Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and mobile network operator CelcomDigi Berhad have conducted one of the world’s first real-time, multi-country live ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgery powered by 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) technologies.
The live surgery, led by Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkiflee bin Abu Bakar, Director of UMMC, Otorhinolaryngologist and Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, and Dr. Julius Goh Liang Chye, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Specialist ENT, was streamed in real-time to medical students and international specialists from leading institutions in the United States (Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic and Vanderbilt University Medical Centre), as well as from across Asia, including South Korea, Bhutan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and several states in Malaysia such as Putrajaya, Kedah, Johor and Sarawak. All were connected to the operating theatre in UMMC through an immersive AI-powered HoloMedicine® Robotics XR platform by apoQlar.
Using 5G the live transmission delivered smooth, synchronous, high-definition visuals that enabled participants to observe critical surgical steps with exceptional precision and clarity, while engaging in real-time remote proctoring and two-way live clinical feedback. The surgical procedure showcased how next-generation connectivity can transform surgical training, remote clinical collaboration and cross-border medical knowledge exchange.
UMMC’s Director, Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkiflee said, “Through real-time, immersive XR technology, our clinicians and students were able to participate in surgical procedures beyond physical boundaries. Our partnership with CelcomDigi allows us to create new possibilities for cross-border collaboration, expanding access to specialist training, improving clinical capability and ultimately enhancing patient care.”
