NBX evidence of private sector role, Sarawak's development driver

KUCHING, Sept 14: Northbank Business Exchange (NBX) will be part of the Sarawak Health Metropolis development ecosystem, thus supporting the formation of more integrated communities and lifestyles in the area.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that urban development should not only focus on housing provision but also take into account the entire ecosystem including housing, business space, education and healthcare.

According to him, NBX is among the private sector developments that complement government plans in shaping the ecosystem.

"NBX will be a part of the lifestyle in the entire Sarawak Health Metropolis ecosystem that is growing", he said while addressing the inaugural meeting of Northbank Business Exchange (NBX) here today.

Dr Sim said that the development of an area also requires housing provision to meet the needs of various sections of society, including professional and high-value workforce.

"We need affordable housing, but at the same time we also need housing for those who work in high-end offices and high value workers.

"We need to develop the entire ecosystem, from education, private institutions to healthcare and so on. This is what NBX is trying to do", he said.

He explained that the development of NBX indirectly contributes to the formation of community needed to support the growth of Sarawak Health Metropolis.

He said that the Government of Sarawak has been providing policies and related development including facilities and institutions in health, pharmaceutical and education sectors.

Thus, private sector involvement is essential to complement infrastructure and government planning through investment and innovation.

Dr Sim said that cooperation between government and private sector is also capable of accelerating development as well as optimizing the use of infrastructure already provided.

"I am delighted that the private sector is playing a role and fulfilling its responsibilities in line with government policy, thus helping us to make full use of existing infrastructure and planning.

"Through government policy, investment and private sector innovation, together we can accelerate development to build a stronger Sarawak", he said.

He cited NBX as one example of how the private sector can play a role in supporting the Sarawak government's development plans, besides creating a space that combines elements of employment, business, retail and communities within an ecosystem.-TVS