-Kaohsiung Medical University –
Alumni are the University’s most valuable and cherished asset. Strengthening our connection with alumni has been one of President Yu’s key priorities since assuming office. In recent years, we have actively participated in alumni gatherings across Taiwan, as well as in North America and Japan. Although our European alumni community is smaller in number, we have initiated a LINE group to bring everyone together, hoping to unite Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) alumni worldwide in collective support of our alma mater’s development.
Among our international alumni, Malaysian students represent the largest group of overseas students at KMU. Over the years, many distinguished Malaysian alumni have either remained in Taiwan to develop their professional careers or returned to Malaysia to contribute to the fields of healthcare and industry. They are an essential part of KMU’s global network. Following last year’s gathering with Malaysian alumni in Taiwan, President Yu made a special visit to Malaysia this year to meet local alumni in person — not only to strengthen bonds, but also to seek their valuable insights on how to encourage more outstanding Malaysian students to choose KMU.
We are especially grateful to Dr. Mian-Yoon Chong (M63) for his generous coordination in making the Johor Bahru gathering possible. We also extend sincere thanks to Dr. Tee Ching Haa (D70), Dr. Hew Choong Fu (M71), Dr. Ho Sin Khee (B89), and Dr. Ng Chen Chuan (M85), President of the KMU Malaysia Alumni Association, who traveled from Penang to Johor Bahru to join the event. During the gathering, senior alumni shared moving accounts of the early struggles and perseverance of Malaysian students in securing professional recognition — stories that deeply inspired the younger generations present.
Alumni from the 56th to the 95th graduating classes attended, spanning four decades. Academic backgrounds ranged from the early disciplines of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing to newer fields such as Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, and Biotechnology. Participants shared their student experiences at KMU and their professional journeys after returning home — stories filled with challenges, resilience, and accomplishment — creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
As February 26 coincided with the Malaysian New Year festivities, alumni observed the traditional “Yee Sang” ceremony together. With shared blessings and laughter as the ingredients were tossed high, the moment symbolized enduring friendship and the continued rise of KMU and its Malaysian alumni community.
After the event, senior alumnus Dr. Ko Heng Kee (M56) remarked that this was the first time in KMU’s history that a university president had personally visited Malaysia to meet with alumni. More than thirty alumni gathered in Johor Bahru, sharing the ups and downs of their post-graduation journeys. Despite many challenges along the way, each has achieved meaningful success, bringing pride to their alma mater. He expressed hope that the connection between KMU and its Malaysian alumni will continue to grow stronger, allowing alumni to play an even more active role in the University’s development.
KMU alumni are spread across Malaysia — from major cities to small towns — carrying the spirit of KMU wherever they go. This bond that transcends borders is not only an emotional connection, but also a vital foundation for future student recruitment, international collaboration, and professional exchange.
As KMU continues its journey onto the global stage, we look forward to even closer engagement with alumni around the world. The achievements and dedication of every alumnus and alumna are the strongest pillars supporting our University.
Let us move forward together and allow the name of KMU to shine in even more corners of the world.
A joyful reunion with KMU alumni in Johor Bahru, spanning generations and disciplines,
celebrating enduring friendships and shared memories.
The Malaysia Alumni Association presented a world-renowned Malaysian pewter souvenir as a token of lasting friendship.
From left to right: M71 Hew Choong Fu, D70 Tee Ching Haa, President Ming-Lung Yu, M85 Ng Chen Chuan
(President of the Malaysia Alumni Association), and M63 Mian-Yoon Chong.
Senior alumnus M56 Dr. Ko Heng Kee shared heartfelt reflections on the early struggles and perseverance of Malaysian students,
encouraging younger alumni to continue bringing honor to their alma mater and profession.