A European-based wellness center is targeting Sabah as a strategic location for its expansion into the ASEAN market, particularly in the wellness and biopharmaceutical sectors. Dr Mike Chan, Chairman of the European Wellness Biomedical Group based in Germany, announced plans to construct a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
The group aims to establish the European Wellness Centre Asia Pacific hub at Alam Mesra, with an estimated investment of around MYR 379 million (USD 80 million). Sabah’s Chief Minister, Hajiji Noor, has expressed the state government’s support for such investments, recognizing their potential to position Sabah as a hub for medical tourism within the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The proposed European Wellness facilities in Kota Kinabalu will focus on providing high-end anti-aging and youth revitalization treatments, as well as initiatives to train biomedical professionals and attract patients globally. This will encourage Sabah to emerge as a key destination for medical wellness tourism in Southeast Asia. Dr. Chan has shared the company’s vision with Hajiji, aiming to elevate Sabah into a world-class medical wellness tourism hub. Since 2016, the company has already established an academy and showcase center in Kota Kinabalu, with a wellness retreat at The Mines in Kuala Lumpur.
(Sources: European Wellness; The Star)
