KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — The OBOR Economic Friendship Association, Medical Device Authority (MDA) and University of Cyberjaya have held preliminary discussions on potential collaboration to strengthen Malaysia’s medical technology ecosystem.

The meeting, convened with the SilkRoad Global Consortium, explored cooperation in medical devices, artificial intelligence, molecular diagnostics, life sciences and other emerging healthcare technologies.

It was attended by MDA Policy and Strategic Planning Division senior director Idamazura Idris @ Harun, OBOR Malaysia secretary-general and SME Association of Malaysia chief AI adviser Dr KP Chiew, and University of Cyberjaya Faculty of Health executive dean Professor Dr Phelim Yong Voon Chen.

The participants also discussed Malaysia’s medical device regulatory framework, registration requirements and pathways for introducing new healthcare technologies into the country.

The preliminary talks brought together representatives from the regulatory, academic and international sectors to examine how research, clinical expertise and industry experience could support healthcare innovation.

They also highlighted Malaysia’s potential to develop as a regional centre for medical technology, healthcare innovation and clinical research in Asean.

Yong said universities had a role beyond training healthcare professionals and could support research, clinical validation, professional development and cooperation between academia, healthcare providers, industry and the government.

“Universities today contribute far beyond educating future healthcare professionals. We also play an important role in advancing research, supporting clinical validation, developing professional capabilities and fostering collaborations between academia, healthcare providers, industry and government.

“These partnerships are essential in ensuring that innovation is translated responsibly into healthcare practice for the benefit of patients and society,” he said.

He said the university’s Faculty of Health was strengthening its focus on translational health research, interdisciplinary cooperation and industry engagement.

The faculty draws on expertise in nursing, rehabilitation sciences, physiotherapy, traditional and complementary medicine, dietetics, and medical and health sciences.

It aims to support research, clinical evaluation, workforce development and evidence generation for emerging healthcare technologies.

Yong said closer cooperation among universities, regulators and industry could help accelerate innovation while maintaining safety, quality and public confidence.

Meanwhile, Chiew said OBOR aimed to connect international innovators with Malaysian stakeholders through partnerships supporting knowledge exchange, research cooperation and responsible technology development.

He said Malaysia had several strengths that could support its development as a regional destination for healthcare innovation, including an established regulatory framework, experienced healthcare professionals, higher education institutions and a growing innovation ecosystem.