I completed my Master’s in Medical Science degree at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine UKM under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri, an expert in the field of molecular neuroscience. Based on my personal experience, I can tell you that UKM is a great university. UKM provides various highly advanced facilities that enable us to study and conduct research in a very conducive environment. UKM is also a well-known university that has diverse collaborative research with other universities, both locally and internationally. I was given an opportunity to become a visiting researcher at the University of Otago, New Zealand, under the student mobility program. After graduating from UKM, I pursued my PhD at Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.

Now, I am working as an Assistant Professor at Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan. Even though I graduated from UKM several years ago, I am still actively conducting international collaborative research with my Professors and lecturers in UKM, especially Associate Professor Dr. Hanafi and Emeritus Professor Dr. Wan Zurinah. They are excellent mentors and supervisors that have assisted me a lot in my research until now. I believe UKM is the best choice to pursue your study in Malaysia. I feel very grateful to be given the golden opportunity to study at UKM. UKM will always be in my heart.

To pursue the Master of O&G at the UKM Medical Centre was one of my most important decisions that has changed my life. This journey comes with an inspiring learning curve and intervention which have helped my career tremendously.

I had great teachers and friends who have guided me with tremendous support. It was truly an honour for me to serve as a lecturer and specialist at UKMMC. Going forward, I hope I can bring the same teaching methods and spirit to my students.

My enthusiasm as a scholar in Medical Microbiology directed me to pursue my education in PhD degree in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology department in Universiti Kebangsaan Malyasia in 2011. Before coming to Malaysia, I was working in a medical and molecular laboratory; I then realized that my preference was being involved and having more contribution in the research area and understanding my career profoundly.

During my PhD study at UKM, I acquired a myriad of skills and experiences in terms of technical laboratory approaches as well as obtaining the capability of contributing in presentations and international seminars. Throughout my study period, I was entirely supported and motivated by my supervisors who had provided me with all essential and principal materials to enhance my concentration on my tasks effectively. I obtained a lot of support from my genuine and industrious supervisor, who encouraged me in fostering my ongoing research. After graduating in 2016, with the remarkable knowledge acquired, I felt more qualified and confident to collaborate in research projects and carry out my career influentially.

My passion for Medical Microbiology led me to pursue a PhD in Microbiology at Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM. The department has prepared me to be a scholar and independent researcher by providing me with great opportunities for research collaboration with well-known overseas researchers and training in medical microbiology diagnostics.

I learned a lot on protocols of ISO accreditation and diagnostic protocol in microbiology lab. Furthermore, I worked closely with my main supervisor to enhance my skills as a researcher. My supervisor is very well versed in the field of Microbiology and she also taught me how to write and edit manuscript for publication into high impact journals. The colleagues here were very friendly and supportive throughout my journey as a PhD student in UKM.

With the knowledge and skills I have developed from UKM, I am able to work independently as a researcher in Microbiology. Currently, I am working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM. My current projects include elucidating mechanism of infectious agents that cause cancer and novel drug discovery in antimicrobial resistance.

I joined the Tissue Engineering Centre (TEC), Faculty of Medicine, UKM in late 2015 to undertake my master’s degree in Medical Science. As the pioneer institute in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in Malaysia, my expectations were high.

Besides providing a conducive environment for conducting research, TEC has also helped me in many other ways. I am blessed with the excellent supervision and guidance of my supervisors who have put in great effort in supervising my research work and offering their valuable expertise.

My experience as a student at UKM has been a rewarding journey for me. Most importantly, postgraduate study is not only about qualifications and achievements, but more of meeting a demand with supply, for instance, to understand what employers are looking for. The quality and excellence of UKM, especially TEC has led to me recommending this programme to potential students out there.

Moving from the clinic and heart operating theatre to the laboratory and working with cells, and even further, to cell organelles, was a huge temptation and required much support. Tissue Engineering Centre (TEC) in UKM has built this bridge for me.

I obtained my Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1996 and had been working as a medical officer in cardiac surgery departments for more than 5 years.

