Established in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre offers advanced
diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities and quality
medical services. Mahkota Medical Centre is the flagship hospital
of Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group).
At the recent 16th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards
2024, Mahkota received the Silver Award for Empowerment of Women
Award for Less Than $500 Million Market Capitalization category,
reflecting its focus on empowering women within its
organization.
In an interview with ACN Newswire, Ms Teo Chin Yee, CEO of Mahkota,
talks about the organization's strategies and processes throughout
its journey in promoting women empowerment and gender equality.
ACN: Can you share with us Mahkota Medical Centre's journey in
promoting women empowerment within the organization, and how it
aligns with your core values and mission?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre's journey in promoting
women empowerment within the organization is deeply rooted in our
core values of Competence, Compassion, and Collaboration.
Competence: We acknowledge and appreciate the competence and
capabilities of women in our organization. Through continuous
training, mentorship programs, and development opportunities, we
empower women to enhance their skills and expertise, enabling them
to excel and advance in their careers.
Compassion: Our dedication to compassion extends to all
individuals, including our female staff members. We prioritize
cultivating a supportive and nurturing work environment where women
feel valued, respected, and supported in balancing their
professional and personal responsibilities. Our leadership team is
committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges
faced by women, ensuring they receive the compassion and support
necessary to thrive.
Collaboration: We believe in the strength of collaboration and
teamwork in achieving our objectives. By fostering a culture of
collaboration, we encourage women to share their ideas, insights,
and experiences, leading to numerous innovations within the
organization. Additionally, this culture enables women to support
and learn from one another, driving positive change
collectively.
At Mahkota Medical Centre, our commitment to promoting women
empowerment aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide
exceptional healthcare services. By empowering women within our
organization, we will be able to not only enhance the professional
growth and development of our female staff, but also strengthen our
ability to deliver high-quality care to our patients.
ACN: Mahkota Medical Centre is known for its commitment to
international accreditation. How has this accreditation process
contributed to fostering women empowerment within the
organization?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: The accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota
Medical Centre has played a pivotal role in fostering women
empowerment within the organization, primarily by promoting gender
equality and providing equal opportunities for career
advancement.
Firstly, through international accreditation, Mahkota Medical
Centre has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to upholding high
standards of professionalism. This commitment creates an
environment conducive to the success of women in various roles
within our organization. By adhering to these rigorous standards,
women are provided with a level playing field where their skills
and contributions are recognized and valued, thus facilitating
their growth and advancement within the organization.
Moreover, the attainment of accreditation promotes inclusivity and
diversity within the workplace. By striving for and achieving
recognition on an international scale, Mahkota Medical Centre sends
a clear message that all individuals, regardless of gender, have a
voice and are valued contributors to the organization. This
inclusivity allows women to actively participate in decision-making
processes, shaping the organization's culture and practices to be
more supportive and conducive to their professional growth and
development.
A concrete example of how accreditation has contributed to women
empowerment within our organization is evident in the role of nurse
navigators within various clinical care programs. These nurse
navigators play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand
their treatment plans and receive the necessary support throughout
their journey. Empowered to bring patient issues to
interdisciplinary meetings for discussion and improvement, nurse
navigators exemplify how accreditation has enabled women to take on
leadership roles and drive positive change within our
organization.
In summary, the accreditation process undertaken by Mahkota Medical
Centre reinforces our dedication to promoting women empowerment and
advancing gender equality within our workplace. By adhering to
international standards and fostering inclusivity, accreditation
creates an environment where women are able to thrive and
contribute meaningfully to our organization's mission of providing
quality healthcare services.
ACN: Could you elaborate on any specific programs or initiatives
implemented at Mahkota Medical Centre aimed at empowering women
across borders?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has spearheaded impactful
programs aimed at empowering women across borders, with the Jakarta
PinkCare Wellness Program 2023 in Indonesia standing out as a
notable example.
This initiative was carefully crafted to raise awareness among
women about the critical importance of taking proactive measures to
safeguard their well-being, particularly in preventing breast
cancer. Central to the program's objectives was the emphasis on
regular healthcare screenings and early detection as vital
components of maintaining optimal health and preventing the onset
or progression of breast cancer.
