KUCHING: A high-tech collagen manufacturing facility will soon be set up in Sarawak to support advanced wound healing efforts.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the facility, which will be established by a United States-based company, is expected to produce medical-grade collagen used in regenerative medicine and chronic wound treatment.
While the project’s exact timeline has yet to be confirmed, he said the investment could be worth between USD20 million and USD40 million in its initial phase.
“They’ve seen the Premier, they visited me, and they will start a factory in Sarawak to produce high-tech collagen. I understand they are looking at Kuching.
“When we talk about wound healing, it’s about skin regeneration. And after regenerative medicine, we need factories to produce what’s required, not just for Sarawak, but for the global market. Wound healing is a very big global business.
“This company is from the US. The final choice was between Selangor and Sarawak. They also have associate industries. If one moves, the others will follow,” he told the media after officiating at the 5th International Burn and Wound Conference 2025 here today.
Dr Sim added that Sarawak has also emerged as a national leader in clinical research, especially in early-phase human trials.
He attributed this to the Sarawak General Hospital’s Clinical Research Centre, particularly its oncology, cardiology and haematology teams, which have driven high-standard trials recognised internationally.
He said Sarawak is moving beyond medical tourism into becoming a hub for high-value medical research and product development, supported by the state’s commitment to public health and innovation.
“Medical tourism is just a service. What we want is the whole spectrum, from medical tourism to research and manufacturing. It’s an entire ecosystem.
“Last year, Malaysia had five ‘first-in-human’ clinical trials. Four were done in Sarawak. This year, all four such trials nationwide are happening in Sarawak.
“We also want to embark on all the other components so that when we develop, it’s not just one sector, be it medical services, research, or manufacturing. We want to develop them together,” he said.
