Sabah rising to next level in medical wellness tourism
KOTA KINABALU (22 Aug): The setting up of an international wellness centre in the state capital was a proof of investors’ confidence that Sabah is a good and conducive place to invest, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
Speaking at the grand launching of European Wellness at Alam Mesra on Thursday, Hajiji said it will see Sabah rising to the next level in the niche medical wellness tourism sector, as researchers from all over the world are expected to share their expertise in medicine and sciences at the facility.
According to him, medical wellness is a dynamic sector offering good returns and the satisfaction of contributing to advancements in healthcare.
“I am told this facility will offer more than conventional healthcare, combining the latest in medical science with the healing power of Sabah’s natural environment,” he said.
The centre is run by stem cell scientist Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mike Chan and his wife, co-founder Prof Datuk Seri Dr Michelle Wong, who hailed from Penampang.
The Chief Minister commended Chan for making good on his pledge to take his multi-million business to Sabah, and committed in promoting Sabah into a world-class medical wellness tourism hub.
“Sabah is strategically located in Southeast Asia, forming the core of BIMP-EAGA and the ASEAN region. Through this regional cooperation, we have consistently championed deeper economic integration. Hence, I envision Sabah evolving into a regional link for many investment prospects, including medical wellness tourism,” he said.
Hajiji added, “It represents yet another significant venture and a leap forward in our commitment to prosper Sabah as outlined in our strategic development roadmap, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya.
“In an era where health and wellness have become global priorities, Sabah is positioning itself at the forefront of this revolution. It embodies our commitment to not only preserving life but enhancing its quality,” he said.
The Chief Minister said key to this is also that the investments into Sabah can be measured in the motivating effect on other local enterprises and seeing that their impact will ripple through the local communities, such as in jobs creation, attracting skilled professionals which ultimately will contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us also recognise the brilliance emerging from our own soil. Sabah is not just embracing advanced healthcare, we actively contribute to it. Our homegrown talents are making waves in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, becoming celebrated figures in the global scientific community.
“Today, we are not just opening a wellness center, Hopefully we will open doors to a healthier, more vibrant future for Sabah. Sabahans are proving to the world that our brilliance extends beyond our natural beauty to the frontiers of science. We’re not just recipients of progress, we are driving it, positioning Sabah as a true powerhouse in health and innovation,” he said.
-Agency