Highlighting Mahkota Medical Centre's commitment to providing
accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to women, the
program showcased various screening options available at the
centre. By doing so, it underscored the organization's dedication
to ensuring that women have convenient access to essential
healthcare resources, thus empowering them to take charge of their
health proactively.
The launch event was held at Plaza Indonesia, a renowned venue in
Jakarta, and was met with a resounding success which drew
considerable attention from stakeholders and the public alike.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance was the Ambassador of
Malaysia to Indonesia, lending further prestige to the occasion.
Notably, the representatives from Mahkota Medical Centre who graced
the event were all women, including the Oncologist, Breast Surgeon,
and nurse navigators. Their presence not only represented the
organization's commitment to women's health, but also served as a
testament to the integral role that women play in healthcare
leadership and service delivery.
An impactful aspect of the event was the heartfelt testimonies
shared by two Indonesian breast cancer survivors. Their narratives
shed light on the transformative power of early detection and
accessible healthcare services in their journey towards recovery.
These testimonials served as poignant reminders of the importance
of women's health empowerment and left a lasting impression on the
attendees, inspiring them to prioritize their own well-being and
seek preventive healthcare measures.
Overall, the Jakarta PinkCare Wellness Program exemplifies Mahkota
Medical Centre's unwavering dedication to empowering women across
borders by promoting health awareness, facilitating access to
healthcare services, and fostering a supportive environment
conducive to proactive health management.
ACN: Collaboration with governmental and NGOs can significantly
enhance women empowerment efforts. Can you discuss any partnerships
Mahkota Medical Centre has established in this regard and the
impact they've had?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has recognized the
importance of collaboration with governmental organizations and
NGOs in enhancing women empowerment efforts, particularly in the
realm of breast cancer awareness and prevention.
One significant partnership is with Lembaga Penduduk dan
Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN), where we collaborated to
facilitate free yearly breast screenings for women in the local
community. Through this partnership, we extend our reach and ensure
that more women have access to crucial screenings, empowering them
to take control of their breast health. By combining resources and
expertise, Mahkota Medical Centre and LPPKN work together to remove
barriers to healthcare access and promote overall well-being within
the community.
Moreover, our annual Mahkota Charity Run serves as another
testament to our commitment to collaborative efforts for women
empowerment. In this initiative, we join forces with both
governmental organizations and NGOs to raise funds and awareness
for breast cancer patients. For instance, in our latest run, we
partnered with Skyhawk Melaka and raised an impressive RM122,788.
These funds were channeled to support breast cancer patients
through contributions to the National Cancer Society Malaysia and
the Seck Kia Eenh Cancer Fund. Notably, over 100 breast cancer
survivors participated in the event, symbolizing resilience and
hope within our community.
Through these partnerships, Mahkota Medical Centre demonstrates its
dedication to empowering women by providing essential healthcare
services, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by
breast cancer. By leveraging collaborative efforts with
governmental organizations and NGOs, we amplify our impact and work
towards a future where women have equal opportunities for health
and well-being.
ACN: In what ways does Mahkota Medical Centre leverage its strong
female leadership at the helm to drive women empowerment
initiatives within the organization and beyond?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre leverages its strong female
leadership to drive women empowerment initiatives within and beyond
the organization. With more than 70% of our workforce being female,
including doctors, nurses, and support staff, women play a crucial
role in ensuring round-the-clock patient care and emergency
response.
Leading by Example: Female leaders set a compelling example for
women within the organization and beyond. They demonstrate that
gender should never be a barrier to success and inspire women to
aspire to leadership roles.
Fostering a Supportive Culture: Mahkota Medical Centre prioritizes
fostering a supportive culture where effective communication and
listening skills are valued. Female leaders nurture an environment
where women feel empowered to voice their ideas, contribute their
expertise, and lead positive change.
Advocating for Change: Female leaders advocate for change both
within the organization and in the broader community. They champion
gender equality in healthcare and advocate for women's rights,
striving to create a future where women are empowered to thrive
professionally and personally.
