Centre Integrates Advanced Fertility Technologies and Inclusive Approaches, Supported by Expertise from Fertility Associates, New Zealand’s Premier Fertility Provider
Selangor, 4 September 2024 – Sophea Fertility Centre (Sophea), a brand under Sunfert International, launched its second centre in Malaysia in Bangi, Selangor. With the opening of this fertility centre, Sophea continues its mission of championing inclusive fertility care by offering women-centric and Muslim-friendly fertility care services.
The launch event was attended by a high-level delegation from New Zealand, including Honourable Melissa Lee, Minister for Economic Development and Ethnic Communities and Associate Minister for Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and the Honourable Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Women and Associate Minister of Agriculture. The delegation is in Malaysia in conjunction with the ongoing official visit by the New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon to Malaysia.
The New Zealand delegation’s visit to Sophea highlights the Centre’s innovative approach to fertility care, which integrates expertise from Fertility Associates, New Zealand’s leading fertility provider. Sophea has become a benchmark for how modern medical technologies can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities. This approach aligns with New Zealand’s focus on patient-centred care, and the ministers expressed strong interest in understanding how the Centre’s successful model could serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives.
“We are honoured to have the New Zealand delegation here to participate in the opening of Sophea Fertility Centre. Sophea represents our commitment to providing fertility care that respects and supports our patients’ cultural and religious values. Since its opening, we have treated nearly 200 IVF patients, resulting in close to 100 pregnancies. My congratulations to the team on such a strong start. The partnership between Fertility Associates and Sunfert has allowed us to bring advanced fertility technologies to Malaysia, and we look forward to continuing to improve patient care,” said Alex Price, Chief Executive of Fertility Associates.
Sophea provides a range of advanced fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), genetic testing, and comprehensive fertility assessment, all delivered within a framework that respects Islamic values. The Centre’s uniqueness lies in its patient-centric approach, offering personalised treatment plans that address the medical needs and the emotional, cultural, and religious aspects of fertility care. Sophea also extends its services to non-Muslim couples who prefer to receive treatment from an all-female clinical team in a comfortable and respectful private setting.
Honourable Melissa Lee, Minister for Economic Development and Ethnic Communities and Associate Minister for Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) said: “Fertility Associates is an example of an innovative New Zealand company that is successfully exporting its cutting-edge technology to support health services in Malaysia.”
In 2021, Fertility Associates expanded its operations into Southeast Asia by acquiring a majority stake in Sunfert International Fertility Centre. This strategic move, supported by a consortium including the New Zealand Super Fund, Pioneer Capital, and Comprador Holdings, was part of a broader investment strategy. The acquisition has enabled Fertility Associates to introduce advanced fertility technologies to Malaysia, significantly enhancing the quality of care at Sunfert’s facilities, including Sophea.
Honourable Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Women and Associate Minister of Agriculture said: “Fertility technology has helped give life to millions of people worldwide and it’s pleasing to see that access to it is growing here in Malaysia, thanks to the dedicated efforts of leading New Zealand healthcare companies like Fertility Associates.”
A dialogue session was also held on how Fertility Associates adapted and localised its approach through three distinct brands and segments, successfully overcoming market barriers and navigating cultural sensitivities. This was followed by a guided tour of the centre, led by Dr Salleha Khalid, Lead Fertility Specialist at Sophea Bangi, which showcased state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories, private consultation rooms, and advanced treatment suites.
Dr Salleha Khalid said, “We aim to nurture a women-centric, inclusive and Muslim-friendly environment that prioritises comfort, high-quality service, and advanced fertility technologies for improved fertility outcomes.”
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
For more information, visit www.sopheafertility.com
