Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) celebrated its Silver Jubilee, honouring the legacy of the late 34th Sultan of Perak, Almarhum His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, whose royal decree in 1996 led to the establishment of a medical college in the state.
This historic decision not only opened new opportunities for higher education in medicine in Perak but also reshaped Malaysia’s medical education landscape through an international-standard TVET approach.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was graced by His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-lah.
Also in attendance were Her Highness Raja Dato’ Seri Eleena Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-lah; The Right Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development; The Right Honourable Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Minister of Perak; The Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr Zulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health; along with national leaders, Orang Besar Jajahan, Perak state government officials, Muftis, senior representatives from various Ministries and government agencies, as well as the top management and subsidiaries of MARA.
In conjunction with the Silver Jubilee, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid urged the Ministry of Higher Education to approve an additional quota of 250 students for the intake of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at UniKL RCMP.
“In supporting the Government’s aspiration to increase the number of doctors and strengthen the frontline of the healthcare sector, I earnestly hope that the Ministry of Higher Education will consider an additional quota of at least 250 more students for the intake of the MBBS programme here.
“In view of the rapid development of UniKL RCMP, I am fully confident that one day, a Teaching Hospital will stand as a new landmark of knowledge and service.
“It will not only strengthen teaching and learning, but also serve as a blessing to society, help reduce hospital congestion, and make a significant contribution to the well-being of the people and the nation,” he said.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki; Director General of MARA, Dato’ Zulfikri Osman; Chairman of UniKL, Dato’ Sri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali; Chairman of UniKL RCMP, Dato’ Dr Afifi Al-Akiti; and President/Chief Executive Officer of UniKL, Prof. Ir. Dr Azman Senin.
Over the past 25 years, UniKL RCMP has nurtured 10,950 graduates in medicine and health sciences, many of whom are now serving across Malaysia and abroad.
Currently, UniKL RCMP offers 18 programmes ranging from diploma to doctoral level, with a student capacity of 3,600, supported by over 400 academic and non-academic staff. The institution continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for cultivating professional talent and shaping the future of healthcare services in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Dr Afifi described the Silver Jubilee as a gesture of appreciation to all who have contributed to the establishment and growth of this Royal-status institution.
“As the only higher learning institution in Malaysia honoured with Royal status, we remain committed to upholding educational excellence and advancing student development in line with this distinguished recognition,” he said.
The celebration also witnessed the launch of the 10-storey Al-Zahrawi Block, which houses the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences, alongside the unveiling of the Handbook of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Images in Rheumatology.
Developed through the collaboration of Prof. Dato’ Dr Hj Wahinuddin Hj Sulaiman and Dr Hjh Ainon Mohd Mokhtar, the handbook is the first of its kind in Malaysia and serves as a comprehensive reference for medical students, healthcare practitioners, patients, and caregivers.
The event was further enlivened with interactive exhibitions and demonstrations of the latest technologies in nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacy, science, and innovation. Guests also toured modern clinical laboratories and witnessed applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, one of the main highlights of the exhibition.
