KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak targets becoming a regional hub for integrative medicine by leveraging its rich biodiversity, biomedical research capabilities and clinical expertise to develop a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that this aspiration requires strategic collaboration among research institutions, universities, medical practitioners and industry partners to ensure that scientific discoveries can be translated into tangible benefits for society.

According to him, the development of this ecosystem can be established through three key areas namely botanical medicine based on Sarawak’s biodiversity, regenerative medicine and biomedical innovation and genomics, epigenetics as well as personalised medicine.

“I believe that Sarawak has the potential to develop this ecosystem through these three interconnected areas, each offering opportunities to advance scientific understanding, strengthen local expertise and contribute to future healthcare innovation,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the International Integrative Medicine Conference 2026 (IIMC 2026) here on Monday.

Regarding botanical medicine, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari noted that Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, combined with the traditional knowledge of its indigenous communities, provides a strong foundation for expanding research into plants with potential medical applications.

He explained that this endeavor could be strengthened through collaboration among traditional medicine practitioners, botanists, universities, medical professionals and the industrial sector working together to identify the potential of medicinal plants and establish quality standards based on scientific research.

“However, these efforts must respect the rights of indigenous communities, preserve biodiversity and ensure fair participation and benefit-sharing with the communities involved,” he added.

Regarding the fields of genomics, epigenetics, and personalised medicine, he noted that such approaches have the potential to expand research into individual differences, disease predispositions and responses to specific health interventions.

Nevertheless, the Sarawak Premier emphasised that any research advancement must be conducted ethically, prioritising data security, individual rights and equitable access to the benefits of the research.

“Progress in these areas must be accompanied by informed consent, the responsible interpretation of study findings, secure management of health data and equitable access to research benefits.

“Across these three fields, public trust will depend on the quality of our scientific research, the competence of our professionals and the integrity of our institutions,” he said.

The conference, themed ‘Collaborative Synergies: Shaping an Integrative Health Ecosystem for Medical Wellness and Salutogenesis’, brought together 27 speakers from 10 countries, along with more than 350 participants from 13 countries and territories.

Also in attendance were Association of Integrative Medicine Malaysia (AIMM) President Dr Janethy Balakrishnan, Institute of Integrative Regenerative Medicine (IIRM) Co-Founder Nils Bokström, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Normah Medical Specialist Centre Dr Au Yong Kien Hoe and a delegation from the AYUSH Ministry, Government of India. -UKASnews