Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching to open in 2029

BT
3 minutes ago
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KUCHING, 10 August 2026: Leading regional healthcare group HMI Medical today marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony of Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching, a 300-bed SMART tertiary specialist private hospital scheduled to open at the Northbank township in Kuching in 2029.

The Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is designed as a next-generation SMART hospital, integrating advanced medical technologies, connected digital systems and intelligent clinical workflows to deliver future-ready, patient-centred specialist care aligned with internationally accredited standards. Facilities will include a comprehensive cancer centre, smart wards and advanced operating theatres. It will be built in 2 phases, with the initial phase representing an investment of over RM400 million while the 2^nd phase will add additional capacity and selected centres of excellence to meet evolving needs.

Today’s groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, who expressed support for the new hospital development as part of wider efforts to strengthen healthcare facility and specialist services in the state.

“The arrival of HMI Medical demonstrates that Sarawak’s transformation is attracting partners who are prepared to invest for the long term. This is not merely about constructing another hospital. It is about building confidence; that Sarawak has the economic fundamentals to support world-class healthcare, that our people deserve access to quality medical services closer to home for generations to come,” said the Premier in his officiating speech.

“Sarawak’s continued economic growth, population expansion, stronger connectivity and rising investment are driving greater demand for high-quality healthcare. As needs become more complex, the state will require greater capacity and stronger specialist capabilities. Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is HMI Medical’s response to this growth, expanding access to advanced care and supporting the long-term well-being of local communities,” said Group Chief Executive Officer of HMI Medical, Chin Wei Jia at the ceremony today.

The Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching build on HMI Medical’s 28-year track record, drawing on the clinical and operational experience from Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca. Both hospitals are Elite Members of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), with extensive experience caring for local and international patients.

With increasing arrivals in Sarawak by healthcare travellers year after year, rising from 64,393 in 2023, 76,796 in 2024 and over 104,000 in 2025, Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is set to cater to increasing demand for tertiary and specialist care and strengthen the state’s healthcare offering with expanded infrastructure and advanced specialist capabilities for patients from Malaysia and overseas.

Regency Specialist Hospital is expected to create over 1,000 jobs once it’s open – spanning medical, nursing, allied health, management, technical and support services. Workforce development is also a key priority, with plans covering scholarships, education sponsorships, cross-training, clinical attachments, specialist development pathways and continuing professional development. These initiatives will be delivered with local and international institutions and university hospitals.

HMI Medical is committing RM50 million over five years through the first-of-its-kind HMI Malaysia Healthcare Workforce 2030 Fund to help shape a future-ready healthcare workforce and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional healthcare hub. According to Chief Executive Officer of HMI Malaysia, Stanley Lam, the initiatives will prepare healthcare professionals ahead of the hospital’s 2029 opening.

“Investing in local talent is our immediate focus. By partnering with educational institutions and healthcare organisations, we are building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to shape the next generation of care in the state.”

Senior Consultant General Surgeon and Board Director for HMI Medical’s hospitals in Malaysia, Dr. Richard Chew said the project carries special significance for him as a Sarawakian. “As a Sarawakian and long-time board member of HMI Medical’s hospitals, I am proud to mark a new chapter for my home state. Our investment in both the hospital and talent development reflects our belief that healthcare is ultimately about people. Together, these efforts will create opportunities for future healthcare professionals and contribute to long-term care in Sarawak.”

The groundbreaking event marks a milestone in the development of healthcare infrastructure in Kuching. HMI Medical will continue to invest in the people, capabilities and technology needed to deliver the next generation of care.