MBBS White Coat Ceremony 2024

The MBBS White Coat Ceremony was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 11 November 2024. The purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate the students’ official transition to the professional medical world. The ceremony was attended by around 200 students, particularly Year 1 and Year 2 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.

Front row, fifth from left: Prof Rosidah, Prof Cheong and Prof Thong with MK FMHS academics and MBBS students

Invited to the ceremony was the Founding Dean of M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng. Also present were the current Dean of MK FMHS Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Prof Dr Rosidah binti Ibrahim and MK FMHS academics.

Prof Thong presenting his speech

The White Coat Ceremony featured an inspiring speech from Prof Thong, who congratulated the students on reaching this significant milestone. He remarked, “Today is a celebration of achievements and a symbolic gesture of transition. This ceremony represents not just progress in medical education but also the commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and trustworthiness that define a doctor. It is a sacred duty, taught in every session by our academic staff, with the hope that you will go out and do the right, ethical, and professional thing. Remember, you are part of a family, a fraternity, and this moment is meant to inspire you to serve with dedication. Congratulations to all the students on this historic achievement.”

Prof Cheong delivering his speech

Emeritus Prof Cheong reflected on the significance of the occasion and the journey of first-year medical students. He remarked, “We celebrate not only the symbolic transition marked by the White Coat but also the survival and success of our first-year students in a rigorous medical programme.” Emeritus Prof Cheong emphasised the importance of resilience, defining it as ‘the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity’. Drawing from insights by journalist Andrea Owens, he highlighted that 90% of surveyed individuals credited their resilience to their own inner strength, reminding students of the personal determination required to overcome challenges.

Emeritus Prof Cheong (right) receiving a souvenir from Prof Thong

The ceremony continued with the presentation of souvenirs to Emeritus Prof Cheong and the distribution of white coats to the students. After the white coat distribution, the ceremony witnessed the recital of the Oath of Commitment by the students. The oath served as a pledge of acceptance to all the duties and responsibilities associated with their profession.

Students receiving their white coats

MBBS students reciting the oath

Lee speaking on behalf of the MBBS students

The event continued with a speech by MBBS Student Representative Lee Huan Yang, who reflected on the journey so far and expressed gratitude to classmates, lecturers, and parents for their unwavering support. “Just a few months ago, we passed our first professional exam, and now we’re here celebrating together. We’ve all worked so hard, shed tears, and invested time, but we’ve made it to this stage because of each other. This is our first hurdle in a long journey, and it’s a proud moment for us.” Addressing his peers, he added, “Remember your goals and persevere through these five years and beyond. Study hard and make meaningful memories”.

Song performance

Dance performance

The ceremony continued with song and dance performances by Year 2 MBBS students. A few light-hearted videos made by the MBBS students were also played at the event. Finally, the ceremony ended with a photo session with friends and family.

Photo session with friends and family