Swak nears approval for Fudan-linked medical school to tackle doctor shortage

State deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said he would travel to Beijing next week to obtain the last approvals needed for the project, as both the Shanghai municipal government and the federal government had agreed to the plan.

“What remains is approval from the Chinese (central) government,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying after a dinner hosted by the United Chinese Association Sibu Division on Tuesday night, held in honour of China’s ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.

Sim, who is also Sarawak’s public health, housing and local government minister, said he sought the ambassador’s assistance in facilitating discussions with the relevant Chinese authorities.

According to Sim, around 70 doctors trained at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University are currently serving in Sarawak, following Malaysia’s recognition of medical qualifications from both institutions.

The proposed medical school is part of a broader push to strengthen Sarawak’s healthcare system through international partnerships.

Sim said Sarawak was also keen to explore collaboration with China in cancer research, drug development, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

He added that Sarawak General Hospital had emerged as one of Malaysia’s leading centres for clinical research.