KUCHING: Sarawak is positioning itself as a major regional medical tourism hub, supported by growing international interest and aligned with the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said the state’s direction was strengthened by the two-day International Medical Tourism Conference (ITMC) held from November 11-12.
He said the conference provided Sarawak with a platform to drive collaboration, attract investment and develop a coordinated strategy to expand the state’s medical tourism sector.
“I urge all delegates to bring the ideas, partnerships and insights gained from this two-day conference back to your organisations and translate them into concrete actions that benefit patients, the industry and our economy,” he said.
Snowdan said this when closing the ITMC at Imperial Hotel Kuching recently.
On the same note, he said the ministry was not only a supporter of the sector, but an active partner committed to accelerating the state’s positioning as a reputable and competitive medical tourism destination.
He added that the ministry’s support covered several key areas, including connectivity, wellness development and strategic promotion.
“On connectivity efforts were focused on improving air and land accessibility, especially for key markets such as Indonesia and Brunei. The development of Air Borneo was an important component of this strategy.
“Sarawak also aimed to enhance recovery experiences through integrated wellness products, including nature-based ‘healing in paradise’ offerings in areas such as Damai and Telok Melano.
“Promotional synergy with private healthcare players, including the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), was crucial in highlighting Sarawak’s strengths in quality, affordable care and its natural and cultural assets,” he said.
The conference was organised by Empire Consortium Sdn Bhd, represented by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sharifah Azizah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
The two-day event drew 200 multinational delegates, exhibitors and speakers from private hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, medical equipment suppliers, tour operators, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), hotels, wellness practitioners, insurers, financial institutions, airlines, government agencies and investors.
