By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 29: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has officially approved the establishment of a branch of China’s Fudan University in Miri.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg thanked the ministry for approving Sarawak’s request to develop a new approach to medicine that integrates Eastern herbal knowledge with Western medical practices.
“Now the question is — can you extract molecules from our Sarawak biodiversity that can become genetic medicine, natural medicine, to treat existing diseases, including cancer? We already have these natural molecules.
“If this happens, we will need a lot of scientists from all disciplines,” he said during the 60th anniversary celebration of SMK Long Lama in Miri last night (March 28). An audio recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.
He noted that areas with rich biodiversity, particularly Baram, Belaga, and Kapit, are ideal for such research, and added that the initiative would combine local biodiversity with expertise and artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery.
During the event, Abang Johari announced a contribution of RM150,000 for SMK Long Lama and its community, allocating RM60,000 for school development, RM45,000 for the alumni, and RM45,000 for the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG).
In another development, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the Fudan University initiative is moving forward, but the next crucial step is securing approval from the Chinese government, as reported by TVS.
He noted that the first phase of the project involves establishing the Fudan (Southeast Asia) Institute of Integrative Medicine at the old Miri City Council building, which was officially handed over for the purpose last year.
Dr Sim added that the integrative medicine initiative will help address Sarawak’s critical shortage of doctors and is expected to lead to the development of a Fudan Hospital in Miri, which will increase healthcare capacity in northern Sarawak. — DayakDaily
