Sarawak eyes Fudan University branch

MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is eyeing the establishment of a Fudan University branch specialising in biomedical science in the constituency.

He noted that Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is currently in negotiations with the university, one of China’s top five universities, in Shanghai, to set up a branch in Sarawak.

“If they agree, we can have the university branch on biomedical science in Miri. That’s something I’m also trying to help with,” he said during the opening ceremony of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) (C) Pei Min at Pei Min Middle School today.

On the same note, Abang Johari said that Sarawak has rich biodiversity and has established various research centres, such as the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), where tropical medicine will be a major area of study.

He expressed optimism that Sarawak will be able to produce new vaccines and medicines to treat emerging diseases, adding that the state will be training new specialists in various fields to address diverse treatments, such as for stroke.

“I see many young people nowadays suffering from strokes. I think it’s because they don’t exercise and are too comfortable.

“Perhaps it’s also due to poor diet, too much fast food. Sometimes what we eat can affect our health,” he said.

Regarding school development, Abang Johari announced the approval of RM2.5 million to build a new track for the school.

Additionally, he requested the school alumni to contribute another RM2.5 million to make it RM5 million to support the construction of the much-need facility.

“I add RM2.5 million, you add RM2.5 million. For the students, why not?” he said.

Also present were Dr Sim, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus and Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang.