Category: Health

  • Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Retains Malaysia’s Top Spot in Paediatrics for Third Consecutive Year in Newsweek’s APAC Rankings. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has once again secured the nation’s top ranking in Paediatrics for the third consecutive year, according to the prestigious Newsweek Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific (APAC) 2025 rankings. Additionally, SMC has earned a spot among the top 30 hospitals in the Asia Pacific region for Paediatrics and has also ranked in the top 75 hospitals for six other key specialties—Neurology, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Oncology, and Orthopaedics.

    Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the hospital’s continued recognition for clinical excellence, particularly in paediatric care. He highlighted the hospital’s Children’s Health and Development Centre, which hosts the most extensive range of paediatric subspecialties in Malaysia—offering 26 subspecialties supported by 50 experienced consultants. A notable milestone is SMC’s launch of Malaysia’s first private hospital 24-hour standalone Children’s Emergency Department, designed as a dedicated, comforting space for children, separate from the adult emergency unit.

    Further cementing its leadership in specialised care, SMC is also known for its advanced paediatric services in areas such as haematology, gastroenterology, oncology, and transplant medicine. It was the first private hospital in Malaysia to successfully perform a paediatric kidney transplant, reinforcing its pioneering role in complex treatments. Dato’ Lau also noted that SMC continues to strengthen its adult specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, and orthopaedic surgery.

    Dr. Seow Vei Ken, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Medical Centre, said the recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and patient-focused care, especially in paediatrics. He highlighted the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) as a key component of SMC’s paediatric ecosystem, featuring 17 fully equipped beds, 24/7 care by three paediatric intensivists, and a team of highly trained nurses to manage complex cases across various medical and surgical needs.

    As the flagship hospital of the Sunway Healthcare Group, SMC is home to over 300 resident medical consultants across 60 medical specialties and 28 Centres of Excellence. With the upcoming completion of its sixth building, Tower F (Children’s Pavilion), SMC will expand its capacity to more than 1,100 beds—further reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

    This latest achievement adds to SMC’s growing list of accolades, including its recent recognition as Malaysia’s top hospital and one of the world’s top 250 hospitals in the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking by Newsweek. It also claimed the Hospital of the Year (Malaysia) title at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025—an honour it has received for four consecutive years.

    These consistent recognitions solidify Sunway Medical Centre’s status as a regional healthcare leader, driven by a mission to deliver world-class, compassionate care across all stages of life.

  • How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Shared Values

    How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Shared Values

    How Gen Z is Turning Snacks into Cultural Symbols of Identity, Purpose, and Belonging. In today’s hyper-digital world, Gen Z is redefining the rules of consumer engagement—and brands like PepsiCo are paying close attention. For this socially connected and value-driven generation, a snack is no longer just a snack. It’s a statement, a digital accessory, and a reflection of their lifestyle and beliefs. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram aren’t just social media—they’re shopping destinations and stages for self-expression. Here, flavor alone isn’t enough. A product must look good in a selfie, align with personal values, and generate likes before it earns a purchase. Recognizing this shift, PepsiCo is no longer simply selling food; it’s curating experiences that resonate with Gen Z’s culture, identity, and digital habits.

    PepsiCo’s approach is exemplified by its launch of Lay’s Double Crunch, an intensely flavored, deep-ridged snack crafted to enhance the moments Gen Z values most—late-night study marathons, gaming sessions, and creative hangouts. The product’s bold packaging is designed for digital impact, built to stand out not only on store shelves but on TikTok feeds and Instagram Stories. The strategy came to life during the launch of Lay’s UEFA Jumbo Pack featuring football legend Lionel Messi. A livestream on TikTok Shop showcasing the pack accounted for a staggering 70% of total Gross Merchandise Value in a single session, proving the power of timely, exclusive, and visually striking content tailored for social platforms.

    But the evolution goes deeper than visual appeal. PepsiCo is turning digital engagement into real conversion, particularly in Malaysia where the company has leaned heavily into livestream commerce. With an average of 25 hours of live selling a month and over 30,000 shoppers reached through interactive sessions and influencer-led product drops, PepsiCo is transforming platforms like TikTok from mere brand awareness tools into engines of direct commerce. This strategic integration of content, commerce, and community recently earned the brand the Foodpanda Collaborative Excellence Award—recognition of its agile and shopper-centric model.

    More than just sales and screen time, PepsiCo is aligning its purpose with the values that matter to Gen Z. The company’s efforts to support local communities and promote wellness are integral to its brand identity. In 2024, PepsiCo collaborated with The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK) to distribute 1,000 food packs to underserved communities in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit area. The initiative benefitted refugee students, homeless individuals, and B40 families, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to tackling food insecurity. Globally, PepsiCo has contributed over USD 14 million to the World Food Programme, reinforcing its role in addressing critical social issues.

