In promoting the latest robotics technology in the state, the Sunway Medical Centre Penang (SMCP) organised the second edition of Surgical Symposium on Advanced Robotic Technology (SSMART 2026), bringing together medical professionals from Malaysia and the region to exchange knowledge, share clinical experience and explore advancements in robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
Guest of honour was State Exco for Local Government, Town & Country Planning, YB Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
Welcoming him was Ms Christine Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Dr. Ann Teoh Ai Yean, Organising Chairperson of SSMART 2026, SSMART 2026, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Dr. Kelvin Voon, Head of Division of Surgery, Consultant General, Robotic, Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Heah Hsin Tak, Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon, Dr. Lee Say Bob, Consultant Urologist, Dr. Ahmad Fauzey Kassim Consultant Orthopaedic, Arthroplasty and Robotic Surgeon, Ms. Teh Sook Peng Assistant Director, Nursing, Sunway Medical Centre Penang among others.
The symposium was themed “Collaborative Intelligence: Humans & Robots Together” and features expert-led presentations and clinical discussions across general surgery, gynaecology, urology, orthopaedics and spine, as well as nursing and perioperative care.
Following its inaugural edition last year, SSMART 2026 has expanded its regional participation, welcoming delegates from Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and neighbouring countries, alongside Malaysian participants.
H’ng in his address said healthcare is an important part of building a progressive and liveable Penang.
“As healthcare needs become increasingly complex, we must continue creating an ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, talent development and excellence in healthcare.
“This requires strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, healthcare institutions, academia, industry and the business events ecosystem. Events such as SSMART demonstrate how these partnerships can bring expertise from across the region to Penang, while strengthening our position as a destination for healthcare excellence and international professional events.”
The hospital is equipped with the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System, the first of its kind in Northern Malaysia, which provides surgeons with high-definition 3D visualisation with up to 10 times magnification and robotic instruments designed to enhance dexterity and precision. SMCP also utilises the Mako SmartRobotics System for selected hip and knee replacement procedures.
Ms Lee in her speech said that the hospital’s robotic surgery programme has performed more than 350 robotic-assisted surgery cases across various specialties.
“We achieved an important milestone with the successful completion of our first robotic spine surgery earlier this year. These are important milestones, but technology alone does not define the success of robotic surgery.
“Behind every successful procedure is a strong multidisciplinary team — our surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, allied health professionals and support teams. Their expertise, teamwork and dedication remain at the heart of every successful patient outcome.”
The symposium also receives support from the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), highlighting the role of specialised business events in facilitating professional exchange and international engagement in Penang’s healthcare and knowledge ecosystem.