A New Chapter Dawns: Suriaghandi Suppiah Appointed CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A wave of anticipation and renewed energy sweeps through Malaysia's esteemed healthcare travel sector as the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Suriaghandi Suppiah as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024.

This pivotal leadership transition heralds a promising new era, poised to elevate Malaysia's standing as a premier global destination for healthcare excellence.

Ms. Suppiah steps into this crucial role, succeeding the commendable tenure of Dr. Mohamed Farouk Arkam, who has been instrumental in guiding MHTC to significant milestones.

Her appointment is a strategic move to infuse fresh perspectives and robust leadership into MHTC's mission of championing Malaysia as the 'Healthcare Marvel of Asia'.

With a distinguished career marked by extensive experience in strategic leadership, international business development, and the intricate nuances of the healthcare industry, Suriaghandi Suppiah brings a formidable blend of expertise to the table.

Her proven track record in driving business expansion, fostering market penetration, and executing innovative strategies across diverse sectors positions her perfectly to steer MHTC through its next phase of growth and transformation. Her vision aligns seamlessly with the council's ambition to continuously enhance the patient experience and forge deeper global partnerships.

Reflecting on the legacy she inherits, Dr.

Mohamed Farouk Arkam's leadership saw MHTC achieve remarkable feats. Under his guidance, Malaysia's healthcare travel industry experienced an astounding 224% growth in revenue in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching an impressive RM1.7 billion. This period was also punctuated by a cascade of international accolades, including being named the 'Health and Medical Tourism Destination of the Year' by IMTJ for an unprecedented five consecutive years (2015-2019), and clinching the 'Medical Tourism Destination of the Year' at the prestigious World Travel Awards in both 2022 and 2023.

These achievements firmly cemented Malaysia's reputation on the global stage.

As Ms. Suppiah takes the helm, the focus will sharpen on harnessing the power of digital innovation, meticulously refining the patient journey to ensure unparalleled care and comfort, and cultivating strategic alliances that will expand Malaysia's reach and influence.

The overarching goal remains steadfast: to solidify Malaysia’s position as a beacon of medical excellence and a preferred hub for discerning healthcare travelers worldwide. Her leadership is anticipated to not only build upon the strong foundations laid but also to introduce dynamic initiatives that will ensure sustainable growth and an even more vibrant future for Malaysia's healthcare travel industry.