In recent years, the demand for high-quality health services and medical goods has grown rapidly in Malaysia, driven by an ageing population, expanding medical tourism and the rise of non-communicable diseases.
This surging demand offers significant opportunities for Australian healthcare providers in advanced medical devices, digital health solutions and patient-centred technologies.
To tap into Malaysia's growing healthcare opportunities, several Australian digital health companies travelled to Kuala Lumpur in November 2025 to explore opportunities at the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2025 event.
Australian firms partner to expand into Southeast Asia
Australian healthcare firms are discovering the power of partnerships when expanding into Southeast Asia.
For instance, Optain Health and Garli Medi Tech have forged a strategic partnership to leverage their unique strengths and health offerings. Both companies had participated in the Indonesia Landing Pad program in May 2025.
The partnership aims to integrate Optain's advanced AI-powered screening technology with Garli Medi Tech's established MediFusion telehealth platform. The technological integration provides a risk prediction tool for more consistent diagnosis and early detection where access to eye care professionals may be limited.
At MIH Megatrends 2025, Optain Health and Garli Medi Tech explored opportunities to engage with Malaysia's healthcare industry.
'Optain Health's advanced AI-enabled software solutions enable healthcare professionals to shift from treatments to preventive care,' says Babak Asgari, Business Development Director for Optain Health. 'Optain's partnership with Garli Group in Australia and Southeast Asia can provide higher value of healthcare services to certain parts of the world.'
As well as exhibiting at the Australia Pavilion at MIH Megatrends 2025, Austrade organised site visits to Prince Court Medical Centre and KL Wellness City for delegates.
Australian healthcare companies explored opportunities at Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2025.
Forging partnerships with local healthcare providers
Australian companies are also forming successful partnerships with Malaysian healthcare providers.
Australia's largest dedicated cancer care provider, ICON Group, has opened cancer centres at Island Hospital in Penang and at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The centres are under Icon's joint venture with Sunsuria Healthcare. The tour of Prince Court Medical Centre provided delegates with first-hand insights into patient-centred care in Malaysia.
ICON has also opened cancer care centres in Singapore and at Indonesia's Bali International Hospital, improving access to high-quality cancer care for patients across Southeast Asia.
Expanding medical tourism in Malaysia
Malaysia is ranked fifth globally for high-quality healthcare for medical tourists. The country has emerged as a preferred destination due to its affordable access to a skilled medical workforce, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and leading medical technologies.
Developed for driving medical tourism in Malaysia, KL Wellness City is a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem combining healthcare services with wellness practices. The site visit to KL Wellness City shed light on how Australian advanced health technologies can support Malaysia to strengthen its reputation as a global medical tourism market.
