Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine Makes Historic Step Forward - Shen Gui Xian: Will Promote the Establishment of a Medical School and Hospital in Sarawak

(Miri, 9th) The Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Dato' Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, stated that signing the lease agreement with Miri Municipal Council today marks the official establishment of the Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine in Miri. This historical step will be the starting point for the setup of Fudan University's Sarawak Branch, Medical School, and affiliated Hospital.

This morning, Dr. Sim Kui Hian attended the signing of a lease agreement for the old city hall building between the Miri Municipal Council and Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Imasa Dinasti and Brunei's D’Sunlit Group. He pointed out that this collaboration is expected to provide a strong boost in Sarawak's autonomy in healthcare and education, laying the foundation for the 'Sarawak 2030 Vision'.

He said, the development plan will proceed in three phases: the first phase is the signing of today's lease agreement and the establishment of the Institute of Integrative Medicine; the second phase is the establishment of a Medical School and affiliated hospital; the ultimate goal is to establish the Fudan University Sarawak Branch.

“This is not about establishing a center but an institute, which is of a higher level and has greater potential for development.”

He noted that integrative medicine, combining Chinese and Western medicine, is a core strength of Fudan University’s medical research. This collaboration also signifies a substantial step for Sarawak in advancing higher education and healthcare services.

Medical Education is an Urgent Need

He emphasized that medical education is an urgent need in Sarawak. Currently, there are about 4,000 registered doctors in Sarawak, of which 2,000 are non-locals. According to national standards, Sarawak should have at least 6,000 doctors, highlighting the importance of local talent.

He gave an example that despite Malaysia having 11 public and 32 private medical schools, there is a serious brain drain phenomenon. For example, out of approximately 150 medical graduates from Monash University each year, half choose to develop in Australia. Meanwhile, up to 90% of the graduates from the University of Nottingham in Johor Bahru choose to practice in the UK.

“We must cultivate our own local doctors, achieve healthcare autonomy, and fill the manpower gap.”

Fudan Medical Education Enjoys International Renown

Shen Kui Xian pointed out that Fudan University is China's first Western medical school, originating from the introduction of Western medicine after the Opium War, with a history of over a century. Its integrative medicine field is world-leading.

“When I visited Fudan University last year, I learned that the school has about 12,000 students, including 8,000 graduate students. In comparison, Sarawak's UNIMAS has about 16,000 students, but only 2,000 are graduate students, showing a large potential for development in higher medical education.”

He pointed out that currently, Malaysia only recognizes the medical degrees of two universities in China: Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Therefore, diplomas issued by Fudan University in Miri should also be recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council in the future.

Research Drives Employment and Social Contribution

Sim Kui Hian also shared his experience as a director of Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM). Since 2013, the center has attracted over 1.5 billion Malaysian Ringgit in research investment to Malaysia and created more than 3,000 jobs, with Sarawak researchers winning the “Researcher of the Year” honor for three consecutive years.

“For example, Dr. Boon from South Sarawak Hospital led 27 research assistants last year and expanded to 40 this year. These positions were all created through research projects, costing the government nothing.”

He emphasized that Sarawak must move away from dependency on foreign talent and establish a local professional healthcare system through educational autonomy and medical research autonomy.

“This is a significant step for Sarawak towards 2030, achieving high autonomy. Nine years ago, we didn’t even have a city hall; now, not only do we have a city hall, but we are also welcoming the establishment of a world-leading medical school.”

He humorously noted that even if his speeches were prepared by others, he would eventually have to improvise, “otherwise the real ‘boss’ is the speechwriter.”

Finally, Sim Kui Hian thanked Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine, Miri Municipal Council, and Imasa Dinasti for their collaboration and urged the community to support Sarawak as it enters a new era of education and medical development.