KPJU Continues To Strive For Excellence As An Healthcare Education Provider

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- KPJ Healthcare University (KPJU) has sustained excellence in providing healthcare education in the country, producing 1,088 graduates in its 26th Convocation Ceremony, here today.

The graduates include 43 from KPJ Healthcare College Penang, 252 from KPJ Healthcare College Johor Bahru, and 793 from KPJU.

According to KPJU Chancellor Prof. Emerita Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan Shahabudin, this year's convocation ceremony was extra special as the university awarded the title of Professor Emeritus to a professor for the very first time.

Renowned Malaysian paediatrician, a pioneer in paediatric respiratory medicine, Professor Datuk Dr. Azizi Omar who has over four decades of experience in the field was the recipient of the award.

"This is the first time that the KPJU Senate has awarded the title of Professor Emeritus which recognizes the scholarship, prominence and glory of a professor in their field of expertise.

"Without a doubt, Professor Datuk Dr. Azizi has contributed a lot to the university and society and today’s recognition highlights his hard work, dedication and perseverance," she said in her speech at the 26th KPJU Convocation Ceremony, here today.

Separately, KPJU Vice Chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Lokman Saim said this year’s convocation recorded a total of 21 Master's degree graduates, the highest the university has produced in its convocation history.

The convocation she said, also witnessed a total of 55 students graduating from two new programmes offered by the university, that is Diploma in Operating Room Assistant (DORA) and Post Basic in Emergency Nursing.

"At this convocation, KPJU (has also) produced 2 medical experts, (that are) Dr. Divann Esvaran, Specialist in Radiology and Dr. Christopher Weeraj, Surgeon General.

"KPJU is the only private university that is accredited by MQA and recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council for the training of specialist doctors in 7 areas of expertise namely General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ear Nose Throat, Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine," he said.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Award recipient Puteri Iffah Irdina Izrul Syahryll, 24, who pursued a Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Hons) degree expressed that the journey of obtaining the degree was not easy as she had to deal with the agony of losing her father towards the completion of her programme.

"My father was in a critical condition when I was undergoing my final examination and that was my biggest challenge but I went through I was sure he would want to see me succeed as well.

"I dedicate this award to my late father and my mother who have been there supporting my journey, without their blessing I woudn’t have made it through this far," she told Bernama after the ceremony.

Vice Chancellor Award recipient Vinnashini Selvaraja, 31, who pursued a Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Technology said that balancing education and work as a part time student was not an easy deal.

 "I had to work from 8am to 6pm and after that do my thesis and research work but I am thankful for my father as well as the company that I work at, for understanding and being a great support to me," she said.

-- BERNAMA