Dr Veronica hits the gong to open the conference.
SIBU (Oct 1): Sarawak researchers are proving they are ready to compete and contribute on the global stage, said Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah.
Highlighting the state’s scientific achievements, she noted that Sarawak researchers have consistently delivered groundbreaking findings in infectious disease and clinical research, earning both national and international recognition.
“Most recently, the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) became the first accredited Phase 1 Unit in Malaysia under the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) to conduct First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials,” she said during the opening of the 14th Sarawak Research Day Conference here today.
Led by Dr Voon Pei Jye, the CRC launched its first FIH trial in June 2023 targeting advanced solid tumours – a national breakthrough in oncology research.
In 2024, SGH was named the Ministry of Health’s Top Study Site of the Year, while Dr Voon received the Investigator of the Year award.
Dr Mohamad Adam Bujang and his team won a gold medal for clinical information systems, with Dr Mohamad Adam ranked among the world’s top two percent of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier.
“Our young researchers are also excelling, winning awards at national conferences. These recognitions prove that Sarawak researchers are ready to compete and contribute globally,” said Dr Veronica.
She highlighted landmark discoveries, including the identification of zoonotic malaria by Professor Balbir Singh’s team from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and SGH in 2004.
Their research revealed that many malaria cases previously misdiagnosed as Plasmodium malariae were actually Plasmodium knowlesi, a finding published in The Lancet that reshaped global understanding of malaria.
Another milestone came in 1997, when Sarawak clinicians identified Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) as the cause of a deadly Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, shaping international surveillance and clinical strategies.
She said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and precision medicine are already being adopted locally, citing the AI-driven developmental screening application developed at CRC Sibu Hospital in collaboration with TOY8.
“These breakthroughs remind us that technology is not an abstract promise. It is here, alive in our hospitals and laboratories today, thriving in the creativity of our researchers,” she said.
Dr Veronica stressed that innovation must be paired with translational research to ensure discoveries benefit patients, guided by strong regulatory and ethical frameworks.
She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between Sarawak hospitals, local universities, and the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre.
“To elevate research, we must scale it up so that its impact is felt not only in Sarawak and Malaysia, but globally.
“This requires sustained investment, skilled workforce development and robust funding mechanisms,” she said.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun and Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu.
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