KL Wellness City, Southeast Asia’s first purpose-built township, has announced a commitment of RM25 million by the KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd to sponsor nursing students’ education in local education institutions, tackling Malaysia’s projected nursing staff shortage.
A study by the Ministry of Health Malaysia revealed that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 57.9 % of nurses in Malaysia to fulfil the health care demand.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad was present at the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with participating institutions of higher learning for nursing scholarships.
Dzulkefly expressed his appreciation to KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd on their pledge of a RM25 million sponsorship towards nursing education in Malaysia.
“Not only will this address the projected nurse shortage in the coming years, but it will also pave the way towards enhancing and improving the quality and capabilities of the nursing talent in Malaysia,” he said.
The MoA involves six institutions including University College of MAIWP International, IMU University, Lincoln University College, Adventist College Of Nursing & Health Sciences, International Medical College (IMC) and Oriental Nilam College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The nursing education sponsorship will cover the students’ education fees, living allowance and accommodation, assuring graduates five years of employment at KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd upon graduation. The RM25 million sponsorships will be strategically dispersed over a minimum period of five years and beyond.
“As we journey along in developing Malaysia’s unprecedented healthcare and wellness township, we fully recognise the critical need to address the shortage of skilled nursing professionals in Malaysia.
“This sponsorship effort supports passionate nursing students who face personal barriers to education, allowing them to benefit from this initiative. And at the same time, this paves the way for us to deliver excellent and efficient healthcare services in due course, while nurturing the talent of healthcare professionals in Malaysia,” said KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd managing director Dato’ Dr. Colin Lee at the launch of its flagship 624-bed tertiary hospital by KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd at KL Wellness City Gallery Bukit Jalil on May 2, 2024.
The event also witnessed a cheque presentation of RM2,000 and ‘duit raya’ each to charitable organizations, including Rumah Tunas Harapan Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Darul Aitam Kuala Selangor, Pertubuhan Amal Dan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Islam Tersisih Selangor and a boarding school Sekolah Agama Menengah Rakyat Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Wal-Qiraat.
The contribution is part of KL Wellness City’s ongoing support to 11 homes and centres that it supported in April 2024, benefiting over 350 children, and further reaffirms its dedication to fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration within the community.
