AI may be changing more than how Malaysians search for information, with growing use of chatbots for health questions potentially giving private hospitals a new source of patient demand.
Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude and Google Gemini are becoming increasingly popular among Malaysians, including for healthcare-related queries.
A Vodus survey found that 67% of Malaysians had used an AI tool within the preceding three months, highlighting the growing role of AI in everyday life.
According to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB), the trend is particularly relevant to the healthcare sector, with BCG data showing that higher-income consumers are significantly more likely to turn to LLMs for healthcare-related purposes.
This could potentially support stronger demand for private healthcare services. AI-driven healthcare engagement also appears to extend well beyond younger users.
While Gen Z records the highest adoption rate at 78%, usage remains substantial among Millennials at 71% and Gen X at 50%.
Even older generations are increasingly turning to AI for personal healthcare needs, with 31% of Baby Boomers and 16% of those aged 78 and above reporting such usage.
The broad adoption across age groups suggests that LLMs could play a growing role in how consumers become more aware of their health, particularly when using AI to investigate symptoms, understand medical conditions or consider treatment options.
More importantly, we believe LLMs could influence healthcare demand by acting as an initial point of consultation.
Rather than simply adopting a “wait and see” approach when symptoms emerge, consumers may be more inclined to seek professional medical attention after using AI to better understand their condition.
Unlike existing structural trends (ageing population, increasing prevalence of NCDs, and preference for private healthcare), which are longer-term in nature, HLIB believes that the increasing use of LLMs for healthcare queries could generate a more immediate tailwind for Malaysian hospital operators such as IHH, SunMed and KPJ.
Their top sector picks are IHH and KPJ, which they believe are well positioned to ride on this emerging theme, while their recent share price sell-downs have also made valuations relatively attractive.—Sept 15, 2026
Main image: onlogic.com
