The first Faculty of Medicine (FOM) Inaugural Lecture for 2025, held on 7th January 2025, celebrated the distinguished career of Professor Dr. Chan Wah Kheong. Dr. Chan is a Professor of Medicine, Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Universiti Malaya, the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, and the Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre, respectively. His primary research focus is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
Dr. Chan’s pioneering work during his PhD led to the development of a two-step approach for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This approach has since become a cornerstone in national and international guidelines for the disease, forming the basis of a streamlined assessment and referral pathway. He is also actively involved in clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and serves on the Global Expert Panel for the ESSENCE study.
The Inaugural Lecture, titled "My Journey in Fatty Liver Research: Adding Value, Collaboration, and Paying It Forward," was held physically at the T.J. Danaraj Auditorium, and simultaneously livestreamed on the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiwUSJdhj5A
The Alumni Class of 1996 recently visited the Faculty of Medicine, marking a nostalgic and meaningful reunion after nearly 30 years. The gathering brought together former students who had once walked the same halls and now thrive in their respective careers, giving them a chance to reconnect with old friends and faculty members. The visit allowed alumni to revisit several facilities at the faculty, including the T.J. Danaraj Library, the newly renovated DK2 lecture hall, and the dorms where they once lived. As they shared stories of their experiences, the served as a poignant reminder of the bond that unites generations of medical professionals, reinforcing the importance of legacy, community, and continued growth within the medical field.
The second Faculty of Medicine (FOM) Inaugural Lecture of the year, held on 14th January 2025, celebrated the distinguished career of Professor Dr. Ong Teng Aik. Dr. Ong is a Professor in the Department of Surgery, specializing in urology. Prof. Ong has played an active role in several high-impact Asian multi-center collaborative research projects, including the A-Cap Asia Pacific Prostate Cancer Registry. In 2010, he, in collaboration with a team of clinical oncologists, established the first Uro-Oncology Combined Clinic at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, a pioneering initiative that has now become a model for integrating urologists and oncologists to enhance patient care. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the Robotic Surgery Committee at UMMC, where he has led the implementation of robotic services and driven digital health innovations, including Telemedicine
The Inaugural Lecture, titled "Beyond the Walnut: Exploring the Frontiers of Urology," was held physically at the T.J. Danaraj Auditorium, and simultaneously livestreamed on the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvoQJ7fP7E8
On 21st January 2025, students from Maple Leaf Kingsley International School in Subang Jaya had the opportunity to visit the Faculty of Medicine (FOM). This educational excursion was aimed at providing the students with an insightful experience into the world of medical sciences. The visit allowed them to explore various aspects of medical education, including advanced facilities and hands-on learning environments, offering a glimpse into the future careers in healthcare. The students interacted with faculty members and learned about cutting-edge research and the significance of pursuing a career in medicine. It was an enriching experience that sparked curiosity and inspiration for many of the students regarding the healthcare field.
Paediatric surgery often presents complex ethical dilemmas, particularly in emergency situations where the balance between medical necessity, parental expectations, and the child's best interests must be delicately managed. Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is crucial in navigating intricate cases, ensuring that clinical judgment aligns with family values, and the well-being of the patients.
On 23rd January 2025, an engaging and though-provoking session brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss SDM in high-stakes paediatric surgery. The panel featured Dr. Tan Yew Wei, a seasoned Consultant Paediatric Surgeon with extensive experience in neonatal and complex congenital cases, Dr. Tae Sok Kun, a Consultant Paediatrician & Clinical Geneticist specializing in rare genetic disorder, and Dr. Chew Kee Seang, a Paediatric Gastroenterologist with expertise in complex feeding disorders, all from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Joining them was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mark Tan Kiak Min from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. The session was skillfully moderated by Dr. Chong Lee Ai, a Consultant Paediatrician in Palliative Care, whose expertise in navigating difficult end-of-life discussions added valuable depth to the conversation.
The session centered on a real but anonymized case of a critically ill child presenting with an acute abdomen, where medical interventions and parental decision-making were at odds. Attendees engaged in robust discussions on ethical tension between respecting parental autonomy and ensuring optimal medical outcomes, particularly in cases where cultural beliefs, resource limitations, or prognostic uncertainties influence decision-making. The interactive session provided valuable insights for participants to examine real-life dilemmas, exploring ethical principles in action, and reflect on strategies to bridge gaps in communication between medical teams and families.
The Clinical Ethics Grand Round Series, held bi-monthly on the last Thursday of the month from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (MYT) is part of the Medical Humanities and Ethics Unit (MedHEU)’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) initiative. Open to all healthcare professionals, including physicians, clinicians, biomedical researchers, nurses, ethicists, philosophers, and students, the series offers a platform for ethical discourse in medical practice. For inquiries or case presentation, contact MedHEU at medheu@um.edu.my.
