What’s the next frontier for expanding Raffles Med?

It’s fortifying its presence in China’s gateway cities.

Expect plenty of horizontal growth for the healthcare firm in the near term, as it plans to expand its already-vast horizons, targeting Asian gateway cities.

According to RHB Research, Raffles Medical Group is complementing its soft earnings growth with more expansion, starting from its Holland Village which remains on track for opening in 1Q16.

RHB Research also says Raffles Med is also strengthening its grasp in China, illustrated by its $34m JV with International SOS, which will involve the healthcare company taking over and operating 10 clinics in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia next year.

Analysts are also optimistic of the group’s strategy to target gateway cities in Asia, as it increases its direct presence.

“In addition, the group recently opened a medical centre in Osaka city, Japan, which is a regional gateway city with increasing business and tourism linkages with Korea and China,” RHB Research said.