MIRI: The old Miri City Council (MBM) building has been given a new lease of life as the site of the Fudan University Joint Research Centre for Innovative Drugs in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, marking the dawn of a new era of scientific research in the city.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the establishment of the joint research centre reflects international confidence in the Sarawak Government’s commitment to developing an innovation-driven healthcare industry.

“This centre will produce innovative medicines with its own intellectual property, integrating traditional and modern medicine. Its benefits will not only serve Sarawakians but also hold vast potential to contribute globally,” he said.

He was speaking at the Handover Ceremony of the Old MBM Building to Fudan University for the establishment of the joint research centre on Wednesday.

According to him, the state government’s forward-looking policies has made Sarawak a preferred destination for international cooperation in medicine, research, and technology, positioning the state on the right path to become a biomedical hub in the region.

The event was also graced by a representative from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, who described the centre as a new milestone in Malaysia–China relations extending beyond trade and technology into healthcare that brings direct benefits to the people.

Beyond strengthening bilateral ties, the project also carries symbolic significance for Miri.

The old MBM building, rich in historical value, is now revitalised as an international research centre, symbolising the city’s transformation from an oil-and-gas icon to a hub of knowledge and innovation.

With the support of Fudan University, the Sarawak Government, MBM, and strategic partners such as Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd, the research centre is expected to open up opportunities for academic collaboration, technological development, and training for local talent in the biomedical field.

The establishment of the centre also embodies the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasising international cooperation networks grounded in shared development and the well-being of the people.

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