I pursued my study in regenerative medicine and stem cell with interest in cardiac tissue engineering, cell communication and mitochondrial transfer, by joining the Masters programme in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and then conversion to PhD in this centre. Profound understanding of cell biology and its clinical applications are crucial for successful research which motivated me to study more and TEC gave me opportunity to grow.

Having a medical background and working in a research laboratory, surrounded with scientists, provided a platform for discussion in a variety of matters from laboratory to clinical applications.

I did my Master of Community Health Sciences at Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM in 2008. The benefit of the curriculum is the subspecialty so that you can focus on your area of interest. I did my subspecialty in Family Health. This is a mix-mode so that students can learn principles of research in conjunction with the study of various public health modules. In semester 1, I had the opportunity to study the basic and fundamental aspects of public health and in semester 2, focus was more on Family Health. The dissertation is based on the subspecialty. This programme helps me a lot and allows me to pursue my PhD in the same department so that my research project can be continued.

I first knew about the Master’s programme in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia when the university sent their team to Jakarta to promote the programme. As I was interested in Paediatrics, I decided to join the programme. I first came to Malaysia in 2004. On arrival, I was put on attachment duty initially to familiarise myself with the system in Malaysia. I formally entered the Master in Paediatrics programme in 2005.

As I progressed along the programme, I have met many mentors and professors who have made me who I am today. I also met the seniors and colleagues, who have made my journey an enjoyable and knowledgeable one. As I made my rotation through the various sub-specialities available in Pusat Perubatan UKM, such as neonatology, endocrinology, genetics, haemato-oncology, cardiology, neurology, paediatric intensive care, respiratory, nephrology and developmental disorders, I have received exceptional guidance from the many professors and lecturers in those respective fields. The university has also enabled me to have elective postings in Hospital Kuala Lumpur in the field of paediatric dermatology. The training has been a great contributor to shape not only my skill and knowledge in paediatrics but also my personality.

I have had such a positive and complete experience in the university that I fully recommend those doctors who are interested in further pursuing their interest in Paediatrics to enrol in the Master of Paediatrics programme in University Kebangsaan Malaysia.

"With the most modern facilities available and always up-to-date in the latest technological innovations, the training provided by the team at Faculty of Medicine UKM is geared for more than just education or teaching of medical knowledge, it's an excellent investment for the development of my career; laying down solid foundations and positioning me to take best advantage of the future. Throughout the 4 years I have spent at UKM Medical Centre, I've constantly been motivated and inspired to pursue my career and passion. All I've encountered here are personal mentors, always moulding me in every aspect into becoming an excellent doctor, giving me constant support, guidance and constructive feedback. Being a student in a foreign country can be challenging at times, but this University is always willing to help its foreign students in every aspect, and in hard times like during the COVID-19 crisis, to ensure our wellbeing, they took special care to keep in touch, and provided door to door help. The supportive working environment, the collegiality and professionalism shown, as well as the friendly faces we see every day at work have contributed to making my time here an enjoyable experience. I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to learn and work here and strongly encourage students to consider Faculty of Medicine UKM as THE place to pursue their career in medicine”

Not many people are familiar with genetic counsellors as health care professionals. In fact genetic counsellors are highly trained in genetics, and committed to deliver personally, optimised patient care in order to enhance patients’ quality of life.

I have completed the Master in Genetic Counselling at UKM, where the programme curriculum is designed to emphasise the scientific, psychosocial and research aspects of the profession.

I personally had experienced the transition from being a lab technologist for more than ten years in Dubai, to going back to university life, which was challenging; this and the fact that studying abroad and relocating to a new country, really made it even more stressful.

But once I had decided to pursue my passion, this fantastic programme had provided me with knowledge, recourses and the right tools to become a successful genetic counsellor.

I highly recommend this programme to those who are passionate about genetics, whether you are a fresh undergraduate or looking for a mid-life career change with a more fulfilling and meaningful career path, it’s never too late!