Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram brings over two decades of experience in cancer and noncommunicable disease (NCD) control, with a deep understanding of both global and developing health systems. Her leadership focuses on aligning efforts across universal health coverage, with expertise in governance, financing, and accountability.
She holds key roles in national and international organisations, building partnerships across government, private, and civil society sectors. As an advisor to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, she has supported the integration of NCDs into UHC policy and strengthen civil society mobilisation.
She currently serves as President and Medical Director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), and as Co-Chairperson of NCD Malaysia. She is a board member of the NCD Alliance (NCDA), City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), and formerly of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
For her services, she was conferred the title Dato’ by HRH, The Sultan of Perak, Malaysia.
