A Whole New World Awaits Graduates of NUMed's 5th Congregation

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) celebrated its 5th Congregation on 27 October 2018. A total of 126 students received their scrolls during this auspicious event, with 100 of them hailing from the university’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, eight from its BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme, 17 from its Master of Research programme, and one from its Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education programme.

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia's 5th Congregation sees a total of 126 graduates receive scrolls at Persada Convention Centre

Held at the Persada Convention Centre, the event was presided over by the Vice Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, Prof. Chris Day. The ceremony also featured the conferment of an Honorary Degree to acclaimed academic and environmental scientist Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang in recognition of his many significant contributions to his field of study.

“I am delighted to accept this honour,” Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini said, “Newcastle University offers flexible and efficient learning pathways to enable people to not only enrich themselves but also to serve society.”

Born to a military family, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini had learnt to be independent from a young age while living in a student hostel. He pursued chemical engineering for his undergraduate studies before branching out into environmental engineering for his postgraduate studies, completing his Master of Science (Environmental Engineering) and PhD at Newcastle University, UK.

Prof. Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang bestowed an Honorary Doctorate from Newcastle University in recognition of his contribution in environmental sciences

“I am very proud to be a recipient of an honorary doctorate from my alma mater, an institution close to my heart,” he added.

In his welcoming address, Prof. Chris Day emphasised that NUMed graduates have a unique identity and a set of values and beliefs that will allow them to continue their quest for lifelong learning and distinguish themselves in their chosen paths.

“I hope you will begin the next phase of your journey – wherever the trail may lead – with confidence and pride as a Newcastle University graduate,” he added.

Established in 2009, NUMed is the first fully owned international branch campus in Malaysia that offers undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as well as opportunities for postgraduate studies from a UK university. NUMed draws on the legacy of Newcastle University, UK, that can trace its roots back to the early 19th century.

The university is internationally renowned for being one the best British universities for medicine, offering world-class medical education to students from more than 120 countries. Currently, it is placed fifth in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2019 and in the top 125 (Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health category) by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018, among others. It also received a 95% Overall Student Satisfaction Score according to the National Student Survey 2017 (subjects allied to medical category).