By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 30: The Sarawak government has committed RM300 million towards establishing an advanced biomedical research laboratory equipped with cutting-edge scientific capabilities as part of its ambition to position the State as a regional hub for health research, biotechnology and precision medicine.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment underscores Sarawak’s commitment to strengthening biomedical research, accelerating scientific innovation and enhancing preparedness against future and emerging diseases.
The biomedical research facility, he emphasised, would support Sarawak’s aspiration to become a centre for international scientific collaboration and investment while advancing the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“The initiative complements Sarawak’s strategic collaboration with Fudan Hospital, China, aimed at strengthening scientific research, accelerating the development of new medicines and improving readiness against future health threats.
“Sarawak is in the final stages of securing approval to establish a Fudan University branch campus in Miri, which will contribute towards addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals while nurturing the next generation of doctors, scientists, researchers and innovators.
“These initiatives demonstrate that Sarawak is not simply preparing for the future — we are helping to shape it,” he said in his speech delivered by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the opening ceremony of the 19th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ACCLS) held in conjunction with the 35th National Scientific Conference of the Malaysian Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MIMLS) at a hotel here today.
Speaking on the conference theme, “The Future-Proof Lab: Harnessing AI and Sustainable Technology for Global Health”, Dr Sim described it as timely and visionary amid rapid technological advancements transforming healthcare worldwide.
He said future laboratories would be defined not merely by sophisticated equipment but by how effectively artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, automation and sustainable innovations are harnessed to improve patient care, strengthen public health systems and enhance global health security.
“Future-proofing our laboratories is not merely about adopting new technologies. It is equally about investing in people, strengthening scientific competencies, upholding quality standards and ensuring that innovation ultimately translates into better healthcare outcomes for our communities,” he said.
Dr Sim, a cardiologist by training, emphasised the critical role played by medical laboratory professionals in healthcare delivery, noting that nearly 70 per cent of medical decisions are supported by laboratory test results.
“Today, laboratory medicine is entering a new era driven by AI-powered diagnostics, digital pathology, genomics, next-generation sequencing and automation, all of which are reshaping disease detection, precision medicine and laboratory efficiency.
“The laboratory profession is not merely adapting to change — it is leading it,” he said.
Dr Sim said the vision aligns closely with Sarawak’s healthcare transformation agenda under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, which focuses on healthcare infrastructure, digital innovation, biomedical research, education and human capital development.
Among the State’s flagship healthcare projects is the RM1 billion Sarawak Cancer Centre, a 310-bed facility that will significantly strengthen oncology services and enable more Sarawakians to access world-class cancer treatment closer to home upon completion.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s progress in healthcare digitalisation, with more than 150 primary healthcare facilities statewide already adopting the Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS).
“To further strengthen the initiative, the Sarawak government has contributed RM10 million for information and communications technology (ICT) hardware procurement and infrastructure enhancement across healthcare facilities,” he shared.
Dr Sim said digitalisation is not simply about replacing paper-based systems but creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem where information flows seamlessly, enabling faster diagnoses, better clinical decisions and improved patient care.
“Behind every digital healthcare platform is quality laboratory data. Behind every AI application is reliable scientific evidence. Behind every precision medicine is accurate molecular diagnostics and genomic testing,” he said.
Dr Sim said the hosting of the 19th ACCLS in Sarawak was fitting given the State’s growing emphasis on healthcare innovation and scientific advancement.
He encouraged delegates to take full advantage of the conference to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, forge partnerships and strengthen regional collaboration in laboratory medicine.
The conference brought together medical laboratory professionals, researchers, students and healthcare experts from across ASEAN and beyond to discuss emerging trends, technological innovations and best practices in clinical laboratory sciences.
Dr Sim also congratulated MIMLS and the ASEAN Association for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (AACLS) for their continued efforts in advancing the medical laboratory profession and strengthening cooperation among laboratory professionals throughout the region.
AACLS president Dr Hajah Surita Mohamad Taib, MIMLS president Professor Dr Mohd Nazil Salleh, and 19th ACCLS organising chairperson Abdul Razak Abdul Khalid were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
