Hospital Picaso, Taylor’s University partner to boosts medical research

In a significant step towards revolutionizing healthcare, Hospital Picaso and Taylor’s University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing medical research and patient care. This collaboration is expected to leverage their combined expertise to pioneer advancements in medical physics and personalized treatments, especially for cancer patients.

Pioneering cancer treatment

The MOU was spearheaded by Professor Dr. Yeong Chai Hong from Taylor’s University and Dr. Basri Johan Jeet Abdullah, an interventional radiologist at Hospital Picaso. Both are key figures in the fields of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and have collaborated on multiple projects focused on improving treatment outcomes for patients. Their current focus is on radiotheranostics, a minimally invasive method that combines diagnostics and targeted radiotherapy to treat cancer, offering new hope for patients who may not respond to conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or standard radiotherapy.

“At Hospital Picaso, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical science,” Dr. Basri said during the ceremony, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. He noted the hospital’s ongoing efforts in advancing oncology and interventional radiology, which aligns with the MOU’s goals.

Advancing research in oncology

Under the partnership, Hospital Picaso and Taylor’s University will embark on a range of joint research projects. These projects will focus on the development of new medical devices, innovative therapies, and advanced oncology treatments. Professor Dr. Chong Pei Pei, Director of the Digital Health and Medical Advancement (DHMA) Impact Lab at Taylor’s University, emphasized the interdisciplinary collaboration fostered by the Impact Lab.

“The DHMA Impact Lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among academics, practitioners, industry partners, community-based organisations and students to fulfil our commitment in creating a world where enhanced health and wellness is accessible for all,” said Professor Chong. This partnership also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it aims to make healthcare more affordable and accessible through the use of digital technology.

Commitment to excellence

The partnership is also set to benefit students, as both institutions will collaborate on community service projects and provide valuable internship opportunities in clinical settings. Professor Dr. P.T. Thomas, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at Taylor’s University, noted the university’s strong academic standing, being ranked 251st globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2025 and 41st in Asia.

“Taylor’s University is the top private university in Southeast Asia for the fifth year in a row. These achievements set a strong foundation for us to attract the best students and staff, collaborate with the best partners, and produce the best graduates who will make a difference in their communities and in our world,” Professor Thomas said.

The MOU signing ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, faculty members, and medical professionals, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in medical innovation for Hospital Picaso and Taylor’s University. Together, they aim to set new standards of excellence in patient care, research, and healthcare technology.