57-year-old 'Uncle Jet' graduates from USM as Malaysia's oldest doctor

GEORGE TOWN: A 57-year-old former engineer, Dr Ng Jet Kwan, has made history as Malaysia's oldest medical graduate after receiving his degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) 63rd convocation.

Born in Batu Pahat and commonly known as Uncle Jet, he fulfilled a childhood dream after initially pursuing engineering when he failed to secure a medical seat following secondary school.

"In the early 1990s, opportunities were very limited as there were only four public higher education institutions offering medical programmes in Malaysia, making competition very intense.

"My parents were hawkers and we were not a wealthy family, but the ambition never faded. I registered at USM at the age of 51 after both my children had finished their studies," he told reporters here today.

Ng said his daughter, Dr Ng Zhu Chin, 29, is now a resident doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States, while his son, Ng Zhu Han, 25, is a lawyer in Australia.

He thanked the lecturers at the School of Medical Sciences at USM's health campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, particularly his mentor, neuroscientist Prof Datuk Dr Jafri Malin Abdullah, for their guidance and encouragement.

On studying in Kelantan, Ng said his initial challenge was understanding the local dialect, but he adapted quickly due to the friendly nature of the locals.

"Although some lecturers were younger than me, it was not a barrier. In fact, some were my age and we could discuss things casually. I was also close with my classmates and I am grateful to have finished my studies on schedule," he said.

He also thanked the Health Ministry for its policy allowing older students to pursue their ambitions.

"I have started my housemanship at Hospital Pakar USM in the general surgery department.

"After completing my training there, I intend to get my licence and permit to open my own clinic," he said.

Ng had previously studied traditional Chinese medicine at a university in Singapore from 2012 to 2017.

Resume:
1992 Engineering degree UK
2012-2017 Traditional Chinese Medicine (Singapore)
2025 MD USM

Daughter 29, Medical resident in USA
Son 25, Lawyer in Australia

not wealthy family but still managed to get UK degree in 90s..

maybe is scholarship?

maybe half study half work? last time working can cover most of living expenses and fees. things were less expensive back then

maybe can if he self funded by studying



This post has been edited by Knnbuccb: Nov 28 2025, 12:31 PM

57 isn't old. I expect 87.

btw how this uncle gonna tahan oncall ah?

or maybe because he is some "star", they will let him off easy?

he said he plan to open his own clinic.

So, he doesn't need to worry on call anymore

how could he get a seat for this? fully paid student? great USM alumni?

Damn this really the m-fing boss

Instead talk cock in the neighbourhood WA or /k he really channel his free time to pursuse something else

Still need to finish his housemanship atleast.

I want to take up pilot license to fly big plane

How ah?

Got maximum age? Eye no good can still pursue? How many hours needed?

closest can get to that is da fei gei je la...

Probably JPA scholarship. I knew a few nons that got that coveted scholarship.

Back in the 90s, it cost probably GBP 3k - 4k for international student uni fee

It's possible for parents to sell off house or get personal loan to study in UK. While there student can take up part time work. It'll pay decent hourly wage that can help support their living expenses. It's doable

Can apply new job now.

USM+1 program, basically like UM SATU.

self paying, non subsidized.

350k for MD program 5 years

salute

TCM+MD+Engineer

only thing he lack is law degree

commercial pilot maybe cannot

but can take private pilot license. fly single engine small plane

if you got spare 500k maybe can do it

last time the fees is cheaper.

now busuk-busuk 1 mil ringgit

Engineer?

Makesure you use the right tool for your right job, doc.