Fudan research hub a crucial step to ease doctor shortage in Sarawak, says Dr Sim
Teo (fifth left) presents a souvenir to Dr Sim after the official launching of KSC Summit 2025. MIRI (Nov 23): The establishment of the Fudan University Institute of Integrative Medicine Research Development Centre and its AI Medical Research Hub here marks an important step in Sarawak’s efforts to address its longstanding shortage of medical professionals, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Deputy Premier said the collaboration with the top Chinese institution forms part of the state’s strategy to strengthen its medical training pipeline, including plans for a medical school that could help produce some of the 2,500 doctors needed in Sarawak and across Malaysia. “That is why this Fudan University research hub is a good beginning. Hopefully, with the medical school helping some of the 2,500 doctors, it will contribute to easing the shortage of doctors in Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said at the launching of the Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) Summit 2025 here. Dr Sim, also State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s transition from resource-based industries to high-value sectors driven by talent, technology and research. “We do not want to remain an energy basket. We want to become a centre of talent,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s rapid progress in digital and high-tech development had attracted strong international interest. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) not only in modern medical practice, but also in advancing research into Borneo’s biodiversity for pharmaceutical and therapeutic development. Dr Sim commended Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd and its chairman Teo Ah Khing for driving the KSC initiative, and emphasised the importance of long-term investment in youth to sustain the state’s talent development agenda. Meanwhile, Teo said the summit marks a turning point for Miri as it moves from its historic role as the birthplace of Malaysia’s oil and gas industry into a future hub for AI, integrative medicine and biomedical innovation. He noted that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg approved the KSC plans within six days, underscoring the state government’s commitment to developing new knowledge-based industries. “Kenyalang Smart City is not only a project. It is a blueprint for future cities in Sarawak,” he said. Teo, who is KSC Summit 2025 organising chairman, said the Sarawak government’s allocation of a landmark building in central Miri to house the Fudan Centre demonstrated strong and proactive leadership. He also praised the contributions of Fudan University’s Prof Dong Jingcheng, whose global standing in integrative medicine has helped shape the vision for the research hub. The summit also coincided with the 14th International Conference on Traditional and Modern Medicine, which saw participation from medical professionals from Malaysia, China, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore — a development Teo said reflects growing confidence in Miri as a venue for medical thought leadership. “Miri has produced global leaders across many fields. We intend to build on that momentum,” he said. Source
AI-driven healthcare takes centre stage at Miri’s KSC Summit 2025
(From left) Tuong, Lee, Dong and Teo with the signed MoUs. MIRI (Nov 23): Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to drive the next wave of healthcare innovation in Sarawak, with Miri positioned to lead regional development under the Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) initiative. State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the theme of this year’s KSC Summit, ‘AI + Healthcare: From Research to Real World Impact’, reflects a global shift toward data-driven healthcare and presents major opportunities for Sarawak. “AI is reshaping diagnostics, therapeutics and public health systems worldwide. For Miri and Sarawak, this is the moment to translate research into solutions that improve health outcomes,” he said at the opening of the KSC Summit 2025 here. A key highlight was the growing collaboration in integrative and AI-supported medicine, particularly Fudan University Joint Research Centre for Innovative Drug Development in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine + AI Medical Experience Centre known as ‘THE HALL’, which is supported by Curtin University Malaysia and led by Imasa Dinasti. Lee said the centre demonstrates how AI and integrative medicine can work together to develop new therapeutics and improve clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the summit to strengthen Miri’s position in AI healthcare. The first, involving Imasa Dinasti, Fudan University and Curtin Malaysia, formalises cooperation in AI-driven integrative medicine and innovative drug development within the KSC ecosystem. The second MoU, between Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering & Science and Fudan University’s Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, covers joint research, academic exchanges, co-supervision and scholarships. Lee said both agreements will nurture local talent and expand Sarawak’s access to world-leading expertise and facilities. He stressed that AI healthcare is a core pillar of the wider KSC initiative, aiming to build a healthier, more resilient and inclusive society through advanced technologies, data analytics and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The summit, he added, supports Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, especially in digital transformation, education and research excellence. “With commitment and collaboration, we can translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact,” he said, while commending Curtin Malaysia, Fudan University, Imasa Dinasti and the TAK Group for advancing high-impact innovation. Also present at the summit’s opening ceremony were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebatian Ting; Imasa Dinasti chairman Teo Ah Khing; Fudan University’s Institute of Integrative Medicine director Prof Dong Jing Cheng; and Curtin Malaysia deputy pro vice-chancellor Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu. Source
