MIRI (May 10): The Miri City Council (MCC) and Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the establishment of the Fudan (Southeast Asia) Institute of Integrative Medical Miri City Campus at the council’s former premises.

The signing ceremony, held at Miri Town Hall, was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who hailed the event as a historic milestone for Sarawak’s medical education landscape.

“I would like to congratulate and thank the Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine, Imasa Dinasti and Miri City Council for making this significant development possible,” said Dr Sim.

He outlined that the initiative will unfold in three stages, beginning with the signing of the lease and the initial setup of the institution.

This will be followed by the establishment of Fudan Medical Schools and a hospital, with the long-term vision of transforming the institution into a fully-fledged university.

Dr Sim noted that only two Chinese medical institutions – Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University – are currently recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council.

He pointed out that there are currently 11 public and 22 private medical universities in Malaysia and highlighted the imbalance in the nation’s doctor-to-population ratio.

“By national standards, Malaysia should have 6,000 doctors annually. However, we currently produce only 4,000, with approximately 2,000 being non-Sarawakians,” he said, adding that many graduates relocate abroad after completing their studies.

He reaffirmed that the MoA signing represents the beginning of Fudan University’s footprint in Sarawak, a move anticipated to bolster the state’s medical education and healthcare sector.

While emphasising the significance of the collaboration with Fudan University, Dr Sim noted that the institution ranks among Asia’s top 10 universities.

“None of Malaysia’s universities are currently in the top 10 in Asia. I am deeply grateful to China for this historic step – this marks the first time a Chinese university is establishing a presence outside its borders,” he said.

He further elaborated that prior to becoming a full-fledged university, the Fudan (Southeast Asia) Institute of Integrative Medicine in Miri will serve the immediate needs of the state.

“One of our key priorities under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is education and health autonomy, which this initiative directly supports,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Miri mayor Adam Yii reiterated that the establishment of the institute at the historic former Miri City Council building represents more than just a physical transformation.

“This development reflects the council’s vision for knowledge, wellness, and progressive urban transformation,” he said.

Yii described the conversion of the iconic building into a hub for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services, academic instruction, and research as a milestone that will position Miri as a centre of international cooperation and innovation.

“The involvement of the Fudan Institute of Integrative Medicine from Shanghai reflects Miri’s growing global outlook and readiness for impactful cross-border collaboration,” he added.

He further remarked that the project aligns with Miri’s Kenyalang Smart City Development Plan, which aims to strengthen the city’s capacity in healthcare, education, and advanced research.

“Together, we are laying the foundation for a transformative ecosystem that supports long-term socioeconomic growth while preserving our cultural and architectural heritage,” said Yii.

Present at the ceremony were deputy minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) His Excellency Xing Wei Ping; Chinese Consulate General in Kuching, Sarawak, Li Pingyan; Professor Dong Jingcheng of Fudan University; and Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd chairman Teo Ah King.