14 June 2014 – The new Chancellor of IMU, YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas was officially installed in his new role at the University’s convocation ceremony at its main campus in Bukit Jalil. YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas qualified as a doctor from the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1961 and obtained the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Liverpool in 1969. While in the United Kingdom he passed the examinations for the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians London. He was the Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in UKM and served as a member of Council of both UM and UKM. He was Dr 2013 and the Pro-Chancellor of IMU from 2011 to 2013. More about YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas >> Members of the Board of Governors, Senate, faculty members, invited guests, students and parents of the students witnessed this special ceremony, at which YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang was also be formally installed as Pro-Chancellor. He qualified with a Bachelor’s degree and PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Western Australia. YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang was instrumental in setting up three new centres at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and is the founder of the USAINS Group. He has published two books and over 100 scientific/professional publications. YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang is a co-inventor of two patented inventions. He was appointed, on three occasions, as WHO temporary advisor and was an invited speaker at various eminent professional meetings in the USA, Europe and Asia. He has been conferred three state awards by the Penang State Government and was the second person in Asia to be awarded “The Donald C Brodie, PhD Award” by the Pan Pacific Foundation. YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan is also active in community services. He has been a member of the Board of Governors of IMU since January 2004. More about YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang >> On the same day, more than 250 graduands took centre-stage for their graduation ceremony, marking the completion of their postgraduate or undergraduate studies. This convocation is significant as it marked a milestone for the IMU with the graduation of its first cohort of its chiropractic students.
Head of the Chiropractic Division, Prof Peter Diakow said
“Today is an extraordinary day for IMU and all of Malaysia as we witness the graduation of the first batch of chiropractic students not only from IMU but from the only chiropractic programme in Southeast Asia. All have successfully completed the full, local track at IMU, which is only one of four chiropractic programmes in the world that are fully integrated within an existing university structure. The Division is particularly proud of this first cohort which excelled while dealing with the fine tuning of an innovative, integrated model of chiropractic education. This programme was designed not only to address stringent Malaysian requirements, but also to meet recognised international standards. Their clinical year in IMU Healthcare Centres provided real life practical experiences that could focus on their professional development of the human side of caring for patients and communities. They will join the small but much sought after group of practicing chiropractors and we have no doubt that they will be excellent additions to the healthcare team in Malaysia.”
The half-day event was held over two sessions to cater for the large number of graduates and the mood was one of enthusiasm and joy. Live broadcast of the ceremony as it unfolds inside the auditorium was made available at other lecture theatres in the University. This gives family members and friends who were unable to be in the auditorium the opportunity to witness this very special event. During the ceremony, there were speeches by Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas and President, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman. The installation of Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor together with the conferment of the degrees held on 14 June 2014 is part of the graduation ceremonies that were conducted over two days. Speech by Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Amir Abbas >> Speech by President, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman>>
A Prize Presentation Ceremony was held on 13 June 2014. Numerous awards were bestowed on the graduates who have achieved academic excellence in their respective fields at this ceremony.
One of these students who have achieved the highest marks in his Medical Convocating Class and recipient of the Dr John Joseph Bosco Memorial Gold Medal is Khor Jie Xun, who said,
“Study hard, play harder; work hard, party harder! – That is the motto to my success. I would advise those who are interested in studying medicine to do it because it is really what you want to do. The title in front of your name is a big responsibility.”
…..
“I was really surprised and the happiness is indescribable when I was informed that I am the gold medallist. I find it really useful to listen attentively in classes. I think it is good to learn from very much more knowledgeable and experienced lecturers than thinking I can do my self-study and expect the same outcomes. I believe an IMU education provides a mature insight of the profession and cultivates vital skills and knowledge to be applied in the real world. Studying in IMU will then make me better prepared to work as a pharmacist in the near future:,
said Low Chia Ren, top student of the convocating pharmacy class. 
Another award recipient, Ooi Chia Soon, who is the top student in his class and recipient of the Dr Saidi Hashim Memorial Gold Medal, said,
“Nothing comes easy and nothing is impossible. Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Success depends on how much effort we have put in to achieve the goals. I always try my best in whatever I do and hope for the best. I joined quite a few voluntary works, organised blood donation campaign for IMU Buddhist Society and participated in bowling and badminton for IMU Cup. My most memorable moment in IMU was the time I spent practising bowling with my teammates in preparation for the bowling competition in the IMU Cup. I truly cherished that because it had brought us closer to each other and strengthened our bond. I also made more friends through this competition.”
Chia Soon has completed the first two and a half years of his medical degree in IMU and will be transferring to University of Dundee for the completion of his degree. 
Kang Wei Nian, a top student who has completed the first part of the pharmacy degree in IMU and will be transferring to University of Strathclyde said,
“I was truly surprised to know that all my hard work has paid off. It reassures me that I am on the right track and also encourages me to work harder to achieve my goals! The most memorable time in IMU was during our hospital attachment at Seremban. It was an amazing experience which I could never gain from books. Through this fruitful experience, I realised that pharmacy practice is not only about application of knowledge and skills, ethics and teamwork are also important aspects to ensure a patient’s well-being. Throughout my learning experience in IMU, I had met great tutors who inspired me to greater efforts and fulfil my dreams. Not only are they professional, my tutors are helpful, friendly and passionate in teaching. It was a very rewarding experience of learning in IMU.”
Congratulations again to all winners!
You can view more the full list of photos here
