In a groundbreaking move to advance men’s health in Malaysia, BIG CARiNG Group, the nation’s largest pharmacy network, has joined forces with the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (RCKL DiRaja) and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to expand early prostate cancer detection and awareness through the Project Blue Dot initiative.
The collaboration, sealed through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marks a united front to reach 2 million Malaysian men and provide 3,000 free screenings, with special focus on B40 and high-risk groups.
A Partnership for Early Detection and Awareness
The MOU was signed by Mr. Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARiNG Group, Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao, President of RCKL DiRaja, and Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, President of NCSM.
Through this partnership, RCKL DiRaja will continue to lead the project by subsidising Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings and ensuring follow-up for individuals who test positive or show elevated PSA levels.
NCSM provides the medical expertise — including healthcare professionals, laboratory analysis, and screening protocols — while BIG CARiNG Group brings the initiative closer to the public by hosting screenings at selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets nationwide.
Speaking at the launch, Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao, President of the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (2025/2026), highlighted how crucial it is to normalise conversations about men’s health.
“Many men still feel uncomfortable talking about anything related to the prostate. Through Project Blue Dot, we want to remove that stigma. Getting screened isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a responsible act of strength.
When communities talk openly, more men step forward, and more lives can be saved through early detection.”
3,000 Free Screenings for Malaysian Men
As the first milestone under this partnership, Project Blue Dot will offer 3,000 free prostate cancer screenings for Malaysian men aged 45 and above, prioritising those from B40 communities and high-risk groups.
According to Dr. Malwinder Singh Sandhu, Clinical Oncologist and Project Lead for Project Blue Dot, the effort goes far beyond basic testing.
“This is not just a screening programme. It’s about ensuring that no man with a high PSA result is left without care or follow-up. Through partnerships with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre, men with elevated PSA levels can receive free urologist consultations and subsidised procedures such as biopsies and PET PSMA scans,”
The project also includes treatment support, covering advanced care like stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Up to 20 B40 patients will receive full financial aid for diagnostic and treatment services, with the project running until June 2026.
Addressing a Silent Yet Growing Threat
Prostate cancer is now the third most common cancer among Malaysian men, yet over 60% of cases are only diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage 3 or 4), when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favorable.
Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, President of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, stressed the importance of early screening:
“Prostate cancer often develops silently. A simple PSA blood test, which is painless and quick, can make the difference between an easily treatable disease and a life-threatening condition. Through Project Blue Dot, we’re taking this service directly into communities, making preventive health a natural part of everyday life.”
Unfortunately, cultural sensitivities and misconceptions continue to deter many men from early testing, particularly in rural or conservative settings. Project Blue Dot seeks to bridge this health hesitation gap by making screening more accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.
Pharmacies as the First Step to Better Men’s Health
For many Malaysians, the pharmacy is the first stop when something feels wrong — making it the ideal place to begin the conversation on men’s health.
Mr. Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARiNG Group, shared the Group’s commitment to championing early detection and awareness:
“Through Project Blue Dot, we’re offering PSA screenings directly at our BIG and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets. Early detection should be easy and approachable. Together with RCKL DiRaja and NCSM, we’re removing the fear that stops men from seeking help, continuing our mission under the ‘Ribbon of Hope’ initiative that supports cancer awareness and care.”
Screenings under Project Blue Dot will be available at selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy stores across Klang Valley from 15 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
Men aged 45 and above, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer or from B40 backgrounds, are strongly encouraged to participate.
Empowering Conversations, Saving Lives
The event also hosted a powerful panel discussion titled “The Turning 40s Wake-Up Call: Starting Conversations About Prostate Health Early.”
Panelists included Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao, Dr. Malwinder Singh Sandhu, Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, and Yeow Shiau Hueh, Assistant Manager of Pharmacy Practice at BIG CARiNG Group.
The discussion underscored how many men delay or avoid medical checks until symptoms appear — often when it’s too late. By engaging pharmacies and community groups as safe, approachable touchpoints, Project Blue Dot hopes to close that gap and make men’s health part of everyday conversations.
A Blue Dot for Hope and Health
With BIG CARiNG Group, Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja, and NCSM uniting under one mission, Project Blue Dot represents a major step toward improving prostate cancer awareness and detection nationwide.
Through open dialogue, early screening, and accessible care, the initiative sends a clear message: men’s health matters — and taking that first step could save a life.
Keywords :
- Project Blue Dot Malaysia
- BIG CARiNG prostate cancer screening
- Prostate cancer awareness Malaysia
- Free PSA screening Malaysia
- Rotary Club KL DiRaja cancer initiative
- NCSM prostate cancer
- Prostate cancer early detection
