Warm Farewell for MK FMHS Founding Dean - Celebrating 14 Years of Excellence with Academician Emeritus Professor Dr Cheong Soon Keng

A beautiful cake for a wonderful Prof Cheong Soon Keng

After more than 14 years of dedication and commitment to UTAR and M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS), Academician Emeritus Professor Dr Cheong Soon Keng has decided to retire from the university.

A warm and elaborate farewell lunch was arranged for Prof Cheong around noon on 10 November 2023 at the Multipurpose Hall at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

A special western menu was arranged for the lunch, accompanied by specially arranged performances by the Vice Presidents, the Registrar staff and several divisions and departments, to show their appreciation for Prof Cheong.

It was a special performance that would probably not be repeated for any other occasions. The lunch and performances were coordinated by the Registrar’s office on behalf of the university, especially for Prof Cheong Soon Keng, who attended the lunch together with his wife Emeritus Professor Dr Boo Nem Yun.

This special farewell was attended by UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Toh Puan Ena Ling, UEF BOT Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum, Puan Sri Irene Sak, UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, BOT & Council member Datuk Lee Lek Cheng, BOT member Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr. Tan Chong Tin, Hospital Board Chairman and UTAR Council member Ir Academician Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Council member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice Presidents Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, BOT secretary Mr Ong Whee Tiong, Registrar, Deans, Directors, and HoDs.

Prof Cheong was the founding dean of the M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He brought the faculty and its medical degree programmes to its greatest heights today where the UTAR medical and health science graduates are among the best in the country and are highly sought after by the hospitals. UTAR’s nursing department was rated among the top 5 nursing training institutions in the country.

In the 14 years that Prof Cheong was with MK FMHS, he brought many first to the faculty, among which are the following:

• Established FMHS on 16 November 2009
• Commenced MBBS programme with 39 students on 31 May 2010
• Commenced first intake for Chinese Medicine, Physiotherapy and Nursing in 2011
• Established research labs and 3 Research Centres: Centre for Stem Cell Research, Centre for Cancer Research, and Centre for Research in TCM
• Established Ampang CTC in 2012 and obtained approval to conduct MSc and PhD programmes
• Established the Centre for Research in Non-Communicable Disease in 2013. The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC) lines from osteosarcoma cells was established for the first time in the world
• Established the Grand Season CTC in 2014
• Held the first joint symposium in stem cell research with the University System Taiwan in 2015
• Established the Pathogen Laboratory in 2016
• Established the Centre for Research in Communicable Disease in 2017
• Led FMHS to receive the ISO 9001 Certificate in 2018
• Held a joint conference with Academia Sinica of Taiwan
• Held the 2019 Second Biennial Medical and Health Sciences Conference
• Established iPSC Biobank, implemented Online Teaching and Learning, and helped to establish UTAR Hospital for the period 2020-2023

Prof Cheong Soon Keng’s contributions to MK FMHS, UTAR and UTAR Hospital are multi-fold with very significant outcomes for the university, students and the community as well. He is a man of great distinction and influence in the medical fraternity. With his vast knowledge and experience, he has also contributed greatly to the foundation and the setting up of UTAR Hospital. He has donated to the hospital and brought in donors for the development of the hospital as well.

UTAR and UTAR Hospital is indeed proud to have had the opportunity to engage Prof Cheong as the founding dean of MK FMHS, and even more privileged to have the opportunity to work with Prof Cheong as a wonderful colleague.

UTAR and UTAR Hospital is greatly appreciative of Prof Cheong Soon Keng’s contributions and wish him a truly wonderful retirement, blessed with good health and much happiness.

For the speeches and video presentation of Prof Cheong’s farewell, please click on the link below:
https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2023/Nov/20/02/231108_ProfCheong_FarewellVideo.mp4

Token of appreciation presented to Prof Cheong by Tun Ling, Tan Sri Chuah, Tan Sri Sak, Dato’ Dr Ewe, and Tan Sri Ting

A warm and private farewell for Prof Cheong

Prof Ewe sharing the happy moments of Prof Cheong’s days at UTAR

A meaningful backdrop to celebrate the occasion

Prof Cheong’s equally happy speech of his days at UTAR

(Left) Vice Presidents Prof Goi Bok Min and Prof Choong Chee Keong singing a solo combination for Prof Cheong.

Registrar Ms Loh Siaw Yen introducing the opening performance

Following the beat and hand jive to the opening song

Our talented guitarist with melodious vocals Tan Sri Sak Cheng Lum singing his rendition of Josh Groban’s song for Prof Cheong

Department of Security Services staff got the audience performing with them at the lunch

Happy to see VP Prof Goi and Dr Lim Jee Hock having fun

Team performance from the IAD group- a showcase of talents

A well arranged contemporary dance by Registrar’s office staff Ling Fong, Rebecca and Flora

HR Director Ms Marchie Lim sang two songs with her good vocals

Lively performances from the SDAR group

Emcees for the day Ms Reny Law and Mr Alex We