Singaporeans Turn to Malaysian Clinics for Stem Cell Therapy Amid Local Regulations

In search of a solution for his knee issues, Mr. Lam began exploring various options and found a Malaysian firm based in Selangor that offered stem cell therapy. The company, International Cancer Therapy & Stem Cells Technology (ICT & SCT), claims to collaborate with certified laboratories and medical professionals to provide stem cell treatments to both local and international clients.

Initially uncertain about the credibility of the treatment and the quality of the stem cells, Mr. Lam conducted further research and inquiries, which alleviated his concerns. In July of last year, he traveled to Kuala Lumpur to receive stem cell therapy for his knees at a private facility. The process included harvesting stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue and culturing them in a certified laboratory, as explained by Mr. Lim from the company. These stem cells, known for their regenerative abilities, were then injected into Mr. Lam's knee cartilage, where they were expected to foster the growth of new cartilage tissue.

After the initial injection, Mr. Lam experienced significant swelling and pain in his knees, which lasted for a few days. He noted that while the left knee improved after the swelling subsided, the right knee continued to hurt, prompting him to return for a second round of injections in November. This time, the swelling persisted for a week; however, he eventually enjoyed pain-free movement in both knees. Mr. Lam reported spending RM30,000 (approximately US$6,700) for his treatments, now feeling free to dance, run, and jump without discomfort.

Mr. Lam's experience reflects a broader trend among Singaporeans seeking out stem cell therapy in Malaysia due to the lack of official approval for such treatments within Singapore. Many individuals are looking for alternatives to conventional options like total knee replacement or microfracture surgeries. The Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Centre (KLSMC), which has conducted over 1,000 stem cell procedures since its inception in 2007, noted that they see, on average, one patient from Singapore each year. Dr. Saw Khay Yong, an orthopaedic surgeon at KLSMC, commented that Singaporeans typically pursue treatment in Malaysia only when they exhaust local options.