Imagine a place where the elegance of a five-star hotel meets the comfort of home—a sanctuary where luxury and care converge to offer an unparalleled living experience for retirees. This place is Sunway Sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur, a unique concept in retirement living brought to you by the visionary Sunway Group.
The Sunway Sanctuary Experience
Sunway Sanctuary isn’t just any retirement home; it’s a premium residential experience occupying the top 16 floors of a state-of-the-art tower just outside of Kuala Lumpur. Designed with the discerning retiree in mind, this facility boasts an array of luxurious amenities including an infinity pool offering panoramic city views, a 24-hour concierge service, private cinema, karaoke suites, and mahjong rooms—all designed to provide residents with the feel of a perpetual vacation.
But what sets Sunway Sanctuary apart is its seamless integration with top-notch healthcare services. Located just floors below the residences is the Sunway Medical Centre, ensuring that residents receive immediate medical attention when needed. “When time is of the essence, everything is here,” says Jeffrey Cheah, Sunway Group’s chairman, highlighting the facility’s efficient emergency response capabilities.
The Vision Behind the Innovation
Jeffrey Cheah, the 79-year-old founder of Sunway Group, has always envisioned creating ecosystems that provide everything one might need—shopping, education, healthcare, and now, luxury retirement living. Starting with Sunway City, a transformation from a derelict tin mine to a thriving community hub, Cheah’s projects have continually pushed the boundaries of what a township can offer.
Today, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is not only a bustling metropolis with retail outlets, hotels, and universities, but it’s also a pioneering green township, acclaimed for its sustainable design. Cheah’s focus has now expanded to include the healthcare sector, leveraging Malaysia’s growing reputation as a destination for medical tourism and addressing the needs of an aging population.
Expanding Horizons in Healthcare
Sunway Healthcare, part of the group’s broader ambition, has shown remarkable growth, with revenues soaring to 1.5 billion ringgit in 2023 and expected to reach 2.3 billion by 2025. The success is part of a strategic plan to integrate healthcare with residential living, creating a holistic environment that supports residents through all stages of life.
Plans are underway to replicate the Sunway Sanctuary model across all Sunway developments adjacent to their hospitals. This approach not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also ensures a sustainable growth path for the group’s healthcare and real estate ventures.
Looking to the Future
The potential initial public offering (IPO) of Sunway Healthcare by late 2027 signifies another major milestone, with projections suggesting it could be one of the largest in Malaysia’s history. This move will likely accelerate the expansion of Sunway’s healthcare facilities, aiming to double the current capacity to 3,000 beds across new and existing hospitals.
The success of these initiatives isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating a legacy of quality, care, and sustainability that can serve as a blueprint for future developments not only in Malaysia but globally. Cheah’s vision of building integrated living ecosystems is more than just business; it’s a commitment to enhancing the human experience, ensuring every generation can enjoy a higher quality of life.
Sunway Sanctuary and the Sunway Medical Centre exemplify this commitment, offering a life of luxury and security that is appealing not only to Malaysian retirees but also to international seniors looking for a serene and secure place to call home. This blend of luxury, convenience, and care is reshaping the concept of retirement living, making Sunway Sanctuary a beacon of innovation in the industry.
