Kuala Lumpur, 6 February 2026 – Project Blue Dot, a prostate cancer awareness and screening initiative spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (RCKLDR), marked a major national milestone through the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and BIG CARiNG Group — expanding the existing tripartite partnership to take the initiative nationwide, and strengthen prostate cancer screening outreach across Malaysia. The nationwide phase builds on the Klang Valley pilot, which screened more than 1,000 men and demonstrated the need for wider access to early detection.
The milestone took place during World Cancer Day 2026, themed “United by Unique”, held at Balai Budaya Tun Syed Nasir, Wisma DBP, Kuala Lumpur, and officiated by YB Datuk Seri Haji Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health.
World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), calling on governments, organisations and communities to strengthen cancer awareness, prevention, early detection and access to care. In Malaysia, the programme aligns with national efforts to reinforce cancer control and advocacy for stronger public health outcomes.
NCSM’s Role in Driving Cancer Awareness & Community Action
As one of Malaysia’s key cancer advocacy organisations, NCSM’s platform for World Cancer Day 2026 brought together multi-sector stakeholders for an impactful national programme, including discussions on prevention strategies, cancer financing, mental health, nutrition and holistic care.
Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Prof. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director, National Cancer Society Malaysia said the strength of national cancer control lies in sustained partnerships and community mobilisation.
“The nationwide expansion of Project Blue Dot marks a significant milestone in strengthening cancer awareness and early detection efforts across Malaysia. At NCSM, we believe that meaningful cancer prevention begins at the community level, supported by strong partnerships and sustained public engagement.“
From a Rotary Initiative to a National Screening Movement
Project Blue Dot was initiated as a community-driven mission to encourage earlier screening and improve outcomes through early detection. To date, the initiative has screened more than 1,000 men, with over 100 individuals recording elevated PSA readings, and approximately 10 to 11 individuals detected with cancer — highlighting the urgency of expanding screening access and awareness nationwide.
Dato’ Dr Prakash Rao, President of the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja, said the collaboration reflected Rotary’s commitment to long-term, measurable healthcare impact. “Project Blue Dot is built on a simple truth — early detection saves lives. This partnership strengthens our capacity to reach more men, faster, and with better coordination for follow-up care.”
Pradeep Balaram, Project Blue Dot Director, described the nationwide expansion as a crucial next step in scaling a movement that has already demonstrated strong outcomes on the ground.
“This is beyond awareness — this is action with measurable results. When we screen early, we don’t just detect cancer, we prevent families from losing fathers, husbands, brothers and sons too soon.”
Clinical Leadership & Screening Advocacy
Dr Malwinder, also known as “The Bald Oncologist,” and Project Lead for Project Blue Dot, emphasised the importance of screening before symptoms appear.
“Prostate cancer can be silent early on. The earlier we detect risk, the better the outcomes. This nationwide collaboration makes it possible to bring screening closer to the community — and normalise it for men.”
Project Blue Dot’s leadership team comprises:
- Dato’ Dr Prakash Rao – President, Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja
- Pradeep Balaram – Project Blue Dot Director
- Dr Malwinder (“The Bald Oncologist”) – Project Lead
- Aiman Manan – Strategic Partnerships & Mobilisation Lead
Project Blue Dot operates through a coordinated care pathway. Initial PSA screenings are offered at selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets and community sites organised by Rotary KL DiRaja, with priority for men aged 45 and above, particularly those from B40 and high-risk groups. Test results are reviewed under the clinical oversight of the NCSM, which provides counselling, risk assessment and referral management.
Men with elevated PSA levels are channelled to partner hospitals for further evaluation, including subsidised urologist consultations, diagnostic procedures such as biopsies and PET PSMA scans where required, with eligible patients receiving financial assistance and continued support through treatment and survivorship programs.
Supporting Wider Community Reach
Project Blue Dot’s nationwide impact is built on community outreach that connects awareness with action. BIG CARiNG Group supports this effort by extending the initiative into neighbourhoods through its BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy network, providing convenient touchpoints where men can learn, ask questions and access PSA screening closer to home.
Mr. Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARiNG Group said, “When we began Project Blue Dot in the Klang Valley together with NCSM and Rotary Club of KL DiRaja, our focus was on making the first step simple and approachable and that is allowing men to check their PSA levels at a place they already trust. The response proved that convenience matters in overcoming hesitation. We are encouraged by the impact we’ve seen and are excited to see the initiative go nationwide. Our BIG and CARiNG Pharmacy doors remain open and will continue to serve as accessible screening touchpoints, while also encouraging earlier conversations about prostate health.”
As Project Blue Dot enters its nationwide phase, the initiative welcomes corporate organisations, associations, community groups, and healthcare partners who share the same mission to strengthen early screening and men’s health advocacy across Malaysia.
Follow BIG Pharmacy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bigpharmacymy) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/bigpharmacymy/) or CARiNG Pharmacy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/caring2u/) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/caringpharmacy_my/) for updates on participating stores and upcoming Project Blue Dot screening events.