By leading through example, fostering a supportive culture, and
advocating for change, Mahkota Medical Centre's strong female
leadership inspires and empowers women to realize their full
potential, contributing to a future where women make a lasting
impact in every aspect of society.
ACN: How does Mahkota Medical Centre ensure gender diversity and
inclusivity in leadership positions, and what benefits have you
observed from having a diverse leadership team?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre upholds gender diversity
and inclusivity in leadership roles through deliberate efforts.
Despite having a predominantly male presence among doctors in
leadership, and a female-dominated nurse workforce, the
organization ensures equal opportunities for career
advancement.
Administrative and support functions implement unbiased recruitment
and promotion processes, prioritizing merit-based considerations
over gender. Moreover, the organization invests in tailored nursing
competency and leadership development programs to empower female
leaders. These initiatives offer mentorship, training, and
networking opportunities, fostering the professional growth of
women within the organization.
A gender-diverse leadership team cultivates an inclusive workplace
culture, promoting a sense of value, respect, and empowerment among
all employees. This inclusivity positively impacts employee morale,
engagement, and retention rates, ultimately contributing to
organizational success.
Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre remains steadfast in its commitment
to gender diversity and inclusivity in leadership positions. By
ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of
gender, the organization strives to create a conducive environment
for thriving and succeeding, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness
of its healthcare delivery system.
ACN: Can you share any success stories or milestones achieved
through Mahkota Medical Centre's women empowerment initiatives,
particularly those related to international accreditation and
cross-border partnerships?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre has witnessed significant
success through its women empowerment initiatives, particularly in
international accreditation and cross-border partnerships.
One notable achievement is the regional expansion of our PinkCare
program beyond Malaysia, offering tailored breast care education to
communities in neighbouring countries like Indonesia. This
initiative addresses the pressing issue of breast cancer and
provides culturally sensitive education, recognizing the unique
needs of women in different regions.
Additionally, Mahkota Medical Centre has implemented nurse
navigators as trusted guides to assist individuals in navigating
through breast health concerns. This program, coupled with our
follow-up study into breast cancer, continues to generate results
which emphasized the importance of inclusivity, personalized care,
and equitable access to women's health services.
Challenges in implementing women empowerment initiatives are
inevitable, particularly in recognizing the holistic needs of women
and ensuring comprehensive healthcare services. However, Mahkota
Medical Centre is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support
and commitment of everyone involved in empowering women's health.
Through collective efforts, barriers are broken down, inequalities
are challenged, and the voices of women in healthcare are uplifted.
Together, Mahkota Medical Centre is making a tangible difference in
the lives of women, their families, and communities.
ACN: What are some of the challenges Mahkota Medical Centre has
encountered in implementing women empowerment initiatives, and how
have you overcome them?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Implementing women empowerment initiatives at
Mahkota Medical Centre has posed challenges, notably regarding
balancing work and family responsibilities for female
employees.
A significant hurdle arises from the need for women to manage
professional duties alongside family commitments which are
particularly prevalent among younger women with childbearing
responsibilities or caregiving duties. In response, Mahkota Medical
Centre prioritizes compassion and flexibility.
To address this, we've implemented policies and practices
accommodating female employees' needs, such as offering flexible
working arrangements. This includes options to transfer to
non-shift duties or adjust work hours, ensuring they can fulfill
family obligations without sacrificing professional
responsibilities.
By fostering a compassionate and flexible work environment, Mahkota
Medical Centre empowers women to manage their work-life balance
effectively. This approach supports the well-being of female
employees and contributes to a more inclusive and supportive
workplace culture overall.
ACN: How do you measure the effectiveness and impact of Mahkota
Medical Centre's women empowerment programs, especially in terms of
promoting gender equality and advancing women's leadership?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Tracking the progression of female employees
within the organization through promotions to leadership positions
is a tangible measure of the empowerment programs' effectiveness in
supporting women's career growth. By monitoring the number of women
advancing into leadership roles over time, Mahkota Medical Centre
can assess whether empowerment initiatives are successfully
facilitating career advancement opportunities for women.
