The world’s first biodiversity museum will be established in Miri City, Malaysia, the first step in a sequential collaboration that will also deliver an international university campus and teaching hospital to the northern city of Sarawak.
Professor Dong Jing Cheng, Director of the Institute of Integrative Medicine at China’s Fudan University, made the announcement about the biodiversity museum in Kuching standing alongside Ar. Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of Imasa Dinasti Sdn. Bhd., the developer of Kenyalang Smart City (KSC).
The biodiversity museum will initially be located at Miri’s Kilometre Zero in the heart of Miri City at the old Resident’s Office and the former Miri City Council building. It will promote medical knowledge from both modern and traditional perspectives, incorporate clinical experiences and fundamental medical knowledge as well as local cultural beliefs, religious influences and philosophical principals. Through the use of AI technology and digital technology, the museum will also allow visitors to explore medical advancements, learn about biodiversity and make health enquiries.
The biodiversity museum is expected to become a tourism destination and landmark in Sarawak and, by extension, a contributor to the state’s economy.
Today’s announcement further strengthens the continuing collaboration between China’s famed Fudan University and the Government of Sarawak and follows on from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg publicly welcoming Fudan University in its setting up a campus and teaching hospital within the KSC at a Chinese New Year dinner organized by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) on 31st January.
“The museum will also highlight the global history of medicine, including contributions from China, Malaysia, and other cultures worldwide,” said Professor Dong.
“Interactive displays will immerse visitors in the evolution of medical knowledge across civilisations.”
Ar. Teo also expanded upon the museum’s planned virtues at the media conference: “The museum is a live museum integrated with new digital advancement in medicine. For example, if you tour the museum, there will be gadgets from AI, you can also ask AI about your own health, which is very interesting.”
The Fudan University and Imasa Dinasti representatives also held a meeting with Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia, the CEO of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, and advised that positive discussions have commenced on the potential for the biodiversity museum and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre to work together in areas including but not limited to research and development opportunities.
“There will be a collaborative and exploratory effort to achieve something significant for our economy and the future generation of modern medicine,” said Ar. Teo.
Fudan University has selected the KSC as its South-East Asia hub. In addition to the above-mentioned university campus and teaching hospital, the KSC will incorporate the Kenyalang Convention and Exhibition Centre (KCEC), an award-winning self-contained ‘hospitality ecosystem’ encompasses a 4,000-delegate convention hall, a hotel, Performance Art Centre, a recreation facility, retail and F&B outlets. The KSC will also house a myriad of commercial developments including resorts, hotels, mixed use real estate and residential properties, innovation parks and more.
