Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is set to tap vast regional opportunities in traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals and wellness tourism at a major upcoming international conference — aligning closely with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 agenda.
“The Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) outlined plans to bring Sabah players to the 4th China (Bozhou)–RCEP Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Cooperation Conference, taking place 6-10 September 2026 in China,” SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew said.
He said Chamber leaders shared details of the event and explored official support during a courtesy call on Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr William Gotulis.
Frankie said the gathering opens doors for various sectors in terms of local herbal development and processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing partnerships, joint medical research and technology transfer, health and wellness tourism, academic and skills training links, and new cross-border investments.
“This fits perfectly with Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 goals: diversifying our economy, lifting innovation and building global ties,” Frankie said.
“We want Sabah’s hospitals, universities, industry players and investors there — turning our rich natural resources into high-value trade and collaboration.”
Held by the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee and Bozhou Municipal Government, the conference gathers top policymakers, scientists, clinicians and business leaders from across the 15-nation bloc.
SCCC Vice-President Ir. Ts. Tan KJ briefed Dr Gotulis on how Sabah stands to gain from deeper RCEP-wide cooperation in integrative medicine and healthcare systems.
Meanwhile, Dr Gotulis warmly welcomed the initiative and pledged continued engagement.
Both sides agreed to explore:
• Integrated public health cooperation
• Combined traditional and modern medicine approaches
• Research and workforce development
• Sustainable health services for Sabah’s people
Frankie reiterated: “This is far more than a trade mission — it is a chance to position Sabah as a regional hub for quality herbal products and wellness, while creating lasting jobs and value right here at home.”
The SCCC delegation included Deputy President Brett Chua, Vice-Presidents Chiew Heng Hock and Tan Siew Ling, plus committee members Ling Hang Tze, Lucas Kwan, Chin Hui Zhi, Joanis Yee, Desmond Hsiu, Hong Jia Hao and Wong Chung Ming.
