BEIJING – Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, paid a courtesy call on Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Dato’ Norman Muhamad, during his official visit to Beijing on 10 June 2026.
The Malaysian Embassy in Beijing is one of the country’s largest overseas missions, reflecting the scale and complexity of Malaysia’s engagement with China.
The mission oversees a wide range of activities in trade, tourism and education, while also supporting the growing Malaysian community in China.
The Deputy Premier noted that the size of the country, the volume of activities at both national and provincial levels, and the high cost of living in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai present significant challenges for embassy staff.
As of April 2026, there were 5,549 Malaysian students enrolled in institutions across China, a figure expected to rise substantially in the coming years.
Dr Sim highlighted the importance of continued embassy support for these students, alongside broader facilitation of Sarawak’s development agenda.
During the meeting, Dr Sim shared updates on the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He also briefed the Ambassador and senior officers on Sarawak’s collaboration with Fudan University, including the establishment of Fudan Medical School Miri, Fudan Medical Centre Miri and plans for Fudan University Miri.
These initiatives are expected to advance clinical research and drug discovery in Sarawak. Dr Sim expressed hope that the Embassy would continue to provide assistance and facilitation for Sarawak’s international partnerships.
He suggested that Sarawak might one day establish its own trade and tourism offices in China, similar to Singapore’s STATOS and Brunei’s STATOB, to strengthen economic and cultural ties.
The Deputy Premier was pleasantly surprised to meet several Sarawakians among the embassy staff, noting that three were present during his visit while others were away on official duties.
He remarked that this was the largest number of Sarawakians he had encountered during courtesy calls to Malaysian embassies and high commissions abroad.
The meeting underscored the importance of Malaysia’s diplomatic presence in China and highlighted Sarawak’s ambitions to expand its global partnerships in education, healthcare, trade and tourism.
