Economy

by NURNABIHAH DINI & ALISSYA ZUNIZAM

THE government is encouraging industries facing skilled labour shortages to work more closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, as concerns mount over the dwindling pipeline of qualified maritime workers.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (MITI) Sim Tze Tzin (picture) said industry players should play a more active role in shaping training programmes to ensure graduates possess the skills required by employers.

He was responding to concerns raised by a representative from See Song & Sons Sdn Bhd, a marine construction company, during a dialogue session at a Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) forum on June 18.

The company highlighted increasing difficulties in recruiting young Malaysians into specialised maritime professions such as vessel operators, marine crew and captains, despite sustained demand from the industry.

According to the representative, the high cost of obtaining professional certifications and qualifications has discouraged many young people from pursuing careers in the sector. The company noted that while maritime operators continue to require skilled personnel to operate and maintain vessels, the pool of qualified candidates has been shrinking.

The representative also pointed to the success of scholarship programmes previously offered by MISC Berhad, which helped produce a generation of captains and marine officers, but said similar pathways are becoming less common.

Responding to the issue, Sim said the government is aggressively expanding TVET initiatives and channeling greater resources into vocational education, although aligning training supply with industry demand remains a work in progress.

“Industry must engage with the government to align training requirements. Sometimes the government may not be fully aware of the specific shortages faced by a particular sector,” he said.

Sim encouraged companies to work through agencies such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to identify training institutions capable of supporting industry needs.

He added that the government is increasingly open to allowing industries to collaborate directly with TVET institutions, including helping shape curricula and training programmes tailored to sector-specific requirements.

“If your industry needs a large number of skilled workers, you can work with government TVET institutions. Many institutions are looking for direction, and companies can help align training programmes with real industry needs,” he said.

Sim said such partnerships would help ensure graduates possess relevant skills while providing employers with a more sustainable talent pipeline.

The issue extends beyond the maritime sector, with many industries reporting difficulties in securing skilled workers as younger Malaysians increasingly gravitate towards digital and technology-related careers.

Industry representatives at the forum argued that greater incentives could be provided to encourage companies to invest in workforce development, including support for training and certification programmes that prepare workers for specialised technical roles.

Sim acknowledged the importance of industry participation, noting that workforce development cannot be driven by the government alone.

“Companies know best what skills they require. The government can provide institutions and support, but industry must also step forward to shape the future workforce they need,” he said.

The government has identified TVET development as a key pillar of Malaysia’s industrial transformation agenda, particularly as the country seeks to move further up the value chain and address persistent shortages of skilled technical talent across multiple sectors.

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GEORGE TOWN — The artificial intelligence (AI) boom is opening significant growth opportunities for Penang’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those supporting the semiconductor value chain, according to the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA).

Its president, Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, said the rapid expansion of AI-related applications had driven strong demand for memory chips, manufacturing equipment, power components, photonics, and advanced packaging.

Strong AI demand has filled production capacity for some memory products until 2027, with new orders extending into 2028 and 2029, benefitting companies involved in components, equipment and manufacturing, some of which were already operating at full capacity, he noted.

“It is a good challenge, but the question is how we continue expanding our capacity to support this growth,” he said during a panel session on Economic Outlook: Opportunities for SMEs in Penang at the RHB Progress Series 2026: Penang Economic Forum here, today.

The session was moderated by RHB Banking Group group chief economist Barnabas Gan Sheng Chong, with RHB Banking Group group treasurer Suzaizi Mohamad Morshid also participating as a panellist.

Wong said Penang has built a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem, with strengths in assembly and testing, automation, precision machining, and equipment manufacturing, with local SMEs growing alongside multinational corporations. However, he warned that the state and country must continue advancing amid intensifying competition from other regional semiconductor hubs.

“We need to move at super speed, otherwise we will fall behind. Today, the environment is no longer only about low cost or efficiency, but innovation, technology, intellectual property and talent,” he said.

Wong pointed out that local SMEs must acquire capabilities in emerging fields such as high-performance computing, advanced packaging, photonics, and heterogeneous integration to remain competitive as semiconductor technologies evolved rapidly.

