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HMI Medical breaks ground on Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching and invests in future-ready healthcare workforce for Sarawak
HMI Medical’s first private hospital in Sarawak, a 300-bed SMART tertiary hospital opening in 2029, represents an investment of more than RM400 million to support the state’s healthcare and medical tourism ambitions
12 August 2026
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Leading regional healthcare group HMI Medical today marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching, a 300-bed SMART tertiary specialist private hospital scheduled to open in 2029. The ceremony was officiated by The Premier of Sarawak, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who expressed support for the new hospital development as part of wider efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity and specialist services in the state.
Designed as a next-generation SMART hospital, Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching will integrate 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, with intensive care, diagnostic and treatment facilities supporting multidisciplinary specialist care, alongside dedicated amenities for patients and visitors. The hospital located in the Northbank township in Kuching, will be built in two phases with the initial phase representing an investment of more than RM400 million. The future phase will add additional capacity and selected centres of excellence to meet evolving needs.
Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching builds on HMI Medical’s 28-year track record. It draws on the clinical and operational experience from Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka. Both hospitals are Elite Members of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), with extensive experience caring for local and international patients. The new hospital will bring advanced specialist care closer to home for Kuching residents.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ms Chin Wei Jia, Group Chief Executive Officer of HMI Medical, said the development responds to rising healthcare needs.
“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.”
Strengthening Sarawak’s Vision to Be the Medical Tourism Hub
Public reports show healthcare traveller arrivals to Sarawak rising from 64,393 in 2023 to 76,796 in 2024. Arrivals surpassed 104,000 in 2025, with Kuching accounting for the majority.¹
The continued growth reflects increasing demand for tertiary and specialist care. Supported by HMI Medical’s network of 12 representative offices in Indonesia, Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching will strengthen the state’s healthcare offering with expanded infrastructure and advanced specialist capabilities for patients from Malaysia and overseas.
Building a Future-Ready Healthcare Workforce
Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs. These roles will span 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.
Mr. Stanley Lam, Chief Executive Officer of HMI Malaysia, said 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.”
A Commitment to Sarawak’s Future
Since 1998, HMI Medical has contributed to Malaysia’s private healthcare sector through specialist treatments, tertiary care and patient-centred delivery.
Dr. Richard Chew, Senior Consultant General Surgeon and Board Director for HMI Medical’s hospitals in Malaysia, 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.
