Miri poised to benefit from rising Chinese visitors, student tourism, says deputy minister

MIRI (Feb 7): Miri is strategically positioned to benefit from the rising number of Chinese visitors, with opportunities to develop student-focused and experiential tourism alongside new medical education and research facilities, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.

The federal Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture made these remarks on Friday during a courtesy call by a Fudan Group delegation, comprising Fudan University representatives, alumni and officials.

Chiew welcomed plans for the Fudan University Institute of Integrative Medicine Research Development Centre and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Medical Research Hub, which would occupy the former Miri City Council (MCC) building.

Future phases would include the Fudan School of Medicine Miri Campus and Fudan University Miri Campus.

“This will establish Miri as a regional hub for medical education, research excellence, and advanced healthcare.

“These institutions will enhance healthcare and academic capacity while supporting student mobility and extended visits that strengthen the local tourism economy,” said Chiew, adding that Chinese visitor arrivals in Malaysia had shown strong growth.

In 2024, the country recorded 3.7 million Chinese visitors, a 130 per cent increase from the previous year.

From January to November last year, Malaysia welcomed over 4.3 million Chinese visitors, marking a 25.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

“This growth presents opportunities to engage younger travellers. Millennials and Generation Z seek meaningful, purpose-driven experiences.

“University students, including those from Fudan, represent an important demographic. Specialised tourism packages can be developed for them,” said Chiew.

On the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Chiew highlighted experiential offerings such as community-based programmes and the Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme, which would provide cultural immersion while benefitting the local communities.

The federal deputy minister also emphasised the importance of cultural exposure for young people, noting that culture, arts, and heritage could nurture creativity, strengthen cultural literacy, and foster mutual respect.

He also highlighted Malaysia-China cooperation in cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and people-to-people programmes.