SIBU: Sarawak is awaiting final approval from Beijing to establish the first overseas campus of Fudan University.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said he will travel to Beijing next week to seek the final green light for the proposed campus from the Chinese government.
He said the proposal has already received support from the Shanghai government, the Sarawak government and the Malaysian government, leaving approval from the Chinese government as the only outstanding requirement.
“What is still needed is approval from the Chinese government in Beijing, and that is why I will be travelling there next week in the hope of securing the final approval.
“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.
He said this when met by reporters during a dinner held in conjunction with the official visit of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, organised by the United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu on Tuesday (Jun 2).
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the establishment of the Fudan University medical school is crucial in helping address the current shortage of about 2,000 doctors in Sarawak.
He said attention would turn to the development and construction of the medical school once approval is obtained.
Meanwhile, he stressed that talent development and education remain among the Sarawak government’s key priorities in strengthening human capital and advancing the state’s development.
He added that the state government continues to invest heavily in education through initiatives such as free tertiary education and financial assistance for eligible students.
