By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 10: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for experts to explore regenerative medicine as a new branch of medical science, including the potential use of Sarawak’s biodiversity in developing bio-based cells.
He said the emerging field could potentially offer new approaches to addressing diseases, including cancer, while stressing that further research by medical experts was needed.
“I just ask them to do research on what we call regenerative cell.
“That is perhaps a new branch of medical science where you can develop bio-based cell, maybe from our biodiversity, where they can perhaps regenerate your cell,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of Sarawak SHInE International Conference (SHInE) 2026 held at Imperial Hotel here today.
Abang Johari said regenerative technology could potentially help regenerate ageing cells, although the reactions of cells to such treatments would need to be scientifically studied.
He pointed out that people in ancient times were believed to have lived longer, saying he had read research suggesting that they consumed more raw food, which retained more of its original biological properties compared with modern food containing more chemicals.
“I’m not a scientist, but that’s why I ask them to do a study on that. Why did people in ancient times live longer? Why nowadays people die at 60 already?” he said.
Abang Johari said the question could also be studied in relation to the ageing of human cells and the potential of regenerative medicine to regenerate them.
He added that Sarawak’s extensive forest resources could provide a basis for further research, noting that more than 400,000 square kilometres of Borneo remained forested.
He also said about 62 per cent of Sarawak’s 124,000-square-kilometre landmass remained forested.
Abang Johari further said Sarawak could collaborate with experts from outside the State while developing its own pool of talent to undertake research in the field.
He cited Singapore as an example, saying the country had strong research capabilities but lacked the same natural resources available in Sarawak.
“Singapore is very strong in research, but they don’t have the material. You just compare between the two. So what we do, we collaborate. We have the material, but we develop our talent,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari had urged experts to study regenerative cell technology for potential solutions to emerging diseases, particularly cancer.
“I read something about this, where the bio-raw materials can be developed as a platform for regenerative cell.
“If it can be found in our biodiversity, there is potential that we may be able to solve solutions on cancer disease,” he said.
Also present were Minister For Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Malcom Mussen Lamoh; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) chief executive officer and SHInE 2026 organising chairman, Associate Prof. Dr Ivan K.S. Yap; and Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) general manager and SHInE 2026 organising chairman Dr Peter Morin Nissom. — DayakDaily
