WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
On 5 October 2023, the Faculty of Medicine of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) conferred the Distinguished Alumni award to Dr Zaliha Mustafa, our Minister of Health.
This conferment was in acknowledgment and celebration of Dr Zaliha’s accomplishments and successes as the Minister of Health. Notably, she is the first female Minister of Health of Malaysia.
CELEBRATING THE PRESENT & CONTEMPLATING THE FUTURE
Upon receiving the title, Dr Zaliha shares: “I would like to express my utmost appreciation to UKM, especially the Faculty of Medicine, for bestowing upon me the Distinguished Alumni award. Indeed, I’m very proud of having the privilege to receive my education in the faculty.”
The conferment ceremony was also graced by the presence of Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Mohamad Abd Razak, the Chairman of the UKM Board of Directors.
He delivered a talk entitled ‘Reformasi Sistem Kesihatan yang Kalis Masa Hadapan’ (Reformation of a Future-Proof Healthcare System), which touches on relevant health issues that affect the way in which societies in this country would confront the challenges of the future.
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Mohamad Abd Razak also shared his experiences as a student in the faculty around 1983 to 1989. “There are far more advances in technology and methodology today to provide optimal benefits to students,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Zaliha took the opportunity to officiate the Space for Distinguished Alumni at the Faculty of Medicine of UKM.
A SPACE TO CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF UKM’S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
The Space for Distinguished Alumni is set up by UKM to honour the accomplishments of the Distinguished Alumni of UKM.
A multimedia display is set up in this space to commemorate these accomplishments with visitors.
Aside from Dr Zaliha, the other Distinguished Alumni are Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (2020), Datuk Dr Rohaizat Yon (2021), and Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Lokman Saim (2022).