IPOH: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah attended the Universiti Malaya (UM)–National University of Singapore (NUS) joint academic precision health symposium here on Tuesday (Aug 26).
The symposium held at the Royal Perak Golf Club in conjunction with the 54th UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament was also attended by Singapore President and NUS Chancellor Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Also present were Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon and UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.
Keynote speakers included Prof Dr Lim Lee Ling from UM’s Faculty of Medicine and Prof Dr Tai E. Shyong from NUS’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Distinguished scholars and clinicians from UM and NUS spoke on research and innovations in drug discovery, genetic and non-genetic biomarkers, clinical AI applications, and advancements in precision health.
The event celebrated over six decades of UM-NUS collaboration with a series of commemorative events.
Noor Azuan highlighted the deep ties between Malaysia and Singapore, saying the destinies of both nations are intertwined as few neighbours are.
“We are connected by geography but more importantly, by shared roots of history and an unmatched brotherhood; UM and NUS are the custodians of this legacy,” he said.
He noted that universities play a unique global role, thriving not through competition for resources but through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Noor Azuan said as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year, the region faces major challenges, from climate stress to security threats.
“In this context, UM and NUS must not stand at the margins. We must lead in providing thought leadership grounded in evidence and foresight for creating solutions.
“From energy transitions to regional health security, UM and NUS must emerge as global leaders in shaping ideas and action,” he said.
NUS president Prof Tan Eng Chye reaffirmed the longstanding ties between the two institutions, rooted in a shared history and mutual commitment to educational excellence.
“As both universities commemorate 120 years of academic legacy this year, we are honoured to celebrate this enduring partnership through meaningful engagements.
“These reflect not only our deep institutional ties but also the warm and longstanding bonds between Singapore and Malaysia,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, Sultan Nazrin and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, hosted a royal dinner in honour of Tharman and the NUS delegation at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar last night (August 25).
Further symbolising the camaraderie between the two institutions, the 54th UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament was held at the Royal Perak Golf Club, with 100 golfers taking part.
