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 across the country. This move underscores the group’s dedication to sustainable healthcare and a greener environment.
Solar System Generates 4 GWh of Energy Annually
The solar panel system, launched in collaboration with Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd, began generating renewable energy in December 2023. By converting sunlight into electricity, the system produces 4.039 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of green energy annually—enough to power 34,300 light bulbs each year—and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 2,505 tonnes. Since its inception, the project has saved RM2.7 million in energy costs.
“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. The cost savings from solar power generation can then be reinvested to serve our patients even better.” said Mohd Kamarul Salleh, Columbia Asia Support Service Vice President.
Solar Panel Project Powers 11 Buildings Across Nine Hospitals
The solar panel installation project rolled out in two phases, outfitting 11 buildings across nine hospitals nationwide. The initiative began with a pilot at Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri, followed by installations at other Columbia Asia 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 to not only protect our environment but also to ensure a more resilient and 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 initiatives that support eco-friendly national policies. These efforts align with the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) launched in 2021 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) introduced in 2022, both of which encourage solar energy adoption.
Ongoing and upcoming projects include phasing out desflurane, a high-emission anaesthetic agent; reducing single-use plastics in line with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2023; installing electric vehicle charging stations; and upgrading all facilities to LED lighting.
The Columbia Asia Group of hospitals is an international healthcare company managing medical facilities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. As part of Asia OneHealthcare, it is primarily owned by the Hong Leong Group and global alternative asset management firm TPG. For over two decades, Columbia Asia has delivered high-quality healthcare services throughout Southeast Asia.
Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health) is a prominent healthcare provider in the region, bringing together 32 hospitals across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia under a unified 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 standards of medical excellence.