Page 29 - ar2010

Although the management of private specialist hospitals remains KPJ’s mainstay, we are equally enthusiastic about exploring unprecedented opportunities and market niches, in order to further advance and expand our range of services.

KPJ supports the Government’s initiatives to expand the healthcare education sector as a powerful engine of growth. This is refected in our unequivocal emphasis on the education sector, identified as one of the 12 NKEAs under the ETP and a key driver of Malaysia’s transformation to become a high-income nation. In this regard, KPJ advances the level of Malaysia’s healthcare education through our education arm, KPJ International College of Nursing and Health Sciences (KPJIC). Efforts have commenced with undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programmes, in line with its aspiration to attain University College status.

The Group has also embarked on a new venture, namely the aged care business, which holds immense potential in view of the aging global population. In September 2010, KPJ agreed to take up a 51% stake in Jeta Gardens – a retirement village in Queensland, Australia – with plans to further develop the project as well as to gain valuable management experience.

Back on home ground, KPJ’s acquisition of Sibu Geriatric Health & Nursing Centre in Sarawak, will strengthen our geriatric care experience as well as enhance our capability to reach out to more groups of people within the East Malaysia communities. These initial ventures present opportunities for KPJ to explore similar undertakings in the future.

Continuously driven to explore more healthcare related activities, KPJ ventured further afeld to create another breakthrough via a joint venture with SterilGamma (M) Sdn Bhd to launch Sterile Services Sdn Bhd, the frst-of-its kind eco-friendly sterilisation service, on 11 January 2011. This facility sterilises medical instruments for hospitals using wet steam instead of chemicals. The facility in Rawang, Selangor, is also equipped with an analysis laboratory and repair workshop.

Our commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and good corporate governance, refected in our compliance to the disclosure requirements stipulated by Bursa Malaysia, also contributes towards long term sustainability.

KPJ’s Audit Committee (ACM) continues to drive consistently high standards of corporate governance throughout the Group. Guided by both internal policies and regulations, the Committee conducts regular reviews on key issues identified by the auditors, resulting in further improvements in the management of resources and systems.

As an essential part of transparency and accountability, KPJ further strengthened its Award Tender Committee to monitor the tender process and awards relating to the purchase of equipment, medical supplies and pharmaceutical products including drugs.

KPJ also has in place a Building Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the planning, construction and development of hospitals. The Committee’s role is crucial, providing strong strategic support to the Group as it expands rapidly throughout the nation.