'Go Healthy With Taiwan' Attracts Strong Interest From Malaysian Medical Community

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Taiwan's healthcare technology and innovative collaboration model showcased through the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 initiative have received a positive response from Malaysia's medical community as the country grapples with rising diabetes prevalence among adults.

According to Techtrans Advanced Sdn Bhd, the global proposal call led by Taiwan's International Trade Administration (TITA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) attracted more than 300 participants from the medical, public health, academic and industry sectors during the Malaysia Diabetes Conference 2026, held from June 12 to 14.

Based on the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), the prevalence of diabetes among Malaysian adults has reached 15.6 per cent, equivalent to one in every six adults living with the disease.

"More concerningly, about 40 per cent of them are unaware that they have diabetes," the statement said.

Malaysia Diabetes president Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, in the same statement, expressed appreciation for the Go Healthy with Taiwan initiative for highlighting innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges.

"Effective diabetes management requires translating knowledge into action and technology can help improve the quality of care as well as the effectiveness of disease management," he said.

Meanwhile, paediatric endocrinologist Dr L. Alexis Anand Dass said the cross-disciplinary innovation model, which integrates smart healthcare, sports technology and health promotion initiatives, can enhance public awareness and strengthen disease prevention efforts, in line with the core focus of the Go Healthy with Taiwan initiative.

Pharmaceutical industry professional Vanessa Lim said Taiwan has a strong foundation in medical research and innovation, underpinned by internationally competitive research capabilities, technological advancement and industrial development.

By connecting innovative ideas from around the world with Taiwan's healthcare technology ecosystem, the initiative aims to foster high-impact collaborations and help transform ideas into practical solutions that improve public health and quality of life.

The Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 global proposal call is open for submissions until Aug 5, with the top three teams set to receive prizes worth USD30,000 (about RM141,000) each, along with the opportunity to collaborate with leading Taiwanese technology companies.

For more information on the submission guidelines and registration, visit the official website at https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/.

-- BERNAMA