KUCHING: The health research sector in the state has successfully attracted RM1.8 billion in research funding from 2012 to 2025, with the majority of the economic spillover concentrated in Kuching.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the achievement was highlighted in the annual report by Clinical Research Malaysia, which was launched in Kuching last month, and had also created more than 3,500 high-income job opportunities.

“Clinical Research Malaysia launched their annual report in Kuching last month, which shows that throughout the period of 2012 to 2025, the organisation successfully brought in research funding totalling RM1.8 billion, with a large portion of those funds remaining in Kuching.

“During the same period, more than 3,500 high-skilled and high-paying job opportunities were also successfully created,” he said during his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Affin Bank Batu Kawah Branch, here, on Wednesday.

Touching on the opening of the Affin Bank branch, the Batu Kawah Assemblyman welcomed the opening of the branch in his constituency, describing it as more than just a banking operation, but part of the larger agenda of building Sarawak.

The opening of the Affin Bank Batu Kawah Branch is part of AFFIN’s wider network comprising 13 branches across the state, further bringing its services closer to the people.

Also present were Affin Islamic Bank Berhad Chairman Musa Abdul Malek, Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad Chairman Hasli Hashim, Affin Moneybrokers Chairman Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin, Members of Affin Bank Berhad Board of Directors Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Dato Sharkawi Alis and Datu Elean Masa'at, as well as other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii