Malaysia Launches Metaverse Hub to Revolutionize Healthcare Sector

Malaysia has officially launched a metaverse-based Intelligence Operations Centre (IOC) aimed at transforming infrastructure management and enhancing the integration of emerging technologies into its economy. Located in Selangor, this pioneering hub combines artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data analytics to create an immersive digital environment for users across both public and private sectors.

The IOC is designed to offer various functionalities, leveraging next-generation technologies to improve infrastructure oversight. Users will be able to navigate a digital twin of their real-world sites, facilitating the management of performance metrics and the simulation of operational strategies. This innovative approach is expected to save both time and resources while providing decision-makers with real-time data streams from multiple projects.

Authorities emphasize that the IOC will significantly enhance the coordinated management of public infrastructure, thereby improving situational awareness among regulators. The system is integral to Malaysia’s smart city initiatives and aligns with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices.

In addition to its infrastructure capabilities, the IOC has potential applications in crisis management. By harnessing data from IoT sensors and employing AI for predictive analysis, the IOC can help teams swiftly respond to infrastructural failures and anticipate potential risks. Plans are already in place to extend the IOC to other regions in Malaysia after initial successes are demonstrated to industry stakeholders.

Healthcare Sector Set to Reach $47.7 Billion by 2034

In a related development, the healthcare sector’s use of metaverse technologies is projected to experience substantial growth. According to a report from Exactitude Consultancy, the market capitalization of the metaverse in healthcare is expected to soar to $47.7 billion by 2034, up from less than $4.2 billion currently. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1% from 2024 to 2034, driven by the integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other emerging technologies.

The expansion of the metaverse in healthcare is attributed to its diverse applications, including medical training, surgical simulation, and the growing demand for telemedicine following the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers increasingly adopt these technologies, the sector is witnessing a surge in virtual care adoption, supported by significant investments from technology giants.

The report highlights that the software segment will dominate, overshadowing hardware due to the high costs associated with VR headsets and related devices. By 2034, a considerable portion of the market is expected to consist of outpatients and home care users, while hospitals and biotechnology firms will continue to represent the largest demographic.

Challenges and Regulatory Considerations

Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainties in integrating metaverse technologies into healthcare, along with the high costs of necessary hardware, pose potential obstacles to achieving a double-digit CAGR. Moreover, the report points to a lack of digital literacy among healthcare professionals as a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

As the metaverse experiences a resurgence, global regulators are increasingly focusing on establishing guidelines for its integration into healthcare. The United Nations has urged national authorities to implement regulations that safeguard patient data and minimize errors associated with emerging technologies like AI.

The ongoing evolution of the metaverse is seen as a critical factor in shaping the future of healthcare, promising to enhance service delivery while addressing the complexities of modern medical practices. With Malaysia leading the charge in metaverse applications, the nation is poised to play a significant role in driving innovation within both infrastructure management and healthcare sectors.