
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
Yesterday, 12:18 PM, updated 15h ago
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