SUBANG JAYA: Sunway Sanctuary, a senior-living residence under Sunway Healthcare Group, is redefining Malaysia’s premium retirement landscape by blending hospitality, wellness and world-class healthcare within one integrated ecosystem.
Positioned beside Sunway Medical Centre, the residence offers seniors a rare combination of resort-style living and immediate medical access.
“Residents live independently in a lifestyle-driven environment while having peace of mind knowing help is just next door,” said Vivien Lim, director of sales and marketing at Sunway Sanctuary.
“This seamless connection between comfort, independence and care differentiates us in the market,” she told SunBiz.
Launched in 2023, Sunway Sanctuary sits within the 800-acre Sunway City Kuala Lumpur township. The property combines hotel-like amenities and will soon house 1,100 beds.
Since opening with just two pioneering residents, the development has seen a steady climb in occupancy, reaching 55% in 2025, up from 30% a year earlier, across its 235 suites.
“For a sector still in its infancy, that’s a very strong performance,” Lim noted. “It shows Malaysians are becoming more receptive to quality senior living.”
Malaysia’s ageing population, expected to reach 15% above 65 years old by 2050, has turned the “silver economy” into a lucrative growth frontier.
The Care Stay Package allows families to book short-term stays for parents who need temporary assistance, whether recovering from illness or while caregivers are away.
Another offering, the Post-Hospital Discharge Care Package, supports recuperation after surgery for patients whose homes are not yet elderly friendly.
Technology underpins the residence’s commitment to independence and safety. Suites are fitted with smart sensors that track movement, sleep and fall patterns. If irregular activity is detected – such as a resident remaining in the bathroom too long – the system discreetly alerts staff for a wellness check.
“These tools let us provide proactive care without intruding on privacy,” Lim explained. “Technology enhances, not replaces, the human connection.”
Sustainability is a guiding principle. Used cooking oil from kitchens is converted into biofuel, while single-use plastics have been largely eliminated through reusable containers and dispensers.
The residence collaborates with Pustaka Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam to curate an in-house library refreshed every six to nine months, promoting lifelong learning with minimal waste.
Sunway Sanctuary is also carving a niche within Malaysia’s medical tourism ecosystem. Through partnerships with Sunway Healthcare’s International Patient Centre and government-linked health-tourism agencies, the residence caters to international retirees seeking quality post-treatment or long-stay wellness experiences.
“Our integration with Sunway Medical Centre allows international guests to transition seamlessly from medical care to recuperation in a resort-style setting,” Lim said. “It positions Malaysia as an attractive retirement and recovery destination.”
While the current model focuses on independent living, Sunway Sanctuary’s framework allows residents to transition smoothly to assisted living and advanced care within the same healthcare network as their needs change.
“Ageing in place is central to our philosophy,” Lim explained. “Residents can move through different levels of care without sacrificing comfort, dignity or quality of life.”
She added that the business’s greatest challenge lies in patience, allowing the market to mature and investors to understand that senior living is a long-term growth play.
“At 55% occupancy, we’re only scratching the surface of potential,” she said. “With more awareness and understanding, this sector will thrive.”
Sunway Sanctuary plans to keep innovating yearly through new wellness programmes, community activities and collaborations with academic institutions under the Jeffrey Sachs Centre to promote active ageing.
“Our aspiration is simple,” Lim said. “Whether someone needs recovery, long-term living or a vibrant place to retire, when Malaysians think of where to age gracefully, they’ll think of Sunway Sanctuary.”
