World’s first museum integrating medicine, biodiversity to be established in Miri

Teo (left) and Dong field questions from reporters at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Feb 3, 2025.
Advertisement

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 3: Miri is set to become home to the world’s first biodiversity museum, a groundbreaking initiative that will showcase the intersection of modern and traditional medicine with biodiversity, as well as cultural diversity.

Professor Dong Jing Cheng, director of the Institute of Integrative Medicine at China’s Fudan University, announced that the three-year project is expected to commence construction by middle of this year.

Advertisement

“The museum will be located at ‘Miri Zero’ in the heart of the city, repurposing heritage buildings—the old Resident’s Office and the former Miri City Council building,” he told reporters at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.

The artist’s impression of the biodiversity museum project in Miri.

He explained that the museum will highlight medical knowledge from both modern and traditional perspectives, incorporating clinical experiences, fundamental medical knowledge, local cultural beliefs, religious influences, and philosophical principles.

Additionally, the museum will feature cutting-edge AI and digital technologies, enabling visitors to explore medical advancements, learn about biodiversity, and even engage with AI-driven health inquiries.

The project is a key component of the ‘Kenyalang Smart City’ initiative, which aims to transform Miri into a sustainable and technologically advanced urban hub.

Imasa Dinasti TAK Group of Companies, the project’s developer, is facilitating collaboration between Fudan University and the Sarawak government to ensure the seamless execution of both the museum and the broader initiative, which includes plans for a university campus and teaching hospitals.

Dong, accompanied by Imasa chairman Teo Ah King, paid a courtesy call to Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the latter’s office on the same day. – DayakDaily

Advertisement