- The Minister of Health Malaysia, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad was present at the signing of a MoA with participating institutes of higher learning for nursing scholarships
- The nursing education sponsorship will guarantee five years of employment with the KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur, 9 May 2024 – Southeast Asia’s first purpose-built township, KL Wellness City (KLWC) has announced a commitment of RM25 million by the KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd (KLIH) to fund the education of nursing students from local institutions, tackling Malaysia’s projected 57.9% nurse shortage by 2030.[1] This initiative, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with participating institutes of higher learning, aims to provide approximately 3,000 job opportunities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony event, Health Minister YB Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad said, “I would like to congratulate KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd (KLIH) on their commendable pledge of a RM25 million sponsorship towards nursing education in Malaysia. Not only will this address the projected nurse shortage in the coming years, but it will also pave the way towards enhancing and improving the quality and capabilities of the nursing talent in Malaysia.”
The MoA involves six institutions including University College MAIWP International, IMU University, Lincoln University College, Adventist College Of Nursing & Health Sciences, International Medical College (IMC) and Oriental Nilam College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The sponsorship will cover the students’ education fees, living allowance and accommodation, assuring graduates five years of employment at KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd upon graduation. The overall RM25 million sponsorships will be strategically dispersed over a minimum period of five years and beyond.
“As we journey along in developing Malaysia’s unprecedented healthcare and wellness township, we fully recognise the critical need to address the shortage of skilled nursing professionals in Malaysia. This sponsorship effort supports passionate nursing students who face personal barriers to education, allowing them to benefit from this initiative. And at the same time, this paves the way for us to deliver excellent and efficient healthcare services in due course, while nurturing the talent of healthcare professionals in Malaysia,” said Dato’ Dr. Colin Lee, Managing Director of KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd, at the launch of its flagship tertiary international hospital by KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd (KLIH), nestled within a 26.49-acre urban township designed to support a lifestyle fully integrated with healthcare and wellness.
The event also witnessed a cheque presentation of RM2,000 and ‘duit raya’ each to Rumah Tunas Harapan Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Darul Aitam Kuala Selangor, Sekolah Agama Menengah Rakyat Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Wal-Qiraat and Pertubuhan Amal Dan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Islam Tersisih Selangor. This contribution is part of KL Wellness City’s ongoing support to 11 homes and centers that it supported in April 2024, hence bringing it to a total of 11 entities and more than 350 beloved anak-anak Malaysia. This further reaffirms its dedication to fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration within the community.
Strategically located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, with easy access to international airports, KLWC’s flagship hospital is set to be a 624-bed tertiary hospital, with the potential to expand to 1,000 beds. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide a comprehensive and integrated healthcare service ecosystem that includes wellness and fitness facilities, designed to accommodate both local and global patients. It is expected to boast an array of advanced technology and state-of-the-art medical equipment, featuring 22 operating theatres with provisions for robotic surgery and two hybrid operating theatres. By offering a wide range of medical services, from intricate surgeries to tertiary and secondary care, the hospital aims to attract leading specialists to enhance care and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to minimise wait times for patients.
The first phase of KLIH is anticipated to reach a development value of RM1 billion, with targeted completion in the second quarter of 2026 and expected opening in the third quarter of the same year. Currently, the substructure works have been completed and the construction of the main building is now in full swing. Additionally, the hospital is pursuing Green Building Index certification, underscoring its dedication to sustainable development alongside its global healthcare services.
[1] https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/Supply%20And%20Needs/files/basic-html/page73.html
