Innovation And Artificial Intelligence (AI) As A Solution To People’s Healthcare

KUCHING / 13/06/2025

KUCHING, 13 June 2025 – Sarawak is actively transforming its healthcare system through the integration of telemedicine solutions, the expansion of specialist services into rural areas, and strategic partnerships for medical research and education.

Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said, the state’s goal is to ensure that every Sarawakian, regardless of location, has access to the highest standard of care.

“In the healthcare sector, we recognise that innovation is crucial to delivering better outcomes for our people, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“Yet, we must also honour the enduring principles of compassion, community trust, and respect for the human spirit that have long guided medical practice,” Premier said. 

Speaking at the 51st Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Malaysia, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, the Premier emphasised that Sarawak deeply understands the need to balance tradition with innovation.

“We are a land where centuries-old traditions live alongside cutting-edge initiatives — from preserving our indigenous cultures to pioneering efforts in green energy, the digital economy, and biotechnology,” Premier added.

In his speech, the Premier also shared insights from the book A Human's Guide to the Future by Dr Jordan Nguyen, which explores advancements in biomedicine, particularly the role of AI in healthcare.

“In summary, he (Dr Nguyen) had this problem of patient with physical disabilities. And what he did is he innovated machine that connect the mind of the machine through intelligence to the patient.

“This connection between the artificial brain and human brain, seem to be successful and in short what happen the outcome, the patient with physical disabilities through AI connectivity between the human brain and artificial brain let this patient drive the motor vehicle and this is indeed a very successful innovation,” the Premier explained.

Reflecting on the potential of AI in medicine, the Premier outlined two future scenarios: “First, is that the innovation in medical science will facilitate new environments for healthcare, meaning people have access to their medical scenarios, meaning you are contributing something to humanity. 

“Second scenario may become business model for those who are profit oriented. One is for humanity, the other become business entity, which will profit oriented, if it is commercial entity.

“The question next is where the balance is - to people who can afford it, there have this access, but those who are unable to pay the cost maybe out of that spectrum. 

“I believe in medical fraternity to find a solution and I look forward to your solution,” Premier urge. 

Also present, President of the College of Surgeons of Malaysia Dr Siow Sze Li, 51st AM Ismail Orator Professor Dato’ Dr April Camilla Roslani, Recipient of the M. Balasegaram Trainer Award Professor Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har, Organising Chair of the Congress Dr Luqman Mazlan, as well as overseas college presidents and members of the College Council.