    Meanwhile, health-conscious choices are shaping the way Gen Z consumes. PepsiCo is reformulating products like the Quaker 3-in-1 range to reduce sugar and sodium, striking a balance between nutrition and taste. Its Jom Quaker Fit programme goes a step further by rewarding consumers with wellness perks—spa passes, gym vouchers, and healthy dining offers—making each purchase a gateway to a healthier lifestyle. This kind of thoughtful innovation reflects how PepsiCo is embedding wellness into the everyday lives of its consumers.

    Equally important is building a sense of belonging. Football, a cultural cornerstone in Malaysia, serves as a unifying passion. PepsiCo tapped into this through its UEFA Champions League campaign, not just with giveaways, but through real-life activations in 60 locations that brought together over 80,000 fans. Through community games and interactive experiences, everyday places became hubs of celebration and connection. These campaigns didn’t just entertain—they fostered shared moments that felt personal and communal. Looking ahead, PepsiCo aims to replicate and scale this success with its upcoming FIFA 2026 partnership, reinforcing Lay’s place at the heart of football-loving communities.

    As Gen Z continues to reshape the consumer landscape with every scroll and click, PepsiCo’s strategy in Malaysia offers a roadmap for brands seeking relevance. By designing with purpose, showing up in the digital spaces Gen Z inhabits, and building campaigns rooted in authenticity and connection, PepsiCo isn’t just keeping up with trends—it’s becoming part of a generation’s everyday culture. As Aditya Ahuja, Cluster GM for PepsiCo Foods Malaysia and the Philippines, puts it: “Today’s generation doesn’t want to be spoken to—they want to be invited in.” And that’s exactly what PepsiCo is doing—one snack, one story, and one shared experience at a time.

  • Sunway Medical Centre and Selcare Forge Strategic Alliance to Provide Critical Heart Health Services in Selangor

    Sunway Medical Centre and Selcare Forge Strategic Alliance to Provide Critical Heart Health Services in Selangor

    Sunway Medical Centre and SELCARE Join Forces to Enhance Cardiac Care Accessibility in Selangor. In a landmark public-private healthcare initiative, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with SELCARE, the healthcare operator under the Selangor State Government’s Skim Rawatan Jantung Negeri Selangor. The formal signing of this memorandum of understanding (MoU), witnessed by YB Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Public Health and Environment, marks a major step towards improving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease across the state, especially for individuals from vulnerable and underserved communities.

    This collaboration reinforces SMC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility by combining its medical excellence with SELCARE’s strong grassroots outreach. Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, brings to the table its extensive cardiac expertise, advanced diagnostics, and a team of 13 adult and paediatric cardiologists. With comprehensive cardiac subspecialties and cutting-edge technology such as MRI scanners, cardiac CTs, catheterisation laboratories, and coronary care units, SMC aims to make high-quality cardiac care more accessible to those in need. Dr Seow Vei Ken, CEO of Sunway Medical Centre, expressed confidence that this partnership would positively impact the lives of Anak Selangor by offering essential heart services either free of charge or at subsidised rates.

    On the other side of the partnership, SELCARE, the operational healthcare arm of Selgate Healthcare and a subsidiary of the Selangor State Government’s Selgate Corporation, continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between public health policy and actual healthcare delivery. According to Dato’ Noor Hisham Mohd Ghouth, CEO of SELGATE Group, the partnership underlines SELCARE’s ongoing mission to connect policy with private sector capabilities to ensure inclusive, affordable, and effective healthcare. SELCARE currently manages key state health programmes including Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS), Selangor Saring, and Skim Rawatan Jantung Negeri Selangor, which collectively benefit over 600,000 people nationwide. Its network spans more than 2,000 clinics and 200 hospitals across Malaysia, reinforcing its capacity to provide healthcare access to the masses.

    This strategic alliance represents a model example of how synergistic public-private partnerships can address critical healthcare challenges. It aligns state-backed welfare schemes with private sector excellence to deliver meaningful impact, especially in life-threatening areas like heart disease. It is a step forward in ensuring no Selangor resident is left behind when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

    Sunway Medical Centre continues to build on its reputation as a world-class medical institution, recognised by multiple international healthcare accreditations including Joint Commission International (JCI), the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). Ranked among the top 250 hospitals globally by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025, SMC is also the flagship hospital of Sunway Healthcare Group, which was recently honoured with the 2024 Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Award for Community Care and Sustainability.