He said collaboration with foreign technology companies could give Malaysian firms with access to expertise that is not yet available locally, particularly as companies from China, Europe and other markets explore investment and supply-chain partnerships in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Suzaizi said prudent liquidity and risk management were increasingly important for SMEs amid rising funding costs, interest-rate movements and foreign exchange volatility.

He said businesses should carefully manage their borrowing tenures and cash flow, while considering suitable hedging instruments to mitigate foreign exchange and interest-rate risks.

“Liquidity remains ample in the system, but businesses need to manage it at an optimal level. Any volatility in the US dollar-ringgit exchange rate can affect cash flow,” he added. — BERNAMA

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KAZAN — ASEAN and Russia need to expand multilateral cooperation in areas such as food security, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and education, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture).

He noted that these sectors offer significant opportunities for collaboration as ASEAN member countries and Russia seek to diversify markets, strengthen supply chain resilience and explore new avenues for growth.

At the same time, Anwar also emphasised that it is crucial for nations to strengthen connectivity, deepen trust, and pursue practical cooperation. 

“ASEAN understands this reality well, having emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions with a growing middle class, a rapidly expanding digital economy, and a youthful population that continues to drive growth and innovation across our region.

“Despite the uncertain global environment, ASEAN has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The region continues to attract investment, deepen integration, and strengthen its position within global value chains,” he said during the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum.

The forum was attended by more than 400 corporate and business leaders from Russia and ASEAN member states.

In his speech, Anwar reiterated that ASEAN remains committed to openness, inclusivity, and cooperation, and stressed that these principles have enabled the bloc — with its population of approximately 700 million people — to preserve its strategic autonomy while reinforcing ASEAN Centrality as a stabilising force in regional affairs.

“While ASEAN and Russia are not yet among each other’s principal economic partners, the potential for deeper engagement remains substantial,” he said.

He also noted that both businesses and governments are operating in an environment that is becoming increasingly fragmented, competitive and unpredictable.

“Yet periods of disruption also create opportunities for renewal. The challenge before us is not merely to adapt to a changing world, but to shape it in ways that promote stability, resilience, and shared prosperity.

“No country, no matter how huge or strong, can successfully navigate these challenges alone,” he said.

Anwar also highlighted that the ASEAN-Russia partnership has evolved steadily over the past three and a half decades, supported by meaningful dialogue, growing economic engagement, and a shared commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Prime Minister is in Kazan, the capital and largest city of Tatarstan, Russia, for a two-day working visit to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit from June 17-18.

He is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier in his speech, Anwar expressed his appreciation to the Russian Government, Tatarstan, and the Russia-ASEAN Business Council for their hospitality and arrangements. — BERNAMA

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CYBERJAYA — The Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator (CLLA) has helped 177 startups raise more than RM285 million in investments, generate over RM891 million in cumulative revenue and create 1,800 jobs since its inception in 2013, reflecting the programme’s growing impact on Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.

Head of Cyberview’s Technology Hub Development Division, Shafinaz Salim (picture), said those achievements highlight the role of one of the country’s longest-running accelerator programmes in helping early-stage companies move from product validation to commercialisation, investment readiness and market expansion.

“The programme reflects Cyberview’s commitment to helping founders build ventures that are not only commercially viable, but capable of creating meaningful impact.

“At Cyberview, we design CLLA with the intent of moving start-ups closer to adoption, getting them into real environments, connecting them with industry players and challenging them to build solutions that can actually be deployed, because ultimately, an innovation only matters if it leaves the room and enters the real world,” she told reporters after the CLLA Cohort 21 Demo Day, here yesterday.

Shafinaz said several startups from the latest Cohort 21 have already begun translating innovation into tangible business outcomes, demonstrating the programme’s emphasis on real-world adoption and growth. 

Among them is Xylorix, whose artificial intelligence (AI)-powered timber identification technology recently gained international exposure through forestry enforcement initiatives in Liberia.

“Its Xylorix Enforcer application was introduced during a joint law enforcement training programme led by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, supporting efforts to strengthen timber verification and combat illegal logging and transboundary timber trafficking,” said Shafinaz.

She said another participant, SpaceIn, initiated a satellite Internet of Things (IoT) trial with Myriota, marking an important step towards developing a scalable satellite IoT ecosystem in Malaysia.

