SHANGHAI: The establishment of the Integrative Medicine Research Centre at Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) in Miri will address Sarawak’s ongoing shortage of doctors, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the state still needs around 2,000 medical professionals to improve healthcare delivery, especially as it grapples with an ageing population.
“We always need more doctors trained at UNIMAS and other medical schools. I hope this new medical school will support us in managing our demographic challenges and advancing autonomy in medicine and education,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after witnessing the signing of the Joint Research Centre for Innovative Medical Development in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine cooperation agreement on Wednesday (Jun 11) between Sarawak-based Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd and Fudan University.
The agreement was signed by Fudan University vice-president Ma Yugang and Imasa Dinasti Chairman Ar. Teo Ah King, and witnessed by Dr Sim and Fudan University president Professor Jin Li.
Dr Sim said that Fudan is ranked among the top five universities in China, placing 39th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, 36th in the World University Rankings 2025, and 16th in the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings.
“I am honoured and privileged to witness the signing of the MoA. Fudan’s Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine is one of only two ‘A’ category institutions in China for this field. With the global spotlight on integrative medicine, this marks a new era for healthcare,” he said.
The project will be developed in three phases: Phase 1 will see the creation of the Fudan SEA Institute of Integrative Medicine Miri Campus; Phase 2 will establish the Fudan School of Medicine Miri Campus; and Phase 3 will culminate in the full Fudan University Miri Campus.
Dr Sim expressed was satisfied with the initiative’s progress and thanked the Malaysian Consul General in Shanghai for his continued support in facilitating discussions.
Earlier, the state delegation visited the Fudan University Science and Technology Innovation Museum and History Museum, followed by a closed-door meeting with university leaders.
They were briefed on Fudan’s achievements in satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and net-zero industrial emissions.
