18 July 2014 – International Medical University (IMU)’s President, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Southampton at the University’s graduation ceremony in Southampton. This is in recognition of a long and distinguished career in the field of Medicine and support for the University of Southampton. YBhg Tan Sri was one of five leading figures from the fields of medicine and medical education who received honorary degrees at the University’s graduation ceremonies in the Turner Sims Hall and Nuffield Theatre at its Highfield Road campus. YBhg Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, who is also the Chairman of IHH Healthcare Berhad, had more than 30 years of experience in the public healthcare sector. During this time, he started the Department of Nephrology, developed the Nephrology and Dialysis services at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and extended this to other hospitals in Malaysia. He developed the network of dialysis centres in Malaysia, in the government hospitals as well as in the community, with the support of donors and non-governmental organisations. YBhg Tan Sri became Director General of Health Malaysia from 1991 to 2001. He was then appointed President of IMU in 2001. Since 2001, YBhg Tan Sri has driven IMU’s development and it is now Malaysia’s most established private medical and health sciences university, providing a high standard of education at pre-university, undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development level. He also developed the University to be the first university in Malaysia that offers conventional and complementary medicine, all under one roof. The University enjoys an international reputation and has pioneered the world’s first Partner Medical School programme. Under YBhg Tan Sri’s leadership, the number of Partner Universities increased significantly to more than 30 world-class partner institutions of higher learning from the UK, Australia, US, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and China. One of the many universities in the UK entering into this collaboration is University of Southampton. Under YBhg Tan Sri’s stewardship, the University saw the establishment of the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) to ensure sustainability in research and bring it to greater heights by realigning the University’s research direction. The IMU Healthcare Centres was also established in 2010, allowing IMU’s staff and students to receive and treat patients.
Congratulations to YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman on his honorary degree!
Photo Credit: University of Southampton
