By Nesamalar Kathirvellu
IPOH, 28 August 2025: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam recently attended a joint academic symposium in a high-level show of support for the long-standing collaboration between Universiti Malaya (UM) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Held at the Royal Perak Golf Club, the event focused on advancing precision health and was part of a larger series of celebrations marking over six decades of partnership between the two institutions.
The symposium featured distinguished scholars and clinicians from both universities, who presented research and innovations in drug discovery, genetic biomarkers, and clinical artificial intelligence applications. Keynote speakers included Prof Dr Lim Lee Ling from UM and Prof Dr Tai E. Shyong from NUS. The event was also attended by Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon and UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.
The leaders of both universities highlighted the deep ties between the two nations. UM’s vice-chancellor, Prof Noor Azuan, stressed that Malaysia and Singapore are “connected by geography but more importantly, by shared roots of history.” He urged the institutions to provide leadership in addressing major regional challenges, from climate stress to security threats, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year.
In a separate address, NUS president Prof Tan Eng Chye reaffirmed the strong, long-standing ties between the two institutions, which are both commemorating their 120th academic legacy this year. He stated that the celebratory events reflect not only their deep institutional bond but also the warm relationship between Malaysia and Singapore.
Complementing the academic gathering, the Sultan of Perak and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, hosted a royal dinner for President Shanmugaratnam and the NUS delegation at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. The celebrations also included the 54th UM-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament, which saw 100 golfers participating at the Royal Perak Golf Club.
