MIRI: Miri city has entered a new era as the first location in the region to host a research centre based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology in healthcare, through the establishment of the Fudan University Joint Research Centre for Innovative Drugs in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the centre marks the beginning of healthcare reform and revolution in Sarawak with the introduction of the AI Medicine concept.

“Through this technology, the public will eventually be able to undergo early disease screening via an AI application before being referred to a doctor.

“This is a concrete step to transform our healthcare system, and what is remarkable is that it begins here in Miri,” he said at the Handover Ceremony of the Old Miri City Council Building at Jalan Kingsway to Fudan University for the establishment of the joint research centre on Wednesday.

In addition to AI research, the project also serves as a stepping stone towards the establishment of Fudan Medical School in Sarawak, which is expected to have a significant impact on producing more local doctors.

The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government noted that Sarawak is currently facing a shortage of around 2,000 doctors, while local universities are only able to produce about 150 doctors annually.

“With an ageing population, we need more new medical practitioners.

“The establishment of Fudan Medical School is vital as it is not only the first of its kind outside China, but will also help us address the shortage of doctors in Sarawak,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, as well as other guests. -UKASnews