    Looking ahead, Selgate Healthcare is set to expand its footprint with the launch of the Selgate Group of Hospitals, starting with facilities in Rawang and Sepang in 2025. These hospitals will offer comprehensive specialty services and advanced diagnostics, forming part of a larger vision to build eight new hospitals over the next decade. This ambitious expansion, combined with its digital health innovations and integrated care network, positions SELCARE and SELGATE as transformative forces in reshaping the future of community-centered healthcare in Malaysia.

  • VitaHealth and Watsons Launch V-Style: A Powerful New Sports Nutrition Range – 2024

    VitaHealth and Watsons Launch V-Style: A Powerful New Sports Nutrition Range – 2024

    VitaHealth and Watsons have unveiled V-Style, a new sports nutrition range designed for optimal recovery and protection. This exclusive launch marks a significant milestone in their collaboration to innovate health and active lifestyle concepts.

    Available exclusively at all Watsons outlets nationwide, V-Style redefines sports nutrition and awareness. Ideal for everyone from casual exercisers to competitive athletes, V-Style not only offers fitness solutions but also supports brain, heart, and DNA protection. Combining advanced technology, high-quality ingredients, and sophisticated delivery systems, this highly effective product sets a new standard in fitness.

    With the rising popularity of fitness trends, many are eager to join in to stay stylish and look their best. However, without a comprehensive recovery strategy, this enthusiasm can lead to overtraining and serious health risks, including sudden heart attacks. V-Style addresses these gaps, providing unparalleled support that helps you push your limits safely, achieve peak performance, and maintain it long-term.

    VitaHealth, an Australian supplement brand, offers a comprehensive range of supplements in key markets across Southeast Asia and China. Dr. KS Beh, CEO of VitaHealth, shares his excitement: “With over 70 years of dedication to nutrition and health, we are thrilled to introduce V-Style as a testament to our commitment to innovation and our proactive approach to meeting modern health needs. As the sports nutrition market continues to grow, we are proud to launch V-Style and stay ahead in this dynamic industry. Celebrating our 77th anniversary with this innovative launch is a major achievement for us.”

    The collaboration between VitaHealth and Watsons highlights a strong partnership, combining VitaHealth’s product innovation with Watsons’ extensive retail expertise to meet the needs of health-conscious Watsons customers. As integrating sports into daily routines becomes increasingly popular, the demand for high-quality supplements for training and recovery is rising. The three-year journey from concept to launch of V-Style represents a significant achievement in sports nutrition, setting new industry standards.

    VitaHealth emphasizes the importance of innovation and efficacy. To ensure V-Style meets these high standards, VitaHealth partnered with the Department of Sports Science at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) to conduct clinical trials testing the product’s effectiveness.

    Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and Chief Operating Officer of Health and Beauty Asia AS Watson, commented, “As the No.1 health and beauty retailer both online and offline (O+O) in Malaysia, our commitment to enhancing customer health and wellness is our primary focus. The launch of V-Style is a major milestone in our mission to offer high-quality products. Our collaboration with VitaHealth aligns with our dedication to excellence and our deep understanding of the needs of active individuals.”

    The launch event was a grand affair, featuring an official ceremony, engaging demonstrations of V-Style’s benefits, and valuable insights from pharmacists who have experienced its positive effects firsthand. VitaHealth brand ambassador and Olympic badminton player Pearly Tan shared her experience: “V-Style has been instrumental in my training and recovery process. I am excited to see how this product will benefit others in their fitness journeys.”

    V-Style is now available exclusively at all Watsons stores and on their website. Take your fitness journey to the next level with V-Style!

    About VitaHealth

    Established in 1947 as a retail pharmacy, VitaHealth is one of the leading health supplement brands. As a proud subsidiary of Vita Life Sciences, an Australian health care company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, VitaHealth remains committed to providing high-quality, reliable health supplements for all ages.

    Led by a dedicated team of health experts, VitaHealth proactively innovates by developing new formulations tailored to the ever-changing needs of modern health. With a belief that true quality of life lies in balancing physical health and mental well-being, VitaHealth remains committed to leading advancements in both areas, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the best life.

    Website: https://www.vitahealth.com.my/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitahealthmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitahealthmy/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitahealthmy

    About Watsons Malaysia

    Watsons Malaysia is a leading health and beauty retailer with over 700 branches continually expanding across Malaysia to meet the needs of every Malaysian.

    Watsons continues to inspire our customers to live life to the fullest and set standards in the health, wellness, and beauty market. We provide personalized advice on health, beauty, and personal care alongside our leading range of products, ensuring customers always LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, and FEEL GREAT every day.

