GEORGE TOWN, Oct 14: Penang has officially upped the ante on their efforts to maintain its pole position as Malaysia’s medical tourism destination following the signing of a strategic partnership between the Penang Centre of Medical Tourism and AirAsia to entice more international health travellers into the state.
Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation at St. Giles Wembley was just the beginning; the partnership will be marked by the launch of the AirAsia Boarding Pass Privileges BPP Medical Offers for International Travellers collaborative campaign, which will run from September 2025 to December 2026.
International passengers arriving in Penang on AirAsia flights are eligible for discounts of up to 15% off the premium health screening packages at hospitals participating in this initiative. The offer is available for a month starting on the travel date, and is aimed at helping international visitors select Penang for their medical or leisure travel more easily and more enticingly.
Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, who attended and officiated the signing and memorandum exchange, said the partnership is timely as Malaysia prepares for the twin national campaigns, “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” and “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026.”
“Medical tourism is no longer a niche market. It is worldwide, and Penang has emerged as one of the trusted names regionally,” he said, and commended the hospitals for being internationally accredited, utilising state-of-the-art facilities, and employing multilingual doctors, nurses, and gastroenterologists.
Wong also said that beyond medical services, Penang’s unique fusion of heritage charm, beaches, and globally renowned food made it “not just a location for treatment, but a destination for healing and rejuvenation”.
Wong also wanted to recognise AirAsia for its role in reinforcing connectivity for Penang visitors. With nearly 250 weekly flights from Penang to 12 domestic and international destinations, Wong said AirAsia has become an “indispensable partner” in supporting Penang connectivity as the state creates a new experience in conjunction with travel. Wong also acknowledged AirAsia as the world’s best low-cost carrier for the 16th consecutive year at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Health systems involved in the BPP program included Bagan Specialist Centre, KPJ Penang, Loh Guan Lye Hospital, Penang Adventist Hospital, Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Columbia Asia Batu Kawan and other specialised and fertility centres.
Wong said the partnership demonstrates Penang’s balanced vision of the tourism and healthcare sectors working in tandem. “This MoC is not simply about providing discounts or promotions. It is about building a common vision, one that builds growth, provides opportunities and builds Penang’s story as the junction of culture, cuisine, creativity and care.”
He said the state government, through PMED, will continue to build partnerships among airlines, hospitals, and tourism agencies, so that Penang remains relevant in the regional medical tourism landscape.
“As we prepare ourselves for 2026, we want every visitor who visits Penang to leave having not only memories of their trip, but also a shared renewed confidence in the values of warmth, professionalism and quality that is Penang,” he also added.
