SPONSORED FEATURE
Greetings everyone !
We have finally come to the end of a trying and challenging year . I believe all of us began 2020 on sprint mode , aiming to conquer novel milestones and make our mark in the world instead of navigating a barrage of catastrophic events amidst a deadly pandemic . From a freeze of all international travel to global recessions , the negative impact on several economic sectors , including healthcare travel , has been profound .
Despite the hurdles , the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council ( MHTC ), our member hospitals and stakeholders were on our toes , immediately reviewing our operations and adapting our strategies as part of our economic rebound plans . We took the opportunity to further venture into healthcare digitalisation in order to ensure continuity of patient care and maintaining our presence in our target markets . As a result , Malaysia Healthcare remains as resilient as ever .
I am thankful and humbled that even in the midst of this global upheaval , Malaysia Healthcare continues to fly high , recently securing notable wins at the 2020 Asia Pacific Healthcare and Medical Tourism Awards . Malaysia marked a defining moment for the country ’ s healthcare industry as we secured the highest number of awards since the inception of the event . Highlighting Malaysia ’ s position as the World ’ s Healthcare Marvel , these awards shined the spotlight on the top-notch quality and service that is consistently championed by Malaysia Healthcare . These awards also witnessed a special acknowledgement for all the healthcare heroes across the region and their valiant efforts in keeping the public safe . We are beyond thrilled to know that Malaysia received a total of four stand-out recognitions , showcasing Malaysia as the World ’ s Healthcare Marvel .
My heartiest congratulations goes out to our Ministry of Health who received the Stellar COVID-19 Achievement of the Year under the helm of Yang Berhormat Dato ’ Sri Dr Adham Baba , Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato ’ Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah , Health Director-General of Malaysia , Ministry of Health ( Lifetime Achievement Award ) and Tan Sri Dato ’ Dr Yahya Awang , Cardiothoracic Surgeon ( Personality of the Year ) for their respective recognitions . As for receiving the Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Travel recognition , I am humbled to be receiving such an acknowledgement and I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my colleagues at MHTC for their dedication , hard work , and relentless support . Indeed , teamwork makes the dream work .
While we should be incredibly pleased by these recognitions , we must not rest on our laurels . It is imperative that we continue to work hand-in-hand with our marvellous frontliners , and the public and private sectors . Together we can certainly make a difference and significantly reduce our case numbers by simply adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures set by the Government . The end to this pandemic starts with us . In the words of our first Prime Minister , Tunku Abdul Rahman , “ Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation .”
On a closing note , it has been my honour to pen my thoughts in this column for the past 5 years . The time has come for me to move on to a new challenge and achieve new successes for Malaysia . I would like to take this opportunity to thank Global Health and Travel Magazine for their hospitality and providing me a channel to share my voice for Malaysia Healthcare . With that , I wish the healthcare industry the very best for a healthy rebound in 2021 .
Stay safe . # kitamenangsamasama # kitajagakita Thank you .
Sherene Azli Chief Executive Office Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Sherene Azli has been the CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council since 2015 . She has over 16 years of experience in strategic business development .