MTMA 2023 celebrates journalists and influencers promoting Malaysia’s medical tourism

The Medical Travel Media Awards (MTMA) 2023, organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), culminated in a grand event that celebrated the best in medical travel journalism. Officiated by Deputy Minister of Health Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni , MTMA 2023 serves to recognise outstanding reports and articles by journalists, editors, producers, media organisations and influencers for their contributions in promoting Malaysia’s medical travel industry.

Since its inception in 2019, MTMA has evolved into a global competition as it continues to celebrate narratives that showcase diverse perspectives within Malaysia’s vibrant healthcare landscape.

Amidst fierce competition from over 400 entries across 8 countries including Malaysia, 8 remarkable international journalists and influencers emerged triumphant at the Medical Travel Media Awards (MTMA) 2023. Their outstanding contributions secured victories in their respective categories, each earning prestigious accolades and substantial cash prizes totaling over RM100,000 (~USD21,400).

Alongside these individual accolades, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Malaysia and Liputan6, Indonesia were acknowledged for their vital role in promoting Malaysia as a leading destination for healthcare travel globally. They were presented with the prestigious Best Medical Travel Editorial Team of the Year Award, for the local and international categories respectively.

Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of MHTC, highlighted the event’s global impact and the critical role of journalism:

“MTMA aims to acknowledge the media’s role in driving the limelight on Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry […] It is through the lens of these skilled and committed journalists that our story reaches and resonates with audiences globally.

Malaysia’s medical travel sector stands out due to our state-of-the-art facilities, expert medical professionals, and competitive pricing. Our hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies, and our doctors are globally recognised for their expertise. Additionally, we emphasize on a seamless healthcare travel experience and patient-centric approach, which is a cornerstone of our healthcare philosophy.”

Additionally Dr. Mohamed Ali stated that as of October 2023, the industry has achieved over RM1.7 billion in revenue, surpassing the initial target set for the year. He is optimistic that the industry will achieve RM2.0 billion by end of this year, two years ahead of initial projections – setting a new record high for the industry.

MTMA’s panel of judges, tasked with evaluating submissions across multiple categories, was chaired by Professor Dr. Kiranjit Kaur, a renowned figure in media and public relations. Other judges included:

• Ilan Geva, President of Ilan Geva & Friends Inc and an authority in branding and consumer behaviour from the United States
• Dr. Ainal Rhyshikin Yusoff, a well-known medical influencer from Malaysia
• Dr. Izzal Asnira Zolkepli, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia an expert in media studies from Malaysia
• Hanizah Hamzah, Head of Television at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), a seasoned media practitioner from Malaysia
• Jegathesan Muniandy, Senior Correspondent at Agency France-Presse (AFP) based in Malaysia
• Cristian Rahadiansyah, an experienced journalist with a 19-year career from Indonesia; and
• Chris Seto, Managing Director of Dataxet:nama from Malaysia.

With 12 highly competitive categories for both international and local media and influencers, the submissions were evaluated through a gruelling judging process focusing on criteria such as quality of research, technique and presentation, creativity, content and for digital, social presence and shareability.

MTMA2023 crowned 8 winners, one each for international and local media, in six categories:

Best Print Medical Travel Feature (RM8,000 each and trophy)

• Malaysia: Rosalinda Md. Said, Utusan Malaysia
• International: No winner in this category

Best Online Medical Travel Feature (RM8,000 each and trophy)

• Malaysia: Syahirah Mokhtazar, Sinar Daily
• International: Amir bin Yusof, Channel News Asia, Singapore

Best Broadcast Media Travel Feature (RM8,000 each and trophy)

• Malaysia: Maiza Musa Albakri, Radio Televisyen Malaysia
• International: Md. Ashraful Alam, DBC News, Bangladesh

Best Medical Travel Influencer (RM8,000 each and trophy)

• Malaysia: Peter Yong Sim Onn “Mr Money”
• International: Gary Alexander Crestejo and Hilda Sin Lok Man, Hong Kong

The top prizes with cash prizes of RM10,000 per category:

Medical Travel Journalist of the Year

• Malaysia: Revathi Murugappan, The Star
• International: Deri Dahuri, Media Indonesia, Indonesia

Medical Travel Editorial Team of the Year

• Malaysia: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM)
• International: Liputan6, Indonesia

For more information on MTMA, visit their website or Facebook Page . To find out more about Malaysia Healthcare and its services, including healthcare travel, head on over to Malaysia Healthcare website.