KOTA KINABALU: The opening of the European Wellness Premier Centre of Excellence  at Alam Mesra 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. 

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said 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 at  the grand opening of the European Wellness Premier Centre of Excellence near here  today. 

The Centre is run by world renowned stem cell scientist Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Mike Chan and  his wife, co-founder Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Michelle Wong, who hailed from Penampang.  

The Chief Minister commended Dr Mike Chan for making good on his pledge to take his  multi-million business here and to turn Sabah into a world-class medical wellness  tourism hub. 

"Dato’ Sri Mike and Dato’ Sri Michelle, we are grateful for your investment in our state  and our people. Your vision and perseverance have gifted Sabah with a facility that will  undoubtedly transform lives," he said. 

"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 said the setting up of this centre was proof of investors confidence that Sabah is a  good and conducive place to invest.  

"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. 

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