UTAR’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, which was established on 16 November 2009, was renamed as M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) on 13 September 2022.

The faculty was named after Mr M. Kandiah Murugasu, in honour of his contribution in securing the foundations of social welfare in the country. Mr Kandiah was responsible for the creation of Malaysia’s First National Social Welfare Policy which continues to serve as the framework for the country’s activities in social welfare till this day.

Present to unveil the new M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences signage on the ground floor of UTAR KA Block were Mr and Mrs Kandiah Murugasu, Founder & CEO of Creador Mr Brahmal Vasudevan and his spouse Ms Shanthi Kandiah, the founder of law firm SK Chambers. They were also accompanied by family, friends and acquaintances.

Welcoming them on behalf of UTAR were UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and spouse Toh Puan Ena Ling; UTAR Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum and spouse Puan Sri Sak Cheng Lum; UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh; UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat; UTAR BOT and Council Member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng; UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Datuk Lim Si Cheng and Mr Hew Fen Yee.

Thanking UTAR for the recognition, Mr Brahmal mentioned that this was indeed a strong recognition for Mr M. Kandiah who had contributed so much for the community.

Ms Shanti applauded UTAR for its role in educating young people in Malaysia and said that it was a privilege for her to be associated with a such highly capable and inspiring higher education institution that believes in giving back.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Today’s launching of the faculty is held in honour of Mr M. Kandiah, a remarkable man who secured the foundations of social welfare in the country. UTAR is indeed proud to rename its Faculty as M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.”

UTAR’s medical faculty was first established on 16 November 2009. It has graduated more than 800 students thus far. The Faculty offers four undergraduate and four postgraduate programmes. There are five research centres associated with the Faculty, namely the Centre for Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Centre for Research on Non-Communicable Diseases, Centre for Cancer Research, Centre for Stem Cell Research, and Dr Wu Lien-Teh Centre of Research in Communicable Disease.

With the aspiration to be the preferred centre of education and research for medical and health sciences, the Faculty is devoted to providing a conducive environment for the acquisition of knowledge and skills for effective clinical practice; develop values and attitudes of dedication, ethics and professionalism in the delivery of healthcare; and produce graduates who would serve and improve the quality of life of the community.