    Watsons Malaysia won the Platinum Award in the Best Retail Category 2023 by the Putra Brands Award, the only major brand award in Malaysia voted on by Malaysian consumers.

    Download the Watsons Malaysia Mobile App from Google Play Store and Apple Store. Don’t forget to ‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow our official Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok accounts.

  • BeCalm Malaysia Bawa Inovasi dan Kesedaran Kesihatan Mental Melalui Pelancaran BeCalm Cookies

    BeCalm Malaysia Bawa Inovasi dan Kesedaran Kesihatan Mental Melalui Pelancaran BeCalm Cookies

    Pada majlis pelancaran produk biskut BeCalm Cookies, syarikat BeCalm Malaysia turut memperkenalkan Kempen Kesihatan Mental BeCalm – You Can Be Okay. Pn. Maisarah Datuk Abdullah Sani, Pengarah Urusan BeCalm Malaysia, merasa terinspirasi untuk melancarkan kempen ini setelah menyedari kepopularan petikan “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” di kalangan generasi muda.

    Untuk memastikan mesej kempen ini disebarkan secara meluas, BeCalm Malaysia bekerjasama dengan beberapa selebriti dan pempengaruh terkenal seperti Mark Adam, Irma Hasmie, Sissy Iman, Syed Ali, Heliza Helmi, Ajak Shiro, dan Suraya Borhan. Zaza Zainee, pempengaruh kesihatan dan kecergasan, dilantik sebagai duta pertama BeCalm Cookies.

    Pn. Maisarah menjelaskan bahawa kempen You Can Be Okay bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang masalah kesihatan mental yang semakin meruncing di kalangan masyarakat. Beliau menekankan bahawa penting untuk tidak terus-menerus terjebak dalam kesedihan dan kemurungan, tetapi untuk mencari jalan keluar dari keadaan tersebut.

    “Jangan hidup terlalu lama dalam kesedihan dan kemurungan serta sentiasa dibelenggu fikiran yang negatif, ambil masa untuk bersedih dan duka itu okay, tetapi bukan untuk selamanya,” katanya.

    Beliau berkongsi pengalamannya sendiri, menceritakan bagaimana beliau melalui episod kemurungan selepas disahkan menghidap tumor otak pada tahun 2007 semasa bekerja di London. Simptom kemurungan yang dialaminya termasuk kesukaran tidur, peningkatan berat badan mendadak, kehilangan ingatan, disorientasi, dan masalah penglihatan. Masalah ini membelenggu beliau hampir 10 tahun sehingga tahun 2016 apabila beliau mula mencari penyelesaian dengan mengamalkan ashwagandha, yang kemudian membawa kepada idea menghasilkan produk makanan dengan kandungan ashwagandha.

    Hasil daripada pengalaman peribadinya, Pn. Maisarah memperkenalkan BeCalm Cookies yang dikategorikan sebagai “functional food” dengan konsep ‘Guilt Free Snacking’. Produk ini tidak hanya enak tetapi juga memberi manfaat kesihatan dengan adanya ashwagandha KSM66. Terdapat tiga perisa istimewa yang diperkenalkan: Chocolate Chip Sea Salt (CHILLAX), SPECULOOS White Chocolate (MIND FLEX), dan UJI MATCHA White Chocolate (VIBE ON), setiap satunya mempunyai rasa yang lazat dan fungsi yang berbeza.

    BeCalm Malaysia juga melancarkan “kotak edisi terhad” sempena program Live TikTok Sembang Mak Mak Suria FM. Setiap pembelian di TikTok BeCalm hanya berharga RM50 dengan enam keping biskut (2 keping setiap perisa) dari 31 Julai hingga 9 Ogos 2024. Lima puluh pembeli pertama yang membeli dua kotak akan menerima mug minuman edisi khas dan pelekat You Can Be Okay.

    Turut hadir dalam majlis pelancaran ialah Pengerusi BeCalm Malaysia, Datuk Abdullah Sani Karim, Pengurus Besar Kanan Suria Radio 988FM Woo Bee Ay, Presiden MIASA Anita Abu Bakar, Dr. Redza Abdul Rahman (Saintis Makanan), dan Ketua Pengarah Eksekutif 3Bumi Trading Sdn Bhd, Silahudin Jamaluddin. Pada majlis yang sama, BeCalm Malaysia mengumumkan kerjasama strategik dengan 3Bumi Trading Sdn. Bhd.

    Bagi mereka yang ingin mendapatkan produk BeCalm boleh membeli di Tik Tok Shop BeCalm, Shopee BeCalm atau wasap di istagram @becalm.my.