Johor, Singapore Boost Public Health Cooperation Through Strategic Talks

JOHOR BAHRU, July 31 (Bernama) -- Johor and Singapore have further strengthened bilateral ties in public health following an official meeting between Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, held yesterday in the republic.

Onn Hafiz said the meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on strengthening the public health system, including the issue of healthcare workforce shortages and efforts to increase health awareness among the people of both countries.

“We agreed that data sharing and mutual experience are crucial to accelerate the development of a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

“We also discussed potential collaboration within the scope of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), particularly in the areas of medical technology, health investment, medical tourism and talent development,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Onn Hafiz said Johor also proposed the implementation of joint professional training and upskilling of healthcare staff with leading Singaporean health institutions, including exploring a 'sandbox' framework as a progressive health policy platform within the JS-SEZ.

“Both sides also adopted an open approach in discussing matters related to healthcare workforce recruitment, agreeing that any labour mobility initiative should be carried out through formal channels and structured, transparent bilateral frameworks.

“Insya-Allah, this meeting will serve as a foundation for more sustainable and comprehensive health cooperation. Public health remains a key priority for Johor, and such joint efforts are expected to enhance service quality and expand healthcare access for all,” he said.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz made an official visit to Singapore as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF), becoming the first Johor leader and the ninth Malaysian to be conferred the honour, which recognises capable leaders in public policy and governance across the region.

--BERNAMA