KOTA SAMARAHAN: Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian praised the collaboration between biotechnology company RCERT Sdn Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) as a significant step towards transforming medical research in Sarawak.
The Deputy Premier emphasised the importance of obtaining healthcare that focused not only on cancer treatment but also on prevention, early detection, and accurate diagnosis of other diseases.
He made these remarks during the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both parties yesterday.
“With strong collaborations with Zhongrong Medical Group in Qingdao, China, the MoU formalises our intent to transfer advanced stem cell technologies, expertise, and knowledge related to various cellular therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor or (CAR) T cell therapy.
“Cell-based therapy, such as CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell transplantation, represents a revolutionary approach to treating various diseases.”
Dr Sim also announced that the Cell Laboratory would be one of the labs in the Therapeutics Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS.
“By having a Cell Lab in UNIMAS, we hope to complement the soon-to-be-built Sarawak Cancer Centre, providing better care for Sarawakians.”
As research progresses and technology advances, Dr Sim expects an increasing number of cell-based therapies to become available for a wider range of conditions, including wellness, disease prevention, regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
“Continued investment in research, infrastructure and education is essential to fully realise the potential of these transformative treatments.”
Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, the vice-chancellor of UNIMAS, highlighted that the establishment of a state-of-the-art cellular therapy laboratory at the university would revolutionise its approach to treating various diseases.
“I am excited and confident that our strategic partnership with RCERT will accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for our community. The impact of this collaboration will be far-reaching, as it combines academia and industry, advancing scientific frontiers and fostering economic growth and development in our region.
“Furthermore, by making innovative therapies more accessible to patients, we are paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all.”
