KUALA LUMPUR: The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has been officially named as one of the consultants to the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia’s Health Performance Unit (HPU).
This move will further strengthen the national push towards digital healthcare transformation.
The appointment, effective since May 26, was followed by a visit from Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni to APU’s Kuala Lumpur campus on June 30.
During the visit, he engaged in a three-hour dialogue with the university’s senior leadership and toured APU’s high-tech labs and digital innovation facilities.
Accompanying him were HPU Director Dr Saravanan S.R. Sundaramurthy and other senior MOH officers.
In his address, Lukanisman highlighted the ministry’s plans to roll out a nationwide electronic medical record (EMR) system, where cybersecurity and public trust would be pivotal.
“Building trust through transparent data governance is essential. We are also exploring legislation to ensure AI never overrides clinical decisions,” he said.
APU’s role, led by Chief Enterprise & Innovation Officer Prof Ir Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, said the university will focus on health tech consultancy, research commercialisation and capacity-building.
“The collaboration is expected to strengthen postgraduate education, upskill healthcare professionals, and support policy development in digital health.
“Among the APU’s key innovations include predictive analytics for clinical decisions, brain-computer interfaces, VR-based rehabilitation, soft robotics for mobility, and drone-based hospital logistics.
“APU’s faculty, comprising many former industry professionals, ensures its curriculum remains industry-relevant,” he said.
The visit also featured an inspiring moment when Lukanisman, who is also the Sibuti Member of Parliament, met with four students from Sarawak currently studying at APU.
He encouraged them to contribute their skills to Sarawak’s digital transformation agenda.
The visit concluded with a tour of APU’s Cybersecurity Talent Zone, XR Studio, and robotics research centres, marking the beginning of what is seen as a long-term partnership between the university and MOH in reshaping Malaysia’s healthcare system through digital innovation.
