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

SUNWAY CITY, 12 JUNE, 2025: 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[i]. At the same time, rare and genetic conditions continue to go undetected due to limited access to advanced diagnostic tools[ii]. 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.

[i] Institute for Public Health 2024. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023: Non-communicable Diseases and Healthcare Demand – Key Finding key-findings-nhms-2023.pdf

[ii] Shafie AA, Supian A, Ahmad Hassali MA, Ngu LH, Thong MK, et al. (2020) Rare disease in Malaysia: Challenges and solutions. PLOS ONE 15(4): e0230850. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230850