Kuching is set for its biggest private healthcare expansion in more than a decade, with at least RM1.45 billion in committed investment. Three new hospitals are moving ahead: Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching by Singapore-based HMI Medical, Gleneagles Hospital Kuching by IHH Healthcare, and Gardens Medical Centre by local developer Timber Land Group. Existing operators are expanding too. Borneo Medical Centre is adding 250 beds to its current 80, with the expansion expected to receive patients in the first quarter of 2028. Gleneagles will have 200 beds and an investment of about RM400 million. Regency will have 300 beds, with more than RM400 million for the hospital and RM50 million set aside for workforce development over five years. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs when it opens in 2029. By 2030, Kuching is projected to have more than 2,000 hospital beds across the public and private sectors. The growth is being driven by local demand, an ageing population and medical tourism — Sarawak received 104,106 medical tourists in 2025, including 91,688 in Kuching. The update is still developing; residents should rely on the next confirmed notice rather than treat an early announcement as final. [image: 1787458066048-kuching-healthcare-2026.png]

RM400 million hospital breaks ground in Kuching — 300 beds, 1,000+ jobs on the way [image: 1786356478932-regency-hospital-compressed.jpg] HMI Medical kicked off construction of its Regency Specialist Hospital at the NorthBank township today (Aug 10). The first phase is worth more than RM400 million and the 300-bed facility is targeted to open by 2029. When fully operational, the hospital is expected to create over 1,000 jobs across medical, nursing, allied health, management and support roles. Premier Abang Johari said the project shows Sarawak's transformation is attracting partners ready to invest long-term — part of the state's push to become a regional centre for advanced healthcare and medical education. The hospital will come with a comprehensive cancer centre, smart wards and advanced operating theatres. HMI Medical is also putting RM50 million over five years into a healthcare workforce fund for scholarships and clinical training across its hospitals in Kuching, Johor and Melaka. Location: NorthBank township, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway Details: 300 beds | RM400m+ phase one | 1,000+ jobs | 2029 target opening Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says investors are now scrutinising governance, transparency and integrity before deciding where to invest — not just physical infrastructure. [image: 1786064908262-premier1.jpg] Speaking at the Integrity and Excellence Day of the Sarawak Construction Industry 2026 (IECONS 2026) at CIDB Sarawak Complex in Kuching, the Premier said strong institutions, transparent processes, policy stability and integrity levels have become deciding factors for investment destinations. "Today, investors no longer look at physical facilities alone. They also assess the strength of institutions, transparency of processes, policy stability and the level of integrity," he said. He stressed that integrity must be built through strong systems, transparent processes, and principled leadership — not just enforcement after something goes wrong. [image: 1786064908490-premier2-resized.jpg] Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue strengthening governance through digitalised procurement, improved audit systems, and better risk management. He also highlighted the state's ombudsman system, with officers trained alongside MACC to be placed across government agencies. The Premier said the effort aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, emphasising that integrity has become a strategic advantage in the global economy. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi also spoke at the event, saying successful projects should not be measured by speed alone, but by quality, cost, and value delivered to the people. Location: CIDB Sarawak Complex, Kuching Details: IECONS 2026 | Premier's address on governance & integrity Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is Sarawak moving in the right direction on governance?

More US companies are looking at Sarawak for green energy, technology and high-impact industrial projects. [image: 1785233094122-us_green_energy_20260728.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily United States Embassy in Malaysia Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David Gamble said Sarawak's location in Asean, renewable energy strength, natural resources and skilled workforce are drawing investor interest. He said American companies are especially watching renewable energy projects, where US technology could support hydroelectric systems, power-grid monitoring and other high-tech solutions. Why it matters Sarawak wants to grow its green energy and industrial base. US firms are looking beyond capital investment, with training and technology transfer also part of the pitch. Sarawak's energy capacity could also support the wider Asean Power Grid plan. Gamble said the first visit is usually the hardest step for investors. Once companies have operated in Sarawak, many choose to keep expanding here. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Hot Score: 24/30 Source: DayakDaily What kind of investment should Sarawak focus on next?

[image: 1783937203980-gardenia-factory-resized.jpg] Gardenia is planning a RM30 million factory in Sarawak, with the state government saying it reflects stronger investor confidence here. The update came after a memorandum of understanding involving Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the investment points to Sarawak's skilled workforce, stable governance and improving infrastructure. Dr Sim said KTC had noted that 32.5% of its workforce are Sarawakians, something he linked to the quality of local talent. Why it matters The planned Gardenia factory is not just another commercial project. Dr Sim described it as a strategic investment that can help keep essential supplies from being too dependent on outside sources. He also said the Sarawak government will facilitate the approval process through the State Planning Authority and relevant local authorities once the required submissions are made. Also present at the signing were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau, KTC managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing, and Sanjung Etika board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan. Location: Sarawak / Kuching Details: RM30 million Gardenia factory MoU, investor confidence, local workforce and approval process Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?