By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 10: Health Management International (HMI) Medical’s RM400 million-plus Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is targeted to open in 2029, with the 300-bed facility expected to create more than 1,000 jobs when fully operational.
The hospital, HMI Medical’s first in Sarawak, will be built in two phases at NorthBank township, with the initial phase involving an investment of more than RM400 million.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project marked an important step in Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional centre for advanced healthcare, medical education, biomedical research and digital health innovation.
“The arrival of HMI Medical demonstrate that Sarawak’s transformation is attracting partners who are prepared to invest in the long term.
“This is not merely about constructing another hospital. It is about building confidence that Sarawak has the economic fundamentals to support world-class healthcare and confidence that our people deserve access to quality medical services closer to home for generations to come,” he said in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony here today.
Earlier, HMI Medical Group Chief Executive Officer Chin Wei Jia said the 300-bed hospital would create more than 1,000 jobs covering medical, nursing, allied health, healthcare management, technical and support services when fully operational.
Alongside the hospital development, HMI Medical is committing RM50 million over five years through its HMI Malaysia Healthcare Workforce 2030 fund to support the development of a future-ready healthcare workforce.
“The HMI Malaysia Healthcare Workforce 2030 fund will support scholarships, education sponsorships, clinical attachments, and professional development opportunities across HMI Malaysia’s hospitals in Kuching, Johor and Melaka,” she said.
Meanwhile, HMI Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Stanley Lam said investing in local talent was the group’s immediate focus ahead of the hospital’s opening.
“By partnering with educational institutions and healthcare organisations, we are building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to shape the next generation of care in the State,” he said.
Designed as a next-generation SMART tertiary specialist hospital, Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching will integrate advanced medical technologies, connected digital systems and intelligent clinical workflows.
Its facilities will include a comprehensive cancer centre, smart wards, advanced operating theatres, intensive care, diagnostic and treatment facilities, as well as dedicated amenities for patients and visitors.
The hospital will draw on HMI Medical’s 28-year experience through its Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka, both of which are Elite Members of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.
HMI Medical also has 12 representative offices across Indonesia, which will support efforts to expand access to specialist care for medical travellers from the region.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; HMI Executive Chairman and Managing Director Dr Gan See Khem; and HMI Medical hospitals in Malaysia’s Board of Directors member Dr Richard Chew Kim Huat. — DayakDaily
