By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 13: Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre is currently in active discussion with the UK-South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub (UK-SEA Vax Hub) for potential investment in vaccine development, transfer of technology and manufacturing of vaccines in the new SIDC facility.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said SIDC has been coopted as a member of the UK-SEA Vax Hub.
As Sarawak’s own infectious disease research entity, he said SIDC has also forayed into co-developing infectious disease diagnostic kits, starting with malaria and tuberculosis.
“Noteworthy progress has been achieved between SIDC and renowned research centres from western Australia, South Korea, and Germany, in terms of knowledge exchange, training and technology-sharing including harmonisation of research protocols,” he said during his ministry’s winding-up speech at the august House here today.
On Sarawak Science Centre, Roland said its development has reached 20 per cent completion, with plans for it to be open to the public by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Following a visit by a delegation to Germany and Switzerland to benchmark against leading science centres in Experimenta and Technorama, he said his ministry is determined to ensure that Sarawak Science Centre meets their standards of excellence.
“Additionally, we had fruitful discussions with Hüttinger GmbH, our appointed manufacturer for the centre’s exhibits, regarding project timelines and details.
“We also had the opportunity to visit their factory and gain insights into their operations,” he added. — DayakDaily
