Malaysian medical first

Issue 19 | Autumn/Winter 2007

Medical students in front of the new campus.

Medical students are the first to enjoy Monash University's newest campus.

The new Malaysia campus in Bandar Sunway recently welcomed its first group of students, with other staff and students to be shifted to the new campus in phases by July.

The 61 first year medical students were joined by more than 40 second year students, who returned from the University's Clayton campus to continue their medical studies in Malaysia.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Merilyn Liddell said the move marked several firsts for the University's new Malaysian campus.

"We have the first batch of students at the campus; they will be the first to complete a Monash University medical course taught fully outside Australia and the course is the first ever fully taught outside Australia and New Zealand to be accredited by the Australian Medical Council," Professor Liddell said.

The Australian Medical Council accreditation provides an independent assessment of the quality of medical education provided at the Malaysian campus and will allow graduates to practice in Australia and New Zealand without additional examinations.

Built at a cost of RM (Malaysian Ringgit) 200 million for the first phase, the campus features sophisticated learning facilities for about 4,500 students.

Present at the orientation event to welcome the students were Professor Liddell, School of Medicine and Health Sciences head Professor Dato' Anuar Zaini, the School's Director of Curriculum Development, Associate Professor Shajahan Yassin, University staff and several parents.