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

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

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

he will start his housemanship in HUSM soon in general surgery department

when parents ask, you want to become engineer, doctor or lawyer

Him: why not all?

usual medical graduate is 24

most UPU students get 95% subsidy for their MBBS fees

fun fact, opening clinic no need to have medical degree. just need to hire doctors to work for you.

some hospitals and medical center big boss is not a doctor.

few flying schools in outskirt, melaka or ipoh got.

maybe cheaper than subang

he already going to start his housemanship in HUSM soon

many uni to choose from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_medic...ols_in_Malaysia

he already a specialist.

He is TCM engineering doctor

apparently not limit right now

if live to 100 years old, he still have 40 years to persue it

vocational is more hands on
while degree is more on design and testing

age is just a number.

people 60 years old also can climb everest.

meanwhile some people 30 years old knee pain cannot climb stairs liao

study masters = unemployment?