“The trial is expected to support future applications across agriculture, maritime, logistics and environmental monitoring sectors,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Shafinaz said agritech startup, [0]inc secured RM1.4 million in seed funding after refining its business structure and investor pitch through mentorship received during the accelerator programme. 

“We make sure that the products and ideas they push have marketability. It must be scalable and not be limited to Malaysia, but potentially serve regional and international markets,” she explained.

She said Cyberview also evaluates startups based on their potential to attract venture capital, angel investors and strategic partnerships capable of supporting future growth.

According to Shafinaz, support begins from the selection stage, with startups receiving coaching and mentorship to address gaps and strengthen their business propositions before being introduced to Cyberview’s network of industry players, corporates and government agencies.

The programme, she said, has evolved over the years, with the duration shortened to four months from more than six months previously to help startups bring products to market faster and seize business opportunities more effectively.

The accelerator’s objective is not merely to support startups but to move them closer to market adoption by connecting founders with industry players and exposing them to real operating environments, she said.

At the Cohort 21 Demo Day, 10 finalists were selected from an initial pool of 25 startups, with their combined pre-money valuation estimated at approximately RM154 million.

Xylorix emerged as the Judges’ Favourite and received RM5,000 in prize money, while Dataverse Sdn Bhd (Mampu AI) won the Crowd Favourite award and took home RM3,000. — BERNAMA

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by AZALEA AZUAR

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, exchanged views on bilateral relations and potential areas of cooperation that could benefit both sides during a meeting in Kazan.

Anwar also congratulated Kazan on its recognition as the Islamic World Cultural Capital 2026 by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), describing the honour as a reflection of the city’s role as a centre of Islamic scholarship, culture and innovation.

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vision in establishing the Strategic Vision Group (SVG), which serves as an important bridge between Russia and the Islamic world in strengthening dialogue and meaningful cooperation.

“We discussed the potential to expand cooperation across various fields, including trade, investment, education, tourism, the halal industry, technology and talent development,” he said in a Facebook post today.

The energy sector emerged as a key focus, with both sides identifying opportunities in the oil and gas industry, including downstream activities, refining and petrochemicals.

Tatarstan is among the major oil-producing regions in the Russian Federation.

The leaders also discussed the role of the KazanForum in strengthening business ties, while creating new opportunities in innovation, the digital economy and strategic investments.

“May this meeting continue to strengthen relations between Malaysia and Tatarstan, while creating more opportunities for cooperation that deliver tangible benefits to the people and economies of both sides,” Anwar added.

Earlier, media reports said Anwar is undertaking a two-day working visit to Russia, with energy security expected to be a key focus.

He is expected to discuss ensuring the continuity and security of oil and diesel supplies with Putin.

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by AZALEA AZUAR

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hopes Malaysia and Uzbekistan will continue to strengthen their friendship not only for economic and trade benefits, but also to uphold human dignity, advance knowledge and promote more equitable and inclusive development.

During a transit stop in Tashkent, Anwar held what he described as a brief but meaningful meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which they exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties across several strategic sectors.

They discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, the halal industry and tourism.

They also explored collaboration in preserving Islamic civilisation and scholarly heritage, while identifying opportunities to deepen cooperation in the gas and petroleum sectors to support economic growth, energy security and sustainable development.

“I also expressed my appreciation for Uzbekistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with ASEAN countries, as well as its increasingly important role in the Central Asian region,” Anwar said in a Facebook post, yesterday.

Before continuing his journey to Kazan in Russia, Anwar also took the opportunity to wish the Uzbekistan national football team success as it prepares to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Colombia.

Anwar is currently on a two-day working visit to Kazan, where he is scheduled to meet Tatarstan Rais Rustam Minnikhanov, deliver a keynote address at the Asean-Russia Business Forum, attend a reception hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold bilateral talks with Russian leaders.

The visit, held in conjunction with the 35th Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit, is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, food security, the digital economy, education, culture and tourism, while also strengthening Malaysia-Russia and Asean-Russia ties.

