23 January 2025 (Samarahan) – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) was honoured to receive a delegation from the Public Medicare Group, widely known as PMG. The PMG delegation was led by Dr. Stephen Chieng KC, the Executive Chairman, and included Ms. Everlynn Hii, Senior Marketing Manager; Mr. Derek Hou Tai Jing, Head of R&D; and Mr. Aaron Yu Lung, Head of Operations.
The aim of the visit was to discuss the potential for commercialization and research cooperation on a local Sarawakian produce, Litsea garciae, locally known as Engkalak. The FMHS research team working on Engkalak, Dr. Siti Zaleha binti Raduan and Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Hamdi bin Mahmood, presented their ongoing research, focussing on the Engkalak drink, derived from the tree’s bark.
The Engkalak tree is native to Southeast Asia, where its seasonal fruit, also known as the butter fruit or Borneo avocado, is valued for its creamy, avocado-like texture.
Dr. Zaleha’s research focuses on the bark of the Engkalak tree, which is packed with compounds like phenolics and flavonoids that have strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect our bodies from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Traditionally, communities in Sarawak have used the bark to treat insect stings, burns, and skin infections. Studies support these traditional uses, showing that the bark’s healing properties come from its unique mix of natural chemicals. This makes Engkalak bark a promising natural remedy for health and wellness.
PMG expressed interest in leveraging these properties to develop health-focused products, such as dietary supplements and functional foods. Both parties discussed the challenges of commercialization, including the need for further research to strengthen the evidence supporting Engkalak’s health benefits.
This discussion is one of many collaborations FMHS has established with PMG, a local Sarawak-based industrial partner. Previously, the faculty partnered with PMG in corporate social responsibility (CSR) events around Kuching and Samarahan.
The discussion concluded with both parties agreeing to pursue further engagements in the future, including potential collaborative research initiatives and the development of sustainable commercialization strategies. HH