Celebrating Triumphs and Honouring Extraordinary Achievements

International Medical University (IMU) honoured its graduating students in a recent Convocation Ceremony where proud parents, together with members of the IMU Board of Governors, faculty and staff witnessed 255 individuals receiving their hard-earned scrolls in postgraduate and undergraduate programmes which includes, medicine, psychology, dentistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, nursing and complementary, and alternative medicine.

The ceremony also recognised the inaugural cohort in Master of Counselling, the first Dual Award Doctoral Degree with University of Newcastle, a PhD in Medical and Health Sciences, and the conferment of Honorary Doctor of Medicine (honoris causa) on Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, Senior Advisor of IMU, in recognition of his many contributions to the field.

Held over two sessions on the same day, the convocation ceremony was presided over by Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Baba, Vice-Chancellor of IMU, who expressed his pride at the hard work each graduate had put in and acknowledged the hardships and sacrifices they had made on their journey.

He offered these words of advice, “Do not limit yourselves, as the nature of our work is rapidly changing, fuelled by the geopolitical challenges around us – from war, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related events to economic distortions and most recently by the wave of Artificial Intelligence applications. Should you find yourselves in newly-forged fields, remember that the skills you have acquired here – critical thinking, digital, analytical and interpersonal skills – are skills that will serve you wherever you are.”

Meanwhile, IMU Pro-Chancellor, Academician Datin Paduka Setia Dato’ Dr Aini Ideris called on them to reflect deeply on the fact that all life is intertwined and to consider their role in Planetary Health, whereby the fate of the people and planet share a common destiny.

“As budding health professionals, you are the foundation upon which new attitudes and mindsets are built on. Embrace your roles and be the catalysts in setting up a truly interdisciplinary planetary health ecosystem in which professionals from all sides – human, environment and animal can work together and offer real impact,” she said.

Reflecting on his long and illustrious career, Dr Abu Bakar expressed his sincere gratitude as he accepted his Honorary Doctor of Medicine and shared his earnest desire that IMU graduates, both present and future, would always retain their desire to learn continuously and always strive to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation especially with regards to patient-centred care and digital health solutions.

In closing, Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Baba encouraged all graduates to stay connected to the University through its Alumni Association and to always embrace humanity, adding, “As technology becomes more integrated into our lives and artificial intelligence mimics human interaction, it is the presence of empathy, kindness, patience and humility that will set you apart and make you a well-rounded healthcare professional.”

Prior to the Convocation, a Prize Presentation Ceremony was held the day before to recognise the achievements of IMU’s top students, three of which were awarded to Lim Yee Siew, a graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive these three esteemed medals. My experience at IMU has been truly invaluable, thanks to the inspiring individuals and professors I have met; the lessons I have learnt during my time here have provided me with a well-rounded education that I deeply cherish. I also attribute my success to the unwavering support of my friends, family and mentors throughout the remarkable 5-year journey,” said Lim when asked about her achievements.

The ceremony also announced the re-accreditation of IMU’s chiropractic programme by the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) up to April 2026, a clear indicator of IMU’s academic excellence and commitment to produce competent chiropractic practitioners to meet the growing need for alternative healthcare solutions, both locally and around the world.