KUCHING: Sarawak is attracting growing interest as a strategic destination where international investment, world-class healthcare and local talent can grow together.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this reflected the state’s transformation from being regarded merely as an emerging market towards becoming a destination capable of supporting higher-value and knowledge-driven industries.
“We want Sarawak to become a regional centre for advanced healthcare, medical education, biomedical research and digital health innovation,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony of Health Management International (HMI) Medical’s Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching at The NorthBank here today (Aug 10).
Abang Johari said HMI Medical’s investment reflected growing confidence among international partners in Sarawak’s long-term prospects and its ability to support high-quality healthcare.
This, he said, was not merely about constructing another hospital.
“It is about building confidence; that Sarawak has the economic fundamentals to support world-class healthcare.
“Confidence that our people deserve access to quality medical services closer to home, for generations to come,” he said.
Abang Johari said healthcare had evolved beyond being solely a public service to become an important driver of innovation, employment and investment.
He said it also complemented Sarawak’s development in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, digital technology and artificial intelligence, with these sectors increasingly converging.
He noted that among the technologies reshaping healthcare were artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, telemedicine and precision medicine.
“These modern healthcare innovations are redefining healthcare worldwide and will be introduced in HMI’s hospital, to be launched in 2029,” he said.