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by AZALEA AZUAR 

MALAYSIA’S healthcare system remains under pressure despite bigger budgets, as the country struggles to keep pace with mounting health challenges and rising medical costs. 

During the recent Health Asia Summit 2026 (HSA2026), industry players warned that the country is facing growing strain from an ageing population, rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and worsening healthcare worker shortages despite ongoing reforms and increased spending. 

At the same time, they pushed for stronger preventive healthcare measures, digital transformation, and workforce sustainability to prepare the country for future healthcare demands. 

The three-day summit, held from May 20 to 22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, gathered 10,000 delegates, more than 100 exhibitors and over 40 global speakers, while generating up to RM1.5 billion in commercial opportunities as Malaysia accelerated healthcare transformation through artificial intelligence (AI), MedTech, digital health and medical tourism. 

Prevention is Better Than Cure 

Malaysia’s healthcare budget rose steadily from RM32.4 billion in Budget 2022 to RM36.3 billion in Budget 2023, RM41.22 billion in Budget 2024, RM45.3 billion in Budget 2025 and RM46.5 billion in Budget 2026. 

Despite these increases, experts warned that healthcare spending remained relatively low compared to peer economies. 

According to the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) in January, Malaysia increased per capita health spending by about 40% between 2015 and 2022. 

However, other upper-middle-income economies expanded spending at a faster pace, while rising healthcare costs outpaced GDP growth and eroded the real value of expenditure. 

(From left) Tunku Kamarul Zaman, chief scientific officer of Cancer Research Malaysia Prof Dr Cheong Sok Ching and AGTC Genomics Sdn Bhd CEO Prof Dr Leong Chee Onn during the event

Malaysia also faces mounting pressure from an ageing population and rising NCDs, with the projected annual economic burden of RM64.2 billion already exceeding the Health Ministry’s (MOH) RM46.52 billion allocation for 2026. 

Health experts have reportedly warned that Malaysians are living longer but not necessarily healthier, as NCDs increasingly affected younger adults and further strained the healthcare system. 

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has been quoted as saying that Malaysia must shift from a treatment-based “sick care” model to prevention-focused strategies. 

Reforms were needed to improve public health literacy, empower citizens to make better health decisions and strengthen workforce productivity. 

NexGen MedSolutions Sdn Bhd business development manager Jessica Yeoh said preventive healthcare would become increasingly important as health systems moved away from relying solely on treatment-based care. 

“I believe preventive healthcare is going to be huge, especially from Malaysia and our partners,” she told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

Yeoh says preventive healthcare would become increasingly important as health systems moved away from relying solely on treatment-based care

Malaysia’s stable environment, affordable cost of living, multilingual workforce and growing innovation capabilities make the country attractive as a regional medical technology hub. 

Yeoh stressed the importance of the use of robotic technology in surgeries, but noted that Malaysia still lacked surgeons trained in robotic procedures. 

Additionally, she called for more funding and opportunities for entrepreneurs and young scientists to develop medical technologies and healthcare products. 

More foreign companies were also choosing Malaysia as a base to expand into the Asia-Pacific market due to the country’s stability, manageable cost of living and educated workforce. 

Neighbouring countries including Indonesia and Thailand are among ASEAN markets that are growing the fastest. 

Meanwhile, PT Solas Langgeng Sejahtera (Solas) manufacturing GM Puti Krishnamurti Indira Marzoeki said preventive healthcare is attracting the most investor interest as consumers increasingly turned to supplements to prevent degenerative diseases such as kidney and heart conditions. 

“Chemically synthesised products usually have higher side effects. As a result, people tend to prefer traditional medicine and preventive healthcare,” she told TMR. 

The Indonesian-based company produces ethical pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, nutraceuticals and traditional products, and is seeking partnerships with Malaysian distributors to expand into the local market. 

Puti Krishnamurti said Malaysia is emerging as a strategic ASEAN healthcare hub due to similarities with Indonesia in demographics, disease patterns and medicine demand. 

“Maybe for alternative second opinions, or they feel that doctors in Malaysia are easier to communicate with. 

“Or perhaps they feel they receive better treatment in Malaysia. That is why many patients go to Malaysia,” she said. 

Several Malaysian companies had expressed interest in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships to jointly develop and distribute products in both countries. 

