Setting Out and Stepping Up: Celebrating NUMed’s New Graduates

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) celebrated the graduation of 135 students at our 11th Congregation Ceremony recently. The event, which was held at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre, saw 103 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and 32 BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences students make their way across the stage to receive their scrolls.

With our MBBS programme being recognised by both the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the General Medical Council, UK (GMC), more than half of our graduates will be heading to the UK to commence their Foundation Doctor training, while the rest will embark on their professional careers in Malaysia.

During the event, the university also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering and Marine Engineering to Terence Chin and Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture and Rural Development to Fathir Siddiq. The new graduates now join a global alumni community of over 270,000 members.

The Congregation Ceremony was presided by Professor David Burn, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK, who conveyed his pride at the graduates’ achievements and urged them to make a positive impact.

“Seek out the best working environment you can find, one that allows you to be the best you can be, where you feel that you can make a positive difference, and where you feel appreciated and rewarded. And when talent and opportunity alone are not enough, if there’s one more thing I hope your university experience has taught you, it is that there are no limits to what you can achieve with determination and sheer hard work,” he advised.

Other guests of honour at the event included Professor Dennis Wong, Regional Provost & Group Chief Executive Officer (ASEAN) of Newcastle University; Professor Vishna Devi V Nadarajah, Provost & Chief Executive Officer of NUMed; Premila Nair, Chief Operating Officer of NUMed; Azizah Khalid Merican, Head of Education of Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB); Nuurmala Ishak, Assistant Vice President Education of IIB; Nandan Ramachandran, Director or Student Welfare & Academic Services of University of Reading Malaysia; Kannan Sankaran, Head of Business System of University of Reading Malaysia; Dr Azri Ariff bin Abdul Zawawi, Director of Kota Tinggi Hospital; Maimunah Jaffar, Director of Lead Technology & Innovation of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA); and other faculty members of NUMed.

Both Professor Wong and Professor Vishna expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the new graduates.

“The experiences you've gained have prepared you to be exceptional medical professionals, equipped with the adaptability and tenacity needed to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Your education here has provided a strong foundation, but your courage, compassion, and continuous pursuit of knowledge will define your success. Embrace future challenges with the same resolve you have shown here,” said Professor Wong.

“For our medical graduates, remember that being a physician is more than a profession. Your empathy, listening skills, and commitment to treating patients with dignity and respect are essential. For our biomedical graduates, embrace the ever-evolving healthcare landscape with curiosity and an open mind. Stay committed to lifelong learning to remain at the forefront of your field,” added Professor Vishna.

Several high-achieving MBBS students were also recognised during the ceremony. These include Nisini Imanya Premasara Yapagedara (Year 5), who obtained the Walton Prize, and Win Hay Mar (Year 1), Sok Kee Sing (Year 2), and Abdul Samad Mohammed (Year 5), who received the TM Teoh Prize.

Meanwhile, Michael Chia, a board member of the Newcastle Research and Innovation Institute in Singapore, who has contributed significantly to the maritime oil and gas industry, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree.

According to him, “My days at the University left a deep impression on me. It was not just the degree that I received, but a wholesome education that would mould my career and play a pivotal part in shaping my life. I hope that you will be able to build on what the University has imparted to you and be successful in your career. But, don’t forget to always keep your alma mater in mind and wherever possible do your turn to contribute back in whatever way possible.”

Towards the end of the ceremony, Student Orator Arvin Thurairaj stepped up to the podium. After extending his gratitude to family, friends and the university faculty, he urged his fellow graduates to make a positive impact on the world.

“The world is not as beautiful as many of us would like; which is why we, the next generation, must continue carrying the torch, to call out poor practices, to prioritise ethical conduct, and to change the world for the better!” he declared.

Congratulations Class of 2024! We wish you a bright and successful future, and look forward to the impact you will undoubtedly make, wherever your paths lead.