A pair of sisters have become two of Malaysia’s youngest medical graduates, earning their degrees from Quest International University (QIU) in a remarkable academic achievement.
Dr Tan Qi Ning, 20, and Dr Tan Qi Yu, 18, both from Kuala Lumpur, graduated as full-fledged doctors at QIU’s 8th Convocation ceremony yesterday, marking the culmination of their extraordinary journey.
The sisters’ unique path began when they transitioned from traditional schooling to homeschooling at the ages of 10 and 12. In 2018, they enrolled in QIU’s foundation programme after completing their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Their talents extend beyond academics. Qi Ning was part of the team that won the UniKL Intervarsity Surgical-Based Quiz in 2023, while Qi Yu’s team placed second in the Malaysian Physiology Quiz. Both sisters are also accomplished musicians, playing the piano and violin in their leisure time.
Reflecting on their time at QIU, Qi Ning said, “The QIU faculty is incredibly supportive and caring. They are always available to help, even outside office hours. The mentor-mentee sessions were especially valuable in navigating both academic and personal challenges.”
Qi Yu, who was also awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Award at the convocation, added, “The MBBS programme at QIU has a well-structured curriculum, which really sparked my interest. It offers hands-on experience in multiple hospitals across the state. I also resonate with the university’s motto of ‘leaving no one behind.’”
Looking ahead, Qi Ning said, “I aim to be a compassionate and knowledgeable doctor who contributes to society and provides comfort and care to my patients, improving their quality of life.”
Meanwhile, Qi Yu said, “I’m eager to explore different fields within medicine and find one that aligns with my passion. I want to deliver the best possible care to my patients.”
The 2024 convocation also saw the graduation of 72-year-old Capt. (Rtd) Dr Chan Weng Kwai, who received his QIU’s Doctor of Business Administration scroll during the ceremony.
The retired captain was a platoon commander of Regiment 503 of the Territorial Army Regiment between 1974 and 2007, a retired senior school principal, and the holder of two Master’s degrees in Management and Chemistry. He is also a Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.
Illustrating that the pursuit of education knows no age boundary, Capt. Dr Chan said the persistence and discipline cultivated in the armed forces helped him on his journey to receive a doctorate.
“My experiences were tough, but they built my character. That resilience and adaptability allowed me to do what I set my mind to, and if we believe in ourselves, we can always learn more. I managed to transform my educational pathway from my first love of chemistry to business and management, and I am very thankful to QIU because the academics here are extremely supportive, and they challenge us to broaden our learning perspectives.”
This year’s convocation saw over 600 graduates from six faculties, including the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Business and Management, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Computing and Engineering, and the Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences. Degrees were conferred by University Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor Dato’ Sri Dr Vijay Eswaran, QIU Chancellor Tun Arifin Zakaria, and QIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Zita Mohd Fahmi.
