Cambodia and Malaysia have committed to advancing cooperation in women’s healthcare and medical tourism, focusing on key issues such as maternal health, cancer prevention, and telemedicine. The two nations came together yesterday at a forum in Phnom Penh, where various stakeholders discussed strategies to improve healthcare services for women, with a particular emphasis on cross-border medical treatment opportunities. The forum, titled “Navigating Women’s Healthcare in Malaysia,” was organized by the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and PERWAKILAN, the Ladies’ Association of the Embassy of Malaysia.
The event also welcomed Cambodia’s Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ing Kantha Phavi, as the guest of honor, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing the urgent health challenges facing Cambodian women.
Malaysia’s leading role in healthcare and medical tourism
During the forum, the Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Shaharuddin Onn, highlighted Malaysia’s status as a prominent destination for healthcare tourism. This is particularly significant ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, an event that is expected to further enhance the country’s reputation as a hub for affordable and high-quality medical services. Ambassador Onn emphasized that Malaysia’s medical system is recognized internationally for its accessibility, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of highly skilled professionals who are trained globally.
In his remarks, the Ambassador stressed that Malaysia’s healthcare sector is renowned for offering high-quality medical care at an affordable price, positioning the country as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism. He pointed out that Malaysian hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by healthcare personnel who are trained at international standards, ensuring that patients receive world-class care.
Ambassador Onn also noted that Malaysia’s strong ranking in global healthcare indexes, particularly in terms of patient safety and quality of care, reinforces the country’s aspiration to become a top destination for medical and healthcare tourism in the region.
Cambodia’s progress and future collaborations
Minister Ing Kantha Phavi of Cambodia praised Malaysia’s expertise in healthcare, recognizing the country’s achievements in maternal health. While Cambodia has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, the Minister emphasized the continuing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, which affects nearly 20,000 Cambodians each year.
Phavi called for closer collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia in areas such as telemedicine, oncology training, and the transfer of health technologies. She believes that such collaboration could help bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas, where access to specialized medical care is often limited.
The Minister made it clear that women’s health is not merely a medical issue but the foundation of family well-being, community resilience, and national progress. She emphasized that improving women’s health plays a crucial role in driving gender equality and sustainable development.
Collaboration for comprehensive healthcare solutions
Phavi outlined that Cambodia sees strong potential for further cooperation with Malaysia in telemedicine, specialist training, and health technology exchange. These collaborative efforts, she argued, could improve healthcare access for Cambodian women, especially in underserved areas. Phavi called for a whole-of-society approach to women’s health, involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.
She also pointed to Malaysia’s successful public-private healthcare collaborations as a model that Cambodia could emulate as it seeks to expand its healthcare initiatives and improve access to essential medical services.
Increasing interest in Malaysian healthcare services
In his presentation, MHTC Vice-President Lokman Izam Abd Aziz shared impressive statistics that demonstrated growing interest in Malaysia as a healthcare destination. According to Aziz, more than 3,600 Cambodians sought medical treatment in Malaysia last year, representing a 15% increase over the previous year. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of Malaysia’s high standards of care and its ability to meet the healthcare needs of foreign patients.
Aziz also highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to patient-centered care, noting the country’s efforts to make healthcare services as accessible and convenient as possible for international patients. For example, Malaysia has dedicated airport facilities designed to streamline the arrival process for medical tourists, ensuring that their journey is as smooth as possible.
Looking ahead, Aziz revealed plans for the first-ever “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism” in 2026, which will be held under the theme “Healing Meets Hospitality.” This event will showcase Malaysia’s healthcare services alongside its rich cultural offerings, aiming to provide medical tourists with not only top-tier treatment but also a holistic healing experience that includes Malaysia’s renowned hospitality and natural beauty.
Women’s health focused sessions
The event also featured a series of informative sessions on various aspects of women’s health, including eye health, bone health, reproductive health, and heart disease and cancer awareness. These sessions underscored the shared vision of both Cambodia and Malaysia to place women’s healthcare at the center of sustainable development and ASEAN solidarity. By working together, the two countries aim to improve access to healthcare services for women, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure is less developed.
Conclusion: Strengthening regional healthcare cooperation
The “Navigating Women’s Healthcare in Malaysia” forum served as a crucial step towards deepening the cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia in improving women’s healthcare services and promoting medical tourism. Through partnerships in telemedicine, oncology, health technology exchange, and public-private collaboration, both countries hope to address current healthcare challenges and create a healthier, more sustainable future for women in the region. With a shared commitment to advancing women’s health, the collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia is poised to strengthen healthcare access and deliver innovative solutions for the well-being of women across Southeast Asia. Travel And Tour World