MunchBOT portable composter represents automated food waste munching process

Healthcare Worker Shortage, Burnouts

In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there would be a global shortage of at least 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. 

About 4.5 billion people are already lacking access to essential health services due to ageing populations, limited training capacity, economic constraints and worker burnout. 

Global healthcare expert Prof Mark Britnell said the healthcare crisis was not just about worker shortages, but also poor productivity. 

Speaking during the “Human: Solving the Global Workforce Crisis in Healthcare” session, he said many countries still relied on outdated workforce planning despite rapid changes driven by AI, demographics and labour trends. 

Healthcare is only half as productive as the private sector globally, even though digitalisation and AI could deliver productivity gains of 10% to 12%. 

“Healthcare needs human beings, kind hearts and warm hands, but certainly it can be more productive. Therefore, we have to rearrange the way we think about healthcare,” Britnell said. 

Healthcare workers were increasingly overwhelmed by administrative work, with 76% of doctors and 79% of nurses globally performing tasks they were overqualified for. 

The global healthcare system faced a 20% workforce gap, but part of the issue could be eased by redesigning care pathways, expanding the roles of nurses and pharmacists, and using AI and technology-enabled workers to handle routine tasks. 

Malaysia is not spared from the healthcare worker shortage. 

Malaysia is facing a 21% physician shortage and could see its nursing shortage exceed 30% by 2030, although he praised the country’s progress in primary healthcare, prevention and digital health initiatives. 

Richer countries were “stealing” healthcare workers from poorer nations as the world headed towards a shortage of 12 million healthcare workers by 2030. 

“I made some remarks and observations on what we can do globally, or rather what we should not do globally, which is continuing to steal workers from the poorer South into the richer North and from the East into the West. 

“Now, this is a developing and developed world problem.” 

In the “Sustainability-driven Healthcare: Maximising Outcomes through Human Capital Policy” panel discussion, Britnell proposed a micro-credential healthcare workforce model to speed up training and address shortages of doctors and nurses. 

Shorter, skills-based training programmes tied to care pathways such as diabetes, cancer and maternal care could help expand treatment capacity while allowing healthcare workers to earn more. 

Britnell urged Malaysia to become a regional leader in telemedicine and digital healthcare, while leveraging its strengths in medical tourism, wellness and ecotourism. 

Meanwhile, MOH deputy DG (Research and Technical Support) Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah admitted that the government must do more to address talent outflows. 

She suggested that wealthier countries facing similar shortages should invest in training and education systems in source countries, while support such as open universities and training centres could help Malaysia produce more qualified healthcare workers. 

Malaysia’s urban areas have about one doctor for every 200 people, but the ratio worsened to about one for every 700 people in suburban and Borneo regions. 

The issue was not just about manpower shortages, but also structural and geographical challenges affecting healthcare access. 

Healthcare careers should be promoted earlier to students, as social media increasingly highlights burnout and stress while ignoring the meaningful and diverse opportunities available in the profession. 

“We see social media posts highlighting the negative aspects of the profession such as stress and burnout, so we need to bring the focus back to how good and rewarding healthcare can be,” Nor Fariza said. 

Exhibitors and visitors at the Health Summit Asia 2026 at Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Unprepared For AI-driven Healthcare

Experts said Malaysia is still far from ready to fully adopt AI-driven healthcare due to weak digital infrastructure and poor electronic medical record (EMR) adoption. 

KPJ Healthcare University vice chancellor Prof Dr Tunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol Abidin said modern treatments are increasingly relying on genomics, analytics and digital tools to tailor care to individual patients, especially in cancer treatment. 

However, only 14.7% of hospitals currently use electronic medical records, limiting the country’s ability to collect and process the massive amount of healthcare data needed for AI and personalised medicine. 

“So now we have to think about how we are going to collect a huge amount of data without missing anything. 

“Digital tools will allow clinical records to combine not just genomic data, but also complete medical data, records, family history, pre-scanning data, response records and radiology clinical records,” he said during the “Cancer Care in The Digital Age: What Patients and Practitioners Need to Know” panel session. 

Tunku Kamarul Zaman noted that poor data collection and fragmented systems remain major barriers to AI-driven healthcare. 

