S’wak seeks China collaboration in medical education to tackle doctor shortage
Sarawak is looking to strengthen collaboration with China in healthcare, medical education and talent development as it seeks to address a shortage of about 2,000 doctors and build a highly skilled workforce for the future, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by the United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu Division on Tuesday night in honour of China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Dr Sim said Sarawak’s future prosperity would depend not only on economic growth but also on its ability to develop talent, uphold strong values and secure greater autonomy in key sectors such as healthcare and education.
He revealed that the state government is working closely with Chinese authorities and institutions on several strategic initiatives, including plans to establish a medical school linked to Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University.
“Next week I will be in Beijing to pursue the final approval needed for the project. The Shanghai government and the Malaysian government have already agreed. What remains is approval from the Chinese government,” he told reporters after the dinner.
Dr Sim said he had sought the assistance of Ouyang in facilitating discussions with the relevant authorities in China.
The proposed medical school forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to overcome its shortage of medical professionals and strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
“We are short of about 2,000 doctors. We need more medical schools and stronger international partnerships to produce the healthcare workforce that Sarawak requires,” he said.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s growing reputation in clinical research, noting that Sarawak General Hospital has emerged as one of Malaysia’s leading centres for clinical research.
The state, he added, is keen to explore collaboration with China’s rapidly advancing pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, particularly in cancer research and drug development.
Dr Sim credited Chinese community organisations in Sarawak, particularly those in Sibu, for their longstanding efforts in advocating recognition of medical degrees from Chinese universities.
Their efforts eventually contributed to Malaysia recognising medical qualifications from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University, enabling graduates to return and serve in Sarawak.
To date, around 70 doctors trained at the two universities are serving throughout the state.
Beyond healthcare, Dr Sim stressed that talent development remains central to Sarawak’s long-term development agenda.
Drawing lessons from China’s transformation, he said the state’s success would depend on investing in human capital and nurturing future leaders.
“China’s success is not only because of its economy. It is because of its talent and the values instilled in its people.
“Sarawak must continue to develop talent while strengthening the values that unite our society,” he said.
He noted that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had previously requested places for Sarawak-sponsored postgraduate students at top Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University and Peking University.
Dr Sim said the state government’s scholarship programmes are open to all Sarawakians regardless of race, religion or background.
He also pointed to Sarawak’s expanding education assistance programmes, including full fee sponsorships and living allowances for eligible students pursuing tertiary education.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim described unity and stability as Sarawak’s greatest strengths, saying they have enabled the state to achieve sustained development despite growing global uncertainties.
“Because we have unity, we have stability. Because we have stability, we have prosperity,” he said.
Among those present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker and Lanang MP Alice Lau, Datuk Tiong Thai King, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau and United Chinese Association (UCA Sibu) president Ngieng Hock Teck.
Source: Borneo Post
Category: MJN enews
