Kuala Lampur, July 22 -- In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on 22 July, we celebrate not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to Malaysia's greatest untapped resource - our genetic diversity.

Sarawak, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu, and the Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is not just a cultural heritage but a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases. As Malaysia moves forward with the MyGenom Project, Sarawak's unique population structure becomes increasingly important in building the country's health resilience.

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