BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) was invited by the International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center (IHECC), an institution under the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, to speak at the Seminar on High-Quality Development of International Medical Services and the 8th Belt and Road Medical Assistance Conference (MASSCON 2026). This marks the first time Malaysia has been invited to participate as a speaker at this prestigious platform. The invitation reflects the growing international recognition of Malaysia's healthcare travel industry and underscores the country's leadership in delivering high-quality healthcare services. It also provides a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to share its experience and best practices while strengthening knowledge exchange and collaboration with international healthcare stakeholders.

Held in conjunction with the 32^nd China International Medical Equipment Exhibition and Scientific Conference (China-Hospeq) 2026 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, MASSCON 2026 brought together policymakers, healthcare authorities, medical institutions and international healthcare organisations to discuss the future of international medical services, cross-border healthcare collaboration and Belt and Road cooperation. Under the theme "Smart Connectivity along the Silk Road: Advancing High-Quality International Medical Cooperation", the conference focused on strengthening international medical services through policy innovation, healthcare connectivity and the sharing of best practices.

MHTC Chief Executive Officer Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah said the invitation reflected the confidence international health authorities now place in Malaysia's healthcare travel ecosystem.

"This invitation marks a shift in how Malaysia Healthcare is regarded, not only as a destination for care, but as a contributor to how international medical services are designed. It recognises the strength of an integrated ecosystem in which hospitals, government agencies and industry partners work together to deliver a seamless patient journey. As we advance the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 under the Healing Meets Hospitality proposition, we look forward to deepening collaboration with China and to shaping services that keep patients at the centre of care."

China is among Malaysia Healthcare's fastest-growing markets. In 2025, healthcare travel revenue from China exceeded RM200 million for the first time, following a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% in revenue and 20% in healthcare traveller volume between 2023 and 2025. This strong momentum continued into 2026, with first-quarter revenue increasing by 23% and healthcare traveller volume rising by 16% compared with the same period in 2025,  reinforcing China's position as a key growth market for Malaysia's healthcare travel industry.

For media enquiries and further information, please contact:

Muhammad Rasydan Bin Ma'at
Head, PR and Media Unit
Communications
+603 8776 6168
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                     
Head, Communications Department
+603 8776 6168                                                                                  
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my 

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the "Malaysia Healthcare" brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia's healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 91 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation's first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia's world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry's significant contribution to the national economy.

MHTC's website: https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.