Despite the challenges, he stressed that digital transformation was crucial to speed up treatment, improve patient outcomes and reduce delays in accessing specialist care. 

Nevertheless, he warned that AI tools such as ChatGPT could spread misinformation and generate false references despite sounding convincing. 

The technology “hallucinates” because it learns from large amounts of online data, including inaccurate information, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish genuine expertise from misinformation. 

“We need to be careful. Unfortunately, some of this misinformation did not get filtered out, which is why when we use ChatGPT, it sometimes gives out false information.” 

Misinformation is becoming increasingly dangerous in the AI era, where louder voices and social media popularity could overshadow genuine experts. 

Tunku Kamarul Zaman stressed the need to rely on trusted institutions and credible experts, adding that people should be cautious about the software and information sources they use. 

Misinformation is becoming increasingly dangerous in the AI era, where louder voices and social media popularity could overshadow genuine experts, says Tunku Kamarul Zaman

How Covid-19 Transformed Healthcare Regulation

The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped healthcare regulation, forcing agencies worldwide to make rapid decisions amid vaccine shortages, supply chain disruptions and public misinformation. 

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has introduced conditional approvals, accelerated review pathways, rolling data submissions and remote inspections in response. 

Head of policy and strategic planning Maslinda Mahat said in Malaysia, NPRA has implemented multiple mechanisms to facilitate product registration and to have efficient regulatory review without compromising regulatory standards.

“The objective is not to shortcut scientific assessment, but rather to optimise regulatory resources by leveraging available evidence and trusted international assessment. 

“This is particularly important for innovative products, life-saving therapies and products addressing unmet medical needs,” she said during the “Regulatory Agility In A Disrupted Era: Accelerated Approvals, Reliance Pathways and Digital Transformation In ASEAN” session. 

Faster regulatory pathways were now crucial to ensure timely access to life-saving treatments without compromising safety standards. 

The NPRA is increasingly relying on assessments by trusted regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to reduce duplication and speed up approvals while still conducting independent local evaluations. 

The pandemic also accelerated regional regulatory collaboration across ASEAN to improve efficiency, harmonisation and patient access to medicines. 

Maslinda said biologics and advanced therapies were creating new regulatory challenges due to their complexity and sensitivity to manufacturing changes, requiring stricter scientific oversight and enhanced safety monitoring. 

At the same time, traditional medicines and health supplements remain widely used across ASEAN, although regulators face growing challenges from diverse products, shifting consumer trends and aggressive online marketing. 

“Regulators must balance consumer access with safety assurance while addressing issues such as product adulteration, misleading claims and inconsistent quality of the products. 

“Therefore, regional collaboration with ASEAN member states is very important to improve harmonisation and strengthen regulatory oversight in this rapidly expanding sector,” she said. 

Sitting is the New Smoking 

Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance advisory board chair Dr Sivaneswaran Poobalasingam warned that sedentary living was becoming a major public health concern in Malaysia. 

Sedentary lifestyles, stress, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol use and loneliness are rising health risks, with social media creating “fake connectivity” among younger people. 

“Thirty percent of Malaysians are physically inactive and sedentary behaviour is 50%. So sitting is the new smoking. 

“We have laws about smoking. Why don’t we institute laws about sitting?” he said during the “Transforming Workplace Wellness with Lifestyle Medicine” session. 

Workplaces should move beyond one-off health talks and adopt action-based well-being programmes such as exercise sessions, stress management, sleep health and smoking cessation initiatives. 

Lifestyle medicine could reduce absenteeism, burnout and healthcare costs while boosting productivity and staff retention. 

“Lifestyle medicine has the potential to transform workplace wellness. It is not a workplace luxury.” 

Despite record healthcare allocations, Malaysia’s healthcare system continues to face growing pressures from an ageing population, rising chronic diseases, workforce shortages and digitalisation challenges. 

Experts at HSA2026 stressed that sustainable solutions will require stronger preventive care, better workforce planning and faster adoption of healthcare technology. 

As demand for healthcare continues to grow, meaningful reforms and effective implementation will be key to ensuring the system remains resilient, accessible and future-ready. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition 

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