Asia OneHealthcare Becomes First Hospital Group to Partner MediExpress to Strengthen Access, Affordability and Preventive Healthcare
Penang, 29 January 2026 – Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MediExpress (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, marking a milestone collaboration that positions A1Health as the first hospital group to partner with MediExpress under its managed healthcare network.
Under the partnership, MediExpress will serve as a managed care partner across A1Health’s hospital network, with a shared focus on improving access to private healthcare, enhancing care coordination, and supporting the long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.
“Healthcare today face increasing pressure from rising costs and access challenges,” said Dr Chan Boon Kheng, Group Chief Executive Officer of Asia OneHealthcare. “This partnership with MediExpress reflects our commitment to working closely with partners across the healthcare ecosystem to improve how care is accessed and delivered, while supporting a more sustainable and patient-centric model of healthcare.”
“By aligning hospitals, insurers and care pathways, we can enhance efficiency and help ensure patients receive appropriate care in the right setting and at the right time,” he added. “Importantly, this collaboration also strengthens our focus on improving long-term health outcomes for the communities we serve.”
The partnership brings together A1Health’s nationwide network of 21 hospitals, including 12 Columbia Asia Hospitals, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Ara Damansara Medical Centre, ParkCity Medical Centre and Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre, as well as five super-specialty hospitals – ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), PICASO Hospital and Northern Heart Hospital Penang.
Through the collaboration, MediExpress members are expected to benefit from clearer care pathways and more streamlined administrative processes across participating A1Health hospitals, contributing to a more seamless and coordinated patient experience.
Both organisations will also explore initiatives aimed at reducing financial and administrative barriers to care, while promoting greater transparency and predictability in healthcare costs for patients, employers and insurers.
“At MediExpress, we see innovation in healthcare as more than technology, it’s about making care more affordable and sustainable,” said Mr Kenny Tai, Chief Executive Officer of MediExpress. “Through data-driven strategies, smarter resource allocation, and structured pricing models, we aim to manage costs effectively while maintaining high-quality care. This partnership with Asia OneHealthcare is just the beginning, and we will continue exploring new ways to make healthcare more accessible for patients and employers alike.”
Beyond hospital-based treatment, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and long-term health management. As part of the partnership, MediExpress members will have access to Asia 1Health’s Health Transformation Programme through selected hospitals within its network.
The programme supports early risk identification, lifestyle modification and sustained health improvement, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening preventive care and improving population health outcomes. It aligns with national efforts to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and hypertension.
“Preventive care and early intervention are essential to building a more sustainable healthcare system,” said Dr Chan. “Through this partnership with MediExpress, we are extending our focus beyond treatment to supporting individuals in managing health risks earlier, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for patients and the communities we serve.”
The MoU signing took place at Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan, Penang, and was witnessed by senior leadership from both organisations. The collaboration coincides with A1Health commemorating 30 years of Columbia Asia Hospitals and the opening of Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan, underscoring the Group’s continued expansion and long-term commitment to accessible, high-quality care.