SIBU: Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) could become a centre for integrative medical research, combining Eastern and Western medicine with Sarawak’s biodiversity and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Its Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development of the university’s medical faculty would create opportunities to explore new approaches to disease prevention and treatment, including cancer.
He said integrative medicine, which is gaining international attention, also emphasised salutogenesis, a concept that focuses on factors contributing to health and wellbeing.
“We have biodiversity that can serve as a foundation for research to find solutions to various diseases, including new ones.
“UTS can combine Eastern and Western medical expertise, in addition to using AI to analyse DNA and identify potential compounds for disease treatment,” he said after the 11th UTS Convocation Ceremony.
Abang Johari said research into natural materials could also lead to the discovery of new treatment methods, particularly for cancer, but their effectiveness would need to be scientifically proven.