Columbia Asia, one of Malaysia’s largest private hospital chains and a member of Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health), has installed solar panel systems at nine of its hospitals nationwide, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable healthcare and a greener environment.
Solar System Generates 4 GWh of Energy Annually
Launched in collaboration with Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd, the system has been generating renewable energy since installations began in December 2023. By converting sunlight into electricity, it produces 4.039 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of green energy annually—enough to power 34,300 light bulbs each year—while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 2,505 tonnes. The project has also delivered significant financial benefits, saving RM2.7 million in energy costs since its launch.
“At Columbia Asia, we’re always looking for innovative ways to improve our patient care. This solar panel system not only helps us reduce our environmental impact but also allows us to reinvest in upgrading our facilities and services, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. This partnership with Solarvest marks a significant step forward in Columbia Asia’s journey to reduce our environmental carbon footprint and become more energy-conscious, as the cost savings from this system can be reinvested in upgrading facilities to better serve our patients,” said Mohd Kamarul Salleh, Columbia Asia Support Service Vice President.
Solar Panel Project Powers 11 Buildings Across Nine Hospitals
The solar panel installation rolled out in two phases, outfitting 11 buildings across nine hospitals nationwide. The project began with a pilot at Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri, followed by installations at its hospitals in Tebrau, Setapak, Cheras, Petaling Jaya, Bukit Rimau, Klang, Seremban, and Taiping.
“In line with Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, we are committed to setting industry benchmarks and inspiring other healthcare organizations to join us on this journey. By adopting environmentally friendly practices and transitioning to greener energy sources, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint significantly. We believe that collective action across the industry is essential for protecting our environment and ensuring a more resilient, cost-effective energy supply for the long term,” said Mohd Kamarul Salleh, Columbia Asia Support Service Vice President.
A1Health and Columbia Asia Hospitals Advance Green Initiatives
Beyond the solar panel system, Columbia Asia hospitals and other A1Health facilities are pursuing various initiatives to support national eco-friendly policies. These efforts align with the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) of 2021 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) from 2022, both of which encourage solar energy adoption.
Ongoing and upcoming projects include phasing out the high-emission anaesthetic agent desflurane, reducing single-use plastics to align with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2023, installing electric vehicle charging stations, and upgrading to LED lighting throughout all facilities.
The Columbia Asia Group of hospitals is an international healthcare company managing medical facilities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. As part of Asia OneHealthcare—owned primarily by Hong Leong Group and global alternative asset firm TPG—Columbia Asia has delivered high-quality healthcare services throughout Southeast Asia for over two decades.
Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health) is a prominent regional healthcare provider, uniting 32 hospitals across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia under a single brand. Formed through the merger of CAH Medical Centres (formerly Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care), Columbia Asia Hospitals, and five renowned super-specialty hospitals—ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, CVSKL, Hospital Picaso, and Northern Heart Hospital Penang—A1Health is redefining the standards of medical excellence.
