Sabah can be prime medical wellness tourism destination, says Liew

Prof Dr Mike (second left) presenting a copy of his book entitled "Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine '' to Liew as a token of appreciation. Looking on are Prof Dr Michelle (left) and European Wellness Leisure director Datuk Colin Chai (right).

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, especially its capital Kota Kinabalu, has the potential to thrive in medical wellness tourism and education, says Datuk Christina Liew.

The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said this was because it offers a unique blend of natural attractions and modern medical facilities.

Not only that, people would find more value for their money here, she added.

“Compared with medical treatments in other parts of the world, medical wellness treatments in Sabah are relatively affordable, and there is a wide range of specialties that Sabah’s healthcare system covers.

“Renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, from beautiful islands to lush rainforests, medical tourists can enjoy post-treatment recovery in a serene and peaceful environment,” she said.

Liew made these observations at a dinner reception hosted by the founder of European Wellness Academy (Asia-Pacific) Datuk Seri Dr Mike Chan and his Sabahan wife Datuk Seri Dr Michelle Wong at the couple's residence at Alamesra Desa Saujana here on Sunday night (Aug 6).

She was speaking to doctors, specialists and other international guests from various countries such as the US, Japan, India, Poland, Greece, Russia, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia as well as from the Middle East and Africa.

The Minister congratulated Dr Chan, Dr Wong and their team on the success of the just-concluded Summer Seminar of the academy here.

"As Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, I am pleased to know that such an event was being held here in the state to bring together more than 100 doctors and healthcare professionals from 15 nationalities.

“I look forward to working closely with the academy and other local medical wellness communities in Sabah to make the state a destination of choice for healthcare and medical tourism," she added.

Earlier, in his speech, Dr Chan said with Liew’s support, it was high time for him to focus on promoting wellness and medical tourism in Sabah, having spent the prime years of his life in Germany, Switzerland and Greece.