthier, more connected future for all, he added.

CelcomDigi is Malaysia’s largest mobile network operator with more than 20.2 million users on its network.

Established on 1 December 2022 from the merger of Celcom and Digi, the company aims to serve the growing digital needs of its customers by leveraging its newly combined widest network footprint, distribution touchpoints, innovative range of digital products and services, and superior customer experience, powered by passionate CDzens.

KPJ Healthcare has a network of 29 hospitals in Malaysia located nationwide.

The firm also has four Ambulatory Care Centers located in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Perak and Selangor.

With more than 1,300 medical consultants on board, KPJ Healthcare treats more than 3.3 million patients annually.

As of 2024, the firm has 11 Klinik Waqaf An-Nur (KWAN) and 9 dialysis centers in addition to having ten mobile clinics across Malaysia.

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