Fudan University To Open Branch Campus In Miri, Focusing First On Medical Faculty
MIRI: Efforts to strengthen human capital development and the healthcare system in Sarawak continue to gain momentum as the proposed establishment of a Fudan University branch campus in Miri moves closer to reality.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, stated that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, has expressed no objections to the proposal, clearing the way for the next stage of implementation.
According to him, this development follows a letter sent in August last year, which subsequently received Federal Cabinet approval in December 2025.
“The ministry will continue to provide guidance to complete the application process, and this is a significant step toward realizing this project,” he said.
He made these remarks during a media interview while attending the Sarawak Chinese Excellence Awards at the Imperial Hotel here on Saturday.
He noted that priority will be given to establishing a medical school first before expanding into a full university campus to address the urgent shortage of doctors in the state.
"Malaysia currently faces a shortage of approximately 4,000 doctors. Of the 538 medical officers recently placed, only a small fraction are expected to serve in Sarawak, making this school critical," he added.
"The establishment of the medical school is expected to be followed by the development of a Fudan hospital, enhancing Sarawak's healthcare delivery capabilities.
"Fudan's medical institution is among the most prestigious in China, hosting approximately 12,000 students, including 8,000 postgraduates."
Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim emphasised that the next step involves securing approval from the Ministry of Education of China, following the support already garnered from the Sarawak and Malaysian governments as well as the university itself.
In the long term, he believes the presence of this world-class university will transform Miri by increasing international student enrollment, boosting the local economy, and potentially opening up new direct flight routes.
Earlier in the day, the Deputy Premier also conducted a site visit to the Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) construction site, one of the major development projects currently underway in Miri. — UKASnews
