By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 15: Sarawak is actively exploring collaboration and opportunities with Japan to leverage advanced technology in producing materials and products for the medical sector.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that during his visit to Japan last month, he gained valuable insights into technology that utilises gas to produce polyethylene and polyester.
“These materials can be used in manufacturing medical products and advanced machinery. This is a new material. Sarawak is partnering with Japan to produce raw materials essential for the medical sector, including various types of gloves and robotics technology.
“With our abundant gas resources, we can also produce low-carbon synthetic gas. We will collaborate with Japan to develop products using this innovative technology. Hopefully, Japanese companies will establish operations in Sarawak,” he stated when officiating the Prima Health Centre at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Teaching Hospital in Kota Samarahan today.
This initiative, he added, will also enhance the role of Unimas in the healthcare sector.
Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to advancing the healthcare sector, highlighting the ongoing development of the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre and the Sarawak Cancer Centre.
He emphasised the potential for Sarawak’s healthcare sector to achieve significant breakthroughs by integrating local traditional herbal medicine with Western medical practices to discover remedies or cures for tropical diseases.
“Research in this area is crucial. Exploring new methods to treat tropical diseases presents opportunities for our scientists, pharmacists, and doctors to conduct impactful research—not just for Sarawak, but for humanity. The government is serious about investing in this sector,” he added.
At the event, Unimas signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Borneo Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three strategic partners: China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & University College Dublin, Malaysia Campus; and SustaiNation.
The primary goal of these MoU and MoA signings is to establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration in various fields, particularly in medical and healthcare technology, digitalisation, smart hospitals, and recycling—all aimed at driving transformation in the healthcare sector.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Unimas board of director chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and Unimas vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit were among those present. — DayakDaily
