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PETALING JAYA: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the ministry’s goal of producing 28,000 medical specialists by 2030 is set to be achieved, thanks to a private-public partnership between Sunway University and Universiti Kebangasaan Malaysia (UKM).
After inaugurating the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit 2024 at Sunway University, he said the collaboration would see the university leverage its innovative capacity with UKM’s expertise to advance the Sunway University Medical Doctor programme.
“My ministry supports the programme and I applaud Sunway University and UKM for their groundbreaking partnership in establishing and delivering it.
“UKM stands as one of the top research universities in the country that offers globally recognised, world-class education, while the privately held Sunway University is committed to delivering high-quality holistic education for all.”
Zambry said the collaboration would produce more medical professionals and exemplify how public-private partnerships are crucial for innovation and progress, adding that Malaysia could become an international hub for higher education that fosters economic prosperity, social progress and peace.
“The ministry and its agencies have initiated efforts to increase the number of medical specialists in the country and ensure the delivery of healthcare services reaches an optimal level.
“Malaysia could play a pivotal role as a global education influencer and offer a better future for all through public-private collaborations such as this.”
Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, Sunway University president Prof Sibrandes Poppema and UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman also attended the event.
The programme will be launched during its September 2024 intake, upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.
Poppema endorsed the initiative and said the five-year collaboration will feature a research-intensive and technology-driven curriculum.
“It is aimed at developing future medical practitioners who are proficient in clinical care and innovations and can holistically address health challenges.
“Building upon our mutual dedication to excellence in service, our public-private collaboration seeks to revolutionise the approach to training doctors in Malaysia.”
He said the university has attracted over 26,000 students from 90 countries to its 880,000sq ft campus and expressed hope that the tie-up with UKM would serve as a “fantastic platform for us to build something new and innovative for our students.”
Cheah said the programme aims to cultivate forward-thinking medical practitioners who are capable of reshaping the Malaysian and regional medical education sphere.
“The healthcare sector needs to continuously progress and enhance its research initiatives to effectively tackle various challenges.
“In light of this, our collaboration will promote the comprehensive development of future medical professionals who are committed to serving humanity, saving lives and safeguarding the environment and planet.”
Mohd Ekhwan said the collaboration would enable both institutions to support each other in serving the country and the people.
“Our collaboration highlights the value of combining public and private efforts for the benefit of all, such as our use of advanced simulation and innovation, infusing collective health medicine and the use of artificial intelligence.”
He said UKM aspires to establish additional collaborations with Sunway University to expand its range of future courses.
