KUCHING: Singapore-based Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Medical) will develop a smart specialist hospital, the Regency Hospital Kuching, at The NorthBank township, an ongoing flagship development of property developer Ibraco Bhd
.
The proposed 300-bed hospital would offer comprehensive specialist and subspecialty care, supported by advanced smart hospital systems, state-of-the-art technology, and internationally benchmarked clinical standards, according to HMI Medical group chief executive officer Chin Wei Jia.
He said beyond addressing the rising demand for advanced healthcare services here and the wider South-East Asia region, the hospital would create more than 1,000 jobs and provide cross-training opportunities for clinical professionals, fostering excellence in patient-centred care.
HMI Medical has more than 27 years of experience in healthcare delivery with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. In Malaysia, it operates specialist hospitals – the Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka and Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor.
Dr Richard Chew, senior surgeon and board director of HMI Medical’s hospitals in Malaysia, a Sarawakian and long-time board member of HMI Medical, would be leading the establishment of Regency Hospital Kuching, with a target opening date in 2029.
“This initiative will create new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity, positioning Sarawak and Malaysia as premier destinations for medical tourism in South-East Asia,” he added in a statement during the signing of a share-sale agreement (SSA) between Ibraco and Kuching Health Holdings Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HMI Medical, for the disposal of the former’s 100% equity interest in NorthBank Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd (NSHSB) to the latter for RM900,000 in cash.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who was on a working visit to Singapore, witnessed the signing ceremony at the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, last Thursday.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Ibraco said the disposal of the NorthBank Specialist Hospital was on a “willing buyer, willing seller basis” and there would be no material gain or loss arising from the sale.
“NSHSB presently holds the development approval of a private hospital, with operations yet to commence pending the engagement of experienced healthcare management expertise.
“The proposed disposal to a reputable and established healthcare group enables Ibraco to realise the intrinsic value of the development approval, while facilitating HMI Medical’s expansion into Sarawak to strengthen private healthcare provision in the state.
“The collaboration supports the national agenda to expand quality private healthcare services and improve accessibility for the community.
“The establishment of a private hospital within The NorthBank township will significantly enhance the accessibility to quality healthcare services for residents and neighbouring areas.
“It will also attract a wider catchment of professionals ,families and retirees seeking a well-served living environment, thereby strengthening the township’s liveability and long-term attractiveness. In addition, the hospital’s operations are expected to stimulate local economic activity through job creation, demand for ancillary medical and commercial services,” said the property developer.
NSHSB would acquire the 1.7ha leasehold plot for the hospital from Ibraco following the completion of the SSA within six months.
Ibraco group managing director Datuk Chew Chiaw Han said the company is honoured to contribute to the expansion of Sarawak’s healthcare sector – the state’s broader social and economic progress.
“Regency Hospital Kuching represents more than a healthcare facility,it reflects our shared vision of creating lasting community value through sustainable township development.
“The NorthBank was designed as an integrated, self-sustaining township, combining homes, business, education and lifestyle conveniences in one ecosystem,” added Chew. The 50ha NorthBank project, located opposite Ibraco’s flagship Tabuan Tranquility, sits along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
