By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 2: Following Indonesia’s plan to shift its capital to Kalimantan, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg urged Sarawakians to think about the great business potential in the services sector such as the provision of premium education and healthcare.
He pointed out that Singaporeans have already made their move by showing intention to invest in healthcare provision in Kuching, to cater for the large demand expected to be brought about by Indonesia’s capital shift.
He announced that there will be four private hospitals of international standard in Sarawak, of which two of them will expand their facilities, while the other two are brand new ones to be established in anticipation of Indonesia’s capital shift which is expected to begin in 2024.
“There will be four private hospitals, two expansions, two are new ones. I can’t disclose at the moment,” he told the media after witnessing the agreement signing ceremony between Saradise Sdn Bhd and Borneo International School for the setting up of Borneo International School new campus held at Saradise Kuching here today.
Also present was Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari revealed that one of the private hospitals which will undergo expansion is the Borneo Medical Centre (BMC).
Meanwhile, on premium education, he encouraged more international schools such as Borneo International School to be set up especially in cities with large expatriate population.
He suggested that an international school may be needed in Samalaju, Bintulu following the huge foreign investment in the industrial area.
“I am just suggesting that private sector may set up international schools to cater for the needs of expatriates, especially for the executives who are working in the multinational companies located in Samalaju,” he said.
Abang Johari also foresaw that with Indonesia shifting its capital to Kalimantan, there will be great potential in premium education such as that provided by Borneo International School.
Apart from increase demand in premium education, he also believed that property market near educational institutions that offer premium education may also be boosted.
Meanwhile, Borneo International School revealed that it will move in to the new campus at Saradise, Kuching here in 2023 which according to its chairman Tan Seng Lee, will cater for more than 1,200 students on its four-acre site.
“Its comprehensive range of facilities will include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, performing arts and drama studios, 25-metre swimming pool, libraries, multipurpose indoor sports hall, conservation and sustainability space, outdoor playgrounds which are complemented by a campus-wide security system,” he said.
Group CEO of Saradise Sdn Bhd Datuk Chris Chung Soon Nam, on the other hand, said the group has been looking for an education partner to fit into its first signature project – Saradise Kuching.
“I am very pleased that we are now building an alliance with Borneo International School, to share the common goal of providing opportunities for quality education to the children of Sarawak and even beyond our shores,” he said.
Chung also shared the commitment of Abang Johari to develop Sarawak into becoming the “Bavaria of Asia” within the next decade by building a good ecosystem and digital platform in propelling Sarawak towards a high-income economy and advanced state in Malaysia by 2030.— DayakDaily
