A Visionary Leader with a Passion for Quality and Sustainability!
In the realm of healthcare, the need for visionary leadership is paramount. Enter Farah Zulkharnain, the steadfast CEO of WQ Park Health & Rehabilitation Centre, whose indomitable spirit and commitment to quality have marked her journey in the field of healthcare.
Farah’s self-portrait is a testament to her leadership philosophy. She envisions herself as a leader who always keeps her gaze firmly fixed on the bigger picture, all the while remaining firmly rooted in the intricate details of daily operations. It’s this holistic approach that defines her path, ensuring that every aspect of her healthcare company aligns seamlessly with her vision.
WQ Park, established in 2010, is more than just a healthcare center; it’s a beacon of comprehensive rehabilitative services for individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Farah’s vision is not confined by borders; it extends to every corner of her home country, Malaysia. Her commitment to the well-being of her fellow citizens is not only palpable but also an intrinsic part of the DNA of WQ Park.
At WQ Park, quality isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. Farah firmly believes in the adage that excellence is a continuous process, and she ensures that every facet of the services provided adheres to the highest standards. For her and her dedicated team, quality isn’t negotiable—it’s the foundation upon which they build trust with their patients and the community.
However, Farah’s leadership goes beyond the realms of quality; it extends to sustainability. In an era where businesses must not only thrive but do so with an eye on the future, Farah ensures that WQ Park grows sustainably. Her conscious approach resonates with the changing landscape of healthcare, acknowledging the profound responsibility of contributing to a healthier world, both in the present and for generations to come.
As a visionary leader, Farah Zulkharnain is not just managing a healthcare center; she’s nurturing a legacy of excellence, compassion, and sustainability. Her journey is a testament to the idea that leadership is not just about steering an organization; it’s about shaping a healthier and more sustainable future.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
A Legacy of Achievement and Compassion
For Farah, success is not merely a destination but a journey filled with short and long-term goals, all contributing to the legacy one leaves in this world. She is committed to continually challenging herself, pushing beyond her comfort zone, and expanding her personal skills and knowledge.
As a devout Muslim, Farah’s definition of success extends beyond this worldly realm. She believes that the good deeds performed in this life will lead to a better life in the hereafter. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in her and also forms a core mission for WQ Park: to assist those in need, thus paving the way for success in the afterlife.
While external motivation can be a driving force in achieving success, Farah places greater importance on internal motivation. True success, she believes, is achieved when one wholeheartedly believes in their ability to attain their goals. This unwavering belief activates the subconscious mind, propelling individuals to work tirelessly towards their objectives. Farah’s approach to success is a combination of personal growth, compassion, and a resolute self-belief in the path she treads.
Elevating Malaysia’s Rehabilitation Industry to Global Excellence
Farah’s perspective on success revolves around leaving a lasting legacy through her life’s work and accomplishments. Success, in her view, is a journey of achieving both short and long-term goals while continually pushing her boundaries to improve personal skills and knowledge. As a person of faith, Farah believes that doing good in this world will shape a better life in the hereafter. Her motivation to help those in need is rooted in the desire for success not only in this world but also in the hereafter.
Farah recognizes the significance of self-belief as a driving force behind success. She emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself to step out of the comfort zone and improve one’s abilities. Her Muslim faith underlines the connection between deeds in this life and rewards in the hereafter, driving her mission to extend help to those in need. While external motivation has its role, she places greater emphasis on internal motivation, where a deep belief in one’s capacity to achieve goals paves the way for success. This inner belief compels the subconscious mind to work tirelessly toward realizing those aspirations.
Farah’s unwavering vision is to elevate the Rehabilitation Industry in Malaysia to international standards, and it’s this vision that prompted her leap of faith into the field. Her dedication to this vision is fueled by her passion for helping people and witnessing the transformative impact on patients’ lives. Her family, with a strong medical background, has served as a source of inspiration. Their patient-first approach and dedication to their profession have not only influenced Farah and her siblings but also a multitude of nieces and nephews who have chosen careers in medicine. Farah envisions giving back to her country and aspires to work with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, with the aim of enhancing public medical care through digital transformation and a patient-centric mindset.
Overcoming Challenges and Innovating
For Farah, a key challenge within the rehabilitation industry is making rehabilitation more accessible and approachable to the public. She and the founders of WQ Park firmly believe that rehabilitation centers are essential for addressing people’s overall wellness under one roof. While public acceptance of rehabilitation treatment has grown over the years, their mission involves further educating the public and raising awareness through various platforms and events.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. The pandemic compelled industries to invest in technology to remain relevant and sustainable. WQ Park responded by introducing telehealth services for rehabilitation, a valuable addition that continues to benefit clients. They also developed home kite therapy tools to enable patients and caregivers to continue their care at home during lockdowns. Their focus wasn’t merely to stay afloat; they wanted to ensure continued care for their clients, even in the absence of face-to-face meetings. Farah acknowledges the dedication of her team members in emerging from the pandemic stronger than before.
As Farah emphasizes, being in the rehabilitation industry requires substantial people management. Since they provide services centered around people, employee well-being remains a top priority. Over the years, WQ Park has introduced various benefits for their team members, and they recently introduced “Lifestyle” benefits that encompass leisure travel, hobbies, digital tools, personal development, and more. The commitment to retaining and rewarding employees is instrumental in delivering the highest quality of care. Farah’s experience in managing evolving workplace demands has emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and responsive to these changes.
