ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia organised a Healthcare Webinar on 11 August 2022, moderated by the Chair of ASEAN-BAC Healthcare Working Group (HWG), Dr Khor Swee Kheng. The webinar was attended by over 50 attendees and discussed the public-private health partnerships in ASEAN’s Post-COVID recovery.

YB Khairy Jamaluddin in his keynote speech emphasised the importance of accelerating Malaysia’s recovery from the effects of the pandemic. Public-private partnership (PPP) is crucial in boosting the economy and propelling the health sector’s development during these difficult times. The collaboration utilises this unique opportunity for innovation and improvement in the health sector and other industries, ensuring better public services and value for the taxpayer.

Council Member of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon in his opening remarks, mentioned that the healthcare market in Southeast Asia was worth USD 420 billion with the private sector making up 53% of the market. Due to the economic slowdown, governments find their revenues diminished and face increasing pressures to find avenues for tax collection, which reduces the capacity of the government to deliver healthcare services in the country. “Therefore, there is a very strong role for the private sector to support the public sector, in delivering healthcare to its citizens” according to Tan Sri Yong.