Sabah’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness traditions make it an ideal destination for rejuvenation and balance, positioning it as a potential health tourism hub.
The state offers numerous wellness facilities with traditional spa treatments, therapies, and consultations with trained medical professionals.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew highlighted Sabah’s pristine environment, including mountains, beaches, and waterfalls, which generate an abundance of negative ions.
These ions are believed to relieve tension, stress, and promote overall health by neutralising airborne pathogens.
The three-day International Wholistic Wellness Conference and Exhibition (IWWCE), held from June 7-9 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, gathered 340 participants from 24 countries.
The event featured 12 renowned speakers and 84 exhibitors showcasing innovative wellness products, services, and technologies.
IWWCE collaborates with the Thailand Wellness Asian Summit and the Thailand Wellness Global Summit to promote holistic wellness in the region.
As part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, the conference supports Befrienders Malaysia and the Sabah Autism Society.
Organising Chairperson Cleopatra Lajawai emphasised the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while embracing new techniques and technology through international networking and idea exchange.
The conference addresses ten Wholistic Wellness Pillars:
- Soul: Nurturing inner harmony and purpose.
- Mental & Emotional Wellness: Fostering resilience and balance.
- Body: Prioritizing physical health.
- Auric Field & Frequencies: Exploring energy fields and healing.
- Air: Impact of air quality on well-being.
- Water: Healing properties of water.
- Food & Nutrition: Sustainable dietary choices.
- People & Relationships: Cultivating meaningful connections.
- Home & Workplace: Wellness-supportive environments.
- Environment: Advocating for planetary health.
European Wellness, known for its work in stem cell therapeutics and regenerative medicine, sees potential in Sabah.
Led by Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Mike Chan, they plan to invest US$80 million in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park.
This collaboration aims to combine Sabah’s natural charm with European Wellness’ expertise to establish the state as a global leader in medical tourism and holistic wellness.
