By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, June 3: Sarawak is moving closer to establishing Fudan University’s first overseas campus, with only final approval from the Chinese government remaining before the project can proceed.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said he will travel to Beijing next week to secure the final consent from Chinese authorities for the proposed establishment of the prestigious higher education institution in Sarawak.
He said the proposal has already received approval from the Shanghai government, the Sarawak government, and the Malaysian government, leaving approval from the Chinese government as the final outstanding requirement.
“What is still needed is approval from the Chinese government in Beijing, and that is why I will be going next week in the hope of obtaining the final endorsement.
“I have also sought the assistance of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia to help ensure that the Chinese Government gives its approval to this initiative,” he said as per reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He said this when met by the media at a dinner held in conjunction with the official visit of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, His Excellency Ouyang Yujing, organised by the United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu on Tuesday (june 2).
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the proposed Fudan University medical school is vital in addressing the Sarawak’s shortage of around 2,000 doctors.
He added that once approval is secured, attention will shift to the development and construction of the medical school.
“Talent development and education remain key priorities for the Sarawak government in our efforts to strengthen human capital and drive long-term development,” he emphasised.
Dr Sim also highlighted that the Sarawak government continues to invest heavily in education through various initiatives, including free tertiary education and financial assistance for eligible students.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang, Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