WQ Park’s journey is marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of both their clients and their team members, reflecting Farah’s dedication to the rehabilitation industry and her vision for accessible and comprehensive wellness care.
A Pioneering Hub for Specialized Health and Rehabilitation
WQ Park is a specialized health and rehabilitation center that offers comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages, with a special focus on children and adults. Founded in 2010 by a dedicated team of specialists and doctors, the center envisions itself as a one-stop destination for all rehabilitation services and products, providing the highest standard of care and a commitment to excellence. The center’s team comprises certified and specialized physicians and therapists, and it boasts state-of-the-art rehabilitative equipment and modalities.
One of WQ Park’s notable achievements is the introduction of the First Robotic Hub in Southeast Asia, offering a complete range of robotics equipment for various medical conditions. Its inauguration in 2010 was graced by HRH His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. As Malaysia’s pioneering one-stop rehabilitation center, WQ Park takes pride in nurturing the next generation of allied health professionals. It provides a platform for learning and growth, fostering partnerships with local universities and institutions to cultivate future healthcare leaders.
Their commitment to excellence is encapsulated in the slogan “Simply Excellent Care,” chosen by their founder, Dato’ Sri Dr. Zulkharnain Ismail. With nearly 30 years of experience as a Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, he firmly believes in the significance of rehabilitation in the recovery process. WQ Park, often referred to as “A Healing Park,” is his aspiration to instill hope and improve the quality of life for those in need of rehabilitation.
Patients from across Malaysia and other countries place their trust in WQ Park’s exceptional care. With this trust, the center has expanded to three branches within the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. Their ambition is to extend their services nationwide and internationally in the coming years. WQ Park’s journey has been marked by a commitment to outstanding healthcare, fostering the growth of healthcare professionals, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of rehabilitation.
Transparency and Innovation
Transparency is a fundamental practice at WQ Park, where a well-balanced top-down and bottom-up management approach ensures that therapists are well-informed about the organization’s operations. This transparency is essential to improving quality standards and enhancing treatment procedures, which are continually tailored to meet patients’ specific needs. The success of these procedures is evaluated based on patients’ outcomes and recovery periods under the care of the therapists. The ultimate goal is to provide patients with the appropriate recovery period required for them to regain their normal lives or improve their quality of life.
WQ Park fosters a culture of openness and encourages therapists to propose innovative ideas. Therapists are exposed to various job tasks, preparing them for different roles and positions within the organization. This approach not only promotes professional development but also ensures that fresh and creative perspectives are welcomed. There’s an environment where individuals can freely share their ideas and contribute to the collective growth of the organization.
Farah, reflecting on her career at WQ Park, highlights the introduction of a new system to track patients’ progress. This system has not only streamlined internal operations but also provides patients with a clear understanding of their current status and the path toward their desired outcomes. The commitment to transparency and innovation is a testament to WQ Park’s dedication to providing the highest level of care and continuously improving the rehabilitation experience for its patients.
Blending Psychology, Government Service, and Rehabilitation Excellence
Farah’s educational and professional journey has been a diverse one, leading her to a unique blend of experiences that she now brings to her role at WQ Park. After earning her Psychology Degree from the International Medical University (IMU) Malaysia, she embarked on a significant chapter working with Malaysia’s National Branding under the Prime Minister’s Office. This experience exposed her to various aspects of national and international branding, communication strategies from the Prime Minister’s office, and active participation in nationwide events and walkabouts with the Prime Minister. Farah acknowledges the tremendous learning and skill development during her tenure in the Prime Minister’s Office, many of which she has since transferred to her role at WQ Park, resulting in a more professional outlook for the organization.
In today’s highly competitive business environment, the significance of branding cannot be overstated. Farah’s experience in branding and public relations has proven to be a valuable asset for WQ Park, enabling the organization to distinguish itself not only through the services it offers but also in how it presents itself to the public.
A crowning achievement for Farah and WQ Park has been the recognition as “The Best Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility in Southeast Asia.” This award, received in the current year, is a source of great pride for WQ Park, as it reflects their dedication to excellence in the field of rehabilitation. Farah expresses her gratitude for this honor and looks forward to a future filled with more achievements and recognition.
Expanding Quality Rehabilitation Care
As the CEO of WQ Park, Farah carries the responsibility of not only maintaining the exceptional quality of rehabilitation care but also expanding the reach of the business beyond Klang Valley, Malaysia. This year, the organization is set to open two new branches in different states in Malaysia, with a dedicated focus on ensuring consistent and integrated treatment approaches across all branches.
Stepping into her role as CEO, Farah has introduced innovative measures to enhance company efficiency. New departments like Quality Management and Rehab Support have been established to bolster the quality of care provided. Additionally, WQ Park actively collaborates with non-profit organizations in Malaysia, extending its reach to individuals who are in financial need. This reflects their commitment to offering rehabilitation services to a broader segment of the population.
One unique aspect of Farah’s leadership is her hands-on approach. She believes in maintaining a direct connection with the patients and their progress. By regularly engaging with patients and seeking their feedback, she gains insights into how WQ Park can continuously improve its services. Farah’s emphasis on quality and her dedication to patient feedback ensure that WQ Park Health’s growth is not only substantial but also sustainable.
Farah’s vision for WQ Park is not limited to its current success but extends to making high-quality rehabilitation care accessible to a broader geographic audience. Her commitment to maintaining standards while expanding is a testament to her dedication to the well-being of patients and her drive to make a positive impact on the rehabilitation industry in Malaysia.
