Malaysia boosts healthcare travel in 2026

The expansion of medical tourism in Malaysia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India will create opportunities for public-private partnerships, medical device manufacturers, and investments in healthcare infrastructure.

Illustrative image (Photo: Reuters)
Illustrative image (Photo: Reuters)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia’s medical tourism industry is expected to sustain strong growth, supported by targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships, said BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

In a note, BMI said the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), an agency under the Health Ministry, has launched the “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026” campaign to promote its healthcare capabilities and offer medical tourists a holistic experience that combines treatment, wellness, and tourism.

Malaysia has entered global healthcare partnerships, including Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait, held in September 2025. During that event, Malaysia showcased its quality healthcare services and cultural hospitality to attract Kuwaiti patients and strengthen its international reputation as a preferred medical tourism destination, BMI said.

It also noted that the expansion of medical tourism in Malaysia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India will create opportunities for public-private partnerships, medical device manufacturers, and investments in healthcare infrastructure./.

VNA

See more

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz. (Photo: spanarboy.com)

Malaysia aims to become Southeast Asia’s AI, EV hub

Malaysia is shifting into high gear as it positions itself to become Southeast Asia’s leading hub for smart, sustainable mobility, powered by breakthroughs in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing.

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' symbol to boost international confidence in Thai tourism (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches tourism initiative to boost international confidence

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool explained that recent negative news had affected Thailand’s image, especially among Chinese tourists. The 'Trusted Thailand' initiative aims to rebuild trust, emphasising Thailand's commitment to providing high-quality, safe travel experiences.

 Singapore proposed guidelines to manage AI risks in financial sector

Singapore proposed guidelines to manage AI risks in financial sector

To enhance oversight and risk management, financial institutions will need to establish clear processes for identifying AI usage across the organisation, maintain accurate and up-to-date AI inventories, and conduct risk materiality assessments that consider impact, complexity and reliance, it said.

Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Photo: nst.com.my)

Malaysia adopts AI to bolster national security ecosystem

Malaysia must embrace the technology to remain competitive. The move aligns with AI-based security direction to address modern threats such as cross-border crime, digital fraud, human trafficking, and increasingly complex cyberattacks

Earthquakes rattle parts of Southeast Asia

Earthquakes rattle parts of Southeast Asia

A 4.9-magnitude quake struck near Kengpoun village in Viengxay district, Houaphanh province, at 23:26 on November 12. The epicentre, located close to the border with Vietnam, was about 10 kilometers deep. No significant damage or widespread impact has been reported so far.

Aether Fuels founder and chief executive Conor Madigan speaking at the signing ceremony for the Project Beacon facility, which will be located on Pulau Bukom. (Photo: straitstimes.com)

Singapore promotes production of sustainable aviation fuel

Climate technology start-up Aether Fuels and Aster on November 11 signed a cooperation agreement to develop the Project Beacon facility which is expected to produce up to 50 barrels a day – or 2,000 tonnes of fuel annually – when completed in 2028.

The joint rehearsal of the military and police forces takes place on the morning of November 12 at Thatluang Square in Vientiane (Photo: VNA)

Laos gets ready for parade marking 50th National Day

The joint rehearsal featured multiple marching formations representing exemplary units from the Lao army and police, showcasing their discipline, determination, and readiness for the grand parade on the upcoming National Day.

People walk in flood waters in the southern province of Narathiwat (Photo: XINHUA)

Severe flooding reported in central Thailand

Using images from the Sentinel-1C satellite taken on November 11, GISTDA identified widespread inundation in low-lying and residential areas, with water levels reaching at least 50cm in many locations, severely disrupting transport and daily life.

Illustrative image (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand launches initiative to raise quality of life

The Thai Ministry of Interior has recently launched an urgent initiative titled "Mahadthai Thum Thun Thee (Interior Ministry expedites now): Action 5", with an aim to deliver swift improvements to people’s living conditions through five key measures.

A worker transfers fish catch into ice boxes at a fish auction site in Banten province of Indonesia. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia seeks solutions to boost food security

Indonesia’s blue food production — covering capture fisheries, aquaculture and seaweed — reaches at least 24 million tonnes per year, Trenggono said while delivering a public lecture at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta recently.