Since January 2024, the collaboration between Icon Sunsuria Sdn Bhd (Icon) and Island Hospital, Penang has enhanced Penang’s healthcare landscape, expanding access to world-class cancer care for patients across Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
Backed by world-leading healthcare provider, Icon Group – a leading integrated healthcare provider with a growing global reach, Sunsuria Berhad (Sunsuria) and Island Hospital (part of IHH Healthcare), the official launch of this cancer centre – Icon Oncology marks an important milestone in supporting the advancement of Malaysia’s healthcare landscape.
The recent launch event was honoured by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang.
A purpose-driven partnership – This centre marks Icon’s entry into Malaysia bringing with it a global network of over 350 specialists across Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Singapore, United Kingdom, Indonesia and now Malaysia. Icon brings world-class clinical expertise together with deep local insights through its strategic partnerships with Island Hospital and Sunsuria Healthcare.
“Our presence in Island Hospital, Penang builds on our strong presence in ASEAN and reflects our commitment to increasing access to world-class care in Malaysia and beyond. We’re providing high-quality, patient-centred care closer to where people live,” said Mark Middleton OAM, Icon Group Chief Executive Officer.
“With a strong focus on innovation, technology, and partnerships with leading providers like Island Hospital and Sunsuria, Icon is proudly at the forefront of addressing the global cancer burden. We’re turning the dial on cancer care to meet the individual needs of each patient walking through our doors,” he added.
This vision is shared by Sunsuria Healthcare, whose deep understanding of Malaysia’s development infrastructure and landscape has been instrumental in the centre’s success. As partners, Sunsuria Healthcare brings not only local network knowledge but also a long-standing commitment to building lasting impact for Malaysian communities.
“This partnership is built on a shared purpose and the belief that we can achieve more together. Our investment in this initiative with Icon reflects our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of Malaysian communities. Icon shares our values and long-term vision, and we’re confident this collaboration will make a meaningful difference,” said Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sunsuria Berhad.
As we mark our first year of operations in Penang, we would like to thank our partner, Island Hospital for their vital role and contribution in our journey towards delivering comprehensive cancer care. Their support and partnership have been key to driving our growth and establishing a strong foundation for future success,” said Serena Wee, Chief Executive Officer of Icon ASEAN.
Strong relationships and enhanced clinical services – Since its partnership with Island Hospital in 2024, Icon Oncology at Island Hospital has been building a foundation of trust and collaboration with key stakeholders — including healthcare professionals, business partners, the local community, and, above all, its patients. Supported by Island Hospital’s internationally accredited healthcare facilities, patient services and more than 100 specialist doctors, this collaboration has the benefit of enhancing the delivery of multi-disciplinary cancer care.
Expanding access – Among the centre’s most notable achievements in its first year is the launch of Icon’s Women Cancer Program, a tailored initiative to support women throughout their cancer journey. The program reflects a deeper understanding of women’s individual needs and concerns during a cancer diagnosis. It offers a seamless model of care that bridges clinical expertise with personalised support. The program brings together multi-disciplinary specialists and allied health professionals, including those in fertility, genetic testing and psychosocial services, ensuring that women receive the holistic care they need at every step.
Deepening care – Looking ahead, Icon and Island Hospital plan to further enhance access to care. These include an increase in treatment capacity and additional haematology services, including Stem Cell Transplantation for patients with blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma – common
blood cancers in Malaysia, as well as non-cancerous blood disorders, which include aplastic anaemia and thalassemia. Together, there are plans to introduce more of the most advanced haematological treatments available in the region.
These service expansions reflect Malaysia’s growing capability to manage complex, high-acuity care that previously may have required travel abroad. To support this growth, the centre will also double its number of treatment chairs to meet increasing demand. This expansion will further reduce wait times and provide high-quality, personalised care that defines the Icon experience.
This care is underpinned by a dedicated team comprising Dato’ Dr. Amir Shah, Dr. Ooi Kai Yun,Dr. Tan Sui Keat, oncology nurses, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Together, they will continue to provide exceptional care to patients across both local and regional communities.
New standard for regional cancer care – Today, this partnership stands at the intersection of clinical excellence and regional impact. In a short period of time, the centre has responded to rising demand for specialised cancer care and is contributing to the way high-quality, accessible treatment is delivered across Malaysia and the region.
“We are pleased that this partnership with Icon has further expanded our ability to deliver cancer care. This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to reducing the cancer burden but also strengthens our capability to serve medical tourists through expanded cancer care offerings in medical and clinical oncology, haematology, surgery and advanced diagnostics while reinforcing our position as a destination of choice for medical tourism in Penang and Malaysia.
“As the government continues its efforts to position Malaysia as a leading global healthcare travel destination, with Penang contributing 45% of the nation’s medical tourism revenue, collaborating with providers like Icon further accelerates this goal,” said Lim Kooi Ling, Chief Executive Officer of Island Hospital.
Source – Island Hospital