Gathering feedback from female employees through surveys, focus
groups, and/or interviews provides valuable insights into their
experiences with empowerment initiatives. This feedback helps
identify perceived benefits, challenges faced, and areas for
improvement in the programs. It also enables Mahkota Medical Centre
to tailor empowerment initiatives to better meet the needs and
aspirations of female employees.
Analysing retention rates among female employees is another
important measure of the impact of empowerment programs. Higher
retention rates among women may indicate increased job
satisfaction, loyalty, and the organization's ability to retain
talented women in leadership roles. Understanding retention trends
allows Mahkota Medical Centre to assess the effectiveness of
empowerment efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive work
environment for women.
By systematically evaluating career advancement, gathering employee
feedback, and monitoring retention rates, Mahkota Medical Centre
can assess the overall impact of its women empowerment programs and
make informed decisions to further enhance gender equality and
support women's leadership development within the organization.
ACN: Looking ahead, what are your vision and goals for Mahkota
Medical Centre's continued commitment to women empowerment, both
within the organization and in the broader healthcare
community?
Ms Teo Chin Yee: Mahkota Medical Centre's vision for continued
commitment to women empowerment involves fostering a
high-performance culture within the organization while also making
significant strides in the broader healthcare community.
Internally, our aim is to establish Mahkota Medical Centre as a
compelling employer brand, attracting and retaining top talent.
This entails implementing the best HR practices, such as offering
competitive total remuneration packages, prioritizing staff
wellbeing through psychosocial practices, and providing tailored
recognition and rewards.
Furthermore, we seek to enhance employee engagement by fostering an
environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
This includes developing a competency framework for nursing and
allied health/clinical staff to ensure they have the necessary
resources to excel in their roles.
Moreover, Mahkota Medical Centre is dedicated to intensifying the
3Cs culture (Compassion, Competence, Collaboration) and work ethics
within the organization. This involves initiatives such as
enhancing patient experience through Service Excellence,
establishing a Nursing Academy for improved patient care and
safety, and promoting collaboration through team recognition and
continuous improvement efforts.
In the broader healthcare community, our vision extends to
empowering women across Southeast Asia. We plan to leverage our
expertise and resources through initiatives like knowledge sharing,
capacity building programs, and partnerships with regional
healthcare institutions to promote gender equality and women's
leadership in healthcare.
Overall, Mahkota Medical Centre's vision for women empowerment
encompasses creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
while also making significant contributions to advancing gender
equality and women's leadership in healthcare, both locally and
regionally.
About Mahkota Medical Centre
Founded in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre (Mahkota) is one of the
largest and most comprehensive tertiary private hospitals in South
Malaysia. The hospital offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and
therapies, along with high-quality medical services. It is one of
the most comprehensive hospitals, focusing on medical
sub-specialties with high surgical workloads. Licenced with 272
beds in eight wards and housing over 120 practising consultants
across a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines, it is
supported by dedicated management, doctors, and allied healthcare
staff.
Mahkota is a top medical tourism destination in Malaysia and an
elite member of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, serving
around 95,000 foreign patients annually. In 2023, Mahkota is proud
to be named one of the four finalists in the prestigious Flagship
Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, which aims to establish
Malaysia as a globally renowned icon for healthcare travel.
Mahkota was the first private hospital in Malacca to become
accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and has been
accredited from 2023-2026. In addition, Mahkota is the first
hospital in Malaysia to be awarded the JCI Clinical Care Programme
Certification (CCPC) for Breast Cancer. In order to ensure
Malaysians' patient safety and quality, the hospital has earned the
6th edition of Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH)
accreditation. Mahkota is the flagship hospital of Health
Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Group), with more than 25
years of track record. For more information on Mahkota, please
visit https://www.mahkotamedical.com.
Media contact:
Tay Jia Wen
Senior Executive, Brand & Communications
E: tay.jiawen@mahkotamedical.com
FB: www.facebook.com/MahkotaMedical/
Source: Mahkota Medical Centre
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