Top Glove Corporation Bhd and Universiti Malaya celebrated the official opening of the Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Medical Museum at FOM on 25th January 2025, made possible by a RM2 million donation from Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai, founder of Top Glove and UM alumni. The museum merges the Anatomy Resource Centre and Pathology Museum into a modern educational hub, featuring extensive human specimen collections, interactive exhibits, and high-tech installations.
At the official launch today, Tan Sri Datuk Ter Leong Yap, from the UM Board of Directors, officiated the museum's opening. He emphasised the significance of this initiative in enhancing medical education and community engagement. His remarks highlighted the collaborative efforts between alumni and the university to foster an environment that supports innovative learning and research in healthcare.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to give back to his alma mater: “I am deeply honoured to contribute to this meaningful project at Universiti Malaya. As a UM alumnus, it is my privilege to give back to the institution that had played a significant role in my youth and shaping the trajectory of my career. I am deeply passionate about lifelong learning, healthy living and advancing healthcare. It is my hope that this museum will inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, as well as promote health literacy, and foster a deeper appreciation for healthcare practices and advancements amongst the general public.”
UM Vice Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride in the establishment of the new medical museum, stating: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Tan Sri Dr. Lim for his extraordinary generosity, which will significantly enhance our Faculty of Medicine’s capacity to educate Malaysia’s current and future healthcare leaders. This medical museum represents a pivotal step in advancing Universiti Malaya’s vision of becoming a global leader in the field of medicine. More than just a repository of knowledge, the museum stands as a testament to the history, progress, and transformative impact of medical science and healthcare.”
Professor Dato’ Dr. Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz, Dean of FOM, added: “I am so proud to have this museum at the Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine. This museum is in its own league, unlike any other in the country. It uniquely integrates medicine, culture, art, and history to inspire transformative shifts in healthcare education and research. Through dynamic exhibits and engaging environments, visitors can explore the world of medicine, learn about its national pioneers, and gain insights into the evolution of healthcare systems. This museum also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, blending diverse fields into healthcare studies.”
The museum is now open to the UM Community, and will soon be open to the public, serving as a bridge between academia, culture, and the medical community.
The inauguration of the IKA Collaborative Lab at the Department of Molecular Medicine marks a significant milestone in the journey of industry-academia collaboration. The Department of Molecular Medicine (MolMed) strives for excellence in research and education by honouring university traditions while pioneering multidisciplinary scientific advancements. Its goal is to achieve unmatched academic excellence and impactful, high-quality research. Meanwhile, our industry collaborator, IKA Works (Asia) Sdn. Bhd., a globally renowned German manufacturer of laboratory, analytical, and processing technology with over 110 years of history, continues to drive innovation and high-quality research, true to its slogan: “Designed to Work Perfectly”.
This industry-academia collaboration, empowered through a recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), focuses on establishing the IKA Collaborative Lab @ MolMed to foster a partnership that supports our researchers and students. This initiative was coordinated through two committees from the Department of Molecular Medicine—the Research & Networking Committee and the Committee for Equipment Rental—working hand in hand with the team from IKA. Held on 7th January 2025 at Dewan Kuliah 6, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, this event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and networking. It set the stage for future collaborations between the life sciences industry and academic researchers, symbolizing the official start of a collaborative effort.
One of the highlights of the morning session was the introduction to IKA’s Life Science Solutions, presented by Ms. Claresta Lim, IKA Malaysia’s Product Manager. Attendees were given an overview of the cutting-edge technologies and solutions offered by IKA, including Wet and Dry Incubation and Patented Sample Processing Solutions. This session provided valuable insights into the innovative tools and techniques that will be available at the IKA Collaborative Lab, empowering researchers to achieve new heights in their work.
Following the presentation, participants had the opportunity to visit the IKA Collaborative Lab @ MolMed for a hands-on session. This interactive experience allowed attendees to gain practical knowledge and firsthand experience with the advanced equipment and technologies available at the lab. The visit was followed by a networking lunch, which provided a platform for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.
The afternoon session focused on a Pipette Workshop, beginning with a session on Pipetting Fundamentals: Do’s and Don’ts. This was followed by a hands-on session where participants could practice their pipetting skills and learn best practices for accurate and efficient pipetting. The workshop concluded with a Pipette Servicing and Maintenance Clinic, allowing attendees to bring their pipettes for a check-up to ensure they are in optimal condition for research.
We welcome members of faculty to visit us at the IKA Collaborative Lab at Department of Molecular Medicine.
Last Update: 12/03/2025
