Columbia Asia, one of Malaysia's largest private hospital chains and a member of Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health) has successfully installed solar panel systems at nine of its hospitals across Malaysia. This initiative highlights Columbia Asia's dedication to promoting sustainable healthcare and its efforts towards creating a greener environment.
Solar System Generates 4 GWh of Energy Annually
The solar panel system—launched in collaboration with Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd—has been generating renewable energy since its installation commenced in December 2023. Utilizing solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, this system produces 4.039 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of green energy annually—sufficient to power 34,300 light bulbs each year—and significantly cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 2,505 tonnes. Additionally, the system has demonstrated its cost-saving capabilities, achieving a total of RM2.7 million in energy cost savings since the project's inception.
"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 in implementing this solar panel system marks a significant step forward in Columbia Asia's journey to reduce our environmental carbon footprint and become more energy-conscious. The solar panel system reduces carbon emissions and allows cost savings from solar power generation to be reinvested in upgrading facilities and services to serve our patients 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 was implemented in two phases, outfitting 11 buildings across nine hospitals nationwide. It 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
In addition to the solar panel system, Columbia Asia hospitals and other A1Health facilities are actively pursuing various initiatives to support eco-friendly policies aligned with national objectives. These efforts align with the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) launched in 2021 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) introduced in 2022, both encouraging the adoption of solar energy.
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 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. Columbia Asia Hospitals are part of Asia OneHealthcare which is primarily owned by Hong Leong Group and the global alternative asset management firm, TPG. Since its establishment, Columbia Asia has been committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services throughout Southeast Asia for over two decades.
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.