By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 3: Yayasan Sarawak will provide full PhD scholarships to support Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) research into integrating Eastern and Western medicine, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the proposed research would explore how Sarawak’s rich biodiversity could contribute to medical innovation and improve healthcare through the use of natural resources.
“Perhaps there are three areas that can be looked into. One is botanical medicine, two, regional medicine, and the third one, biomedical innovation,” he said during his speech 30th Unimas Convocation Ceremony.
Abang Johari also pointed to the potential of genomics and personalised medicine as areas that could be explored through the research.
“We have extensive biodiversity. That is why I feel there must be a programme to bring Eastern medicine and Western medicine together so that we can better safeguard the health of our people using the properties available in Sarawak,” he said.
He proposed that Yayasan Sarawak provide full scholarships for PhD students to pursue the research in collaboration with overseas higher education institutions.
The research would examine the potential medicinal properties of Sarawak’s biodiversity and their possible applications in personalised medicine.
“Yayasan Sarawak will provide full scholarships for PhD students to study the potential of converging Eastern medicine and Western medicine,” he explained. — DayakDaily
