By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: A United States-based company specialising in wound management and collagen production is planning to invest between USD20 million and USD40 million to establish a high-tech collagen manufacturing plant in Kuching, aimed at advancing wound treatment and tissue regeneration.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian revealed that the company had recently met with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and himself to discuss the investment, which will support Sarawak’s aspirations to lead in regenerative medicine.
“This collagen production plant will be crucial in the process of wound healing, where the skin does not regenerate on its own but requires regenerative technology.
“The factory will produce this specialised product, not just for Sarawak, but for global use,” he told reporters after officiating the 5th International Burn and Wound Conference (IBW) held at a hotel here today.
He noted that Sarawak possesses unique natural compounds that could contribute to the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
“For us, that service is crucial, especially for hospitals and related sectors.
“Additionally, we can conduct research into certain compounds with the potential to contribute to a new branch of medicine known as regenerative medicine,” he added.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stressed that Sarawak must build a complete healthcare ecosystem — encompassing quality healthcare services, medical product manufacturing, scientific research, and sufficient skilled manpower.
“Our aim is not just to provide medical services like medical tourism, but to master the entire value chain — from research and development, to production, and ultimately, global marketing of medical products,” he said.
Among those present at the IBW conference were IBW and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) chairman Dr Ding Chu Yeh, SGH director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, national head of Plastic Surgery Specialty Dr Mohammad Ali Mat Zain, State Clinical Expert head and Plastic Surgery Department head at SGH Dr Daphne Dewi Stephen Kalong, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Association of Malaysia chairman Dr Shah Jumaat Mohd Yussof, and Business Development and Marketing general manager at Business Events Sarawak Jason Tan Chin Foo. — DayakDaily
