"We are currently witnessing significant changes in the health sector. The situation provides opportunities to companies to invest (in the sector) to reap great benefits," he remarked at the ASEAN Investment Forum Day 2 in Jakarta on Sunday.
The forum constitutes a side event for the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from September 5 to September 7. It is the second summit to be held under the chairmanship of Indonesia in the regional bloc this year.
At their 42nd summit, held in May 2023 in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, the ASEAN leaders had agreed on several documents, including the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on One Health Initiative.
Regarding the current condition in the health sector, Minister Sadikin highlighted global uncertainty, saying that it can provide related actors in the sector with even higher gains.
He then mentioned British scientist James Dalton who discovered atoms, the smallest particles of a physical object, in early 1800s.
According to the minister, the discovery of atoms played a crucial role in driving the industrial revolution, as the particle eventually led humanity to optimize nuclear energy.
The minister noted that the industrial revolution has also affected the health sector, citing the discovery and use of mRNA vaccine platform to formulate Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, develop monoclonal antibodies, and create instruments to treat cancers.
"These examples have proven that the industrial revolution has started to affect the health sector. The discovery of the smallest particles will, in turn, create great opportunities for you, investors, to partake in this (healthcare) business," he pointed out.
Furthermore, Minister Sadikin said he is optimistic that investors in the health sector will be able to reap the expected gains in one or two decades by considering that every human being on earth will prioritize investing and spending on the health sector.
"Bearing that in mind, I would like to suggest you to invest in the health sector, as it proffers great opportunities to you," he told business actors in the forum.
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Translator: Kuntum K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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