IMU Alumni Legacy Giving

𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗠𝗨 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶. 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲.

Every great institution is built on the vision, sacrifice, and generosity of extraordinary individuals. Their legacy is reflected not only in the buildings they leave behind, but also in the generations of lives they have transformed. Today marks a defining milestone for the IMU Alumni Association (AAIMU).

For the first time in our Association’s history, IMU Alumni is proud to launch a Legacy Giving Initiative to establish the Ong Kok Hai Executive Lecture Theatre Naming Fund—a meaningful opportunity for alumni and friends of IMU to honour one of Malaysia’s most respected pioneers in medical education and healthcare.

This journey began with a shared vision to preserve a legacy that has shaped countless lives.

Representing AAIMU, Dr Paul Chan Hong Kit (President), Dr Wong Yi Kai (Treasurer), and Ms Natalie Chin (Assistant Secretary) met with Professor Gerard George (Managing Director), Ms Christy (Chief Operating Officer), and Puan Noraidah (Registrar) to explore how the alumni community could come together to bring this vision to life.

To formally commence this historic initiative, Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, FASc, together with Puan Noraidah, visited Mrs Pat Ong (née Yap Lian See) to seek the blessing and support of the Ong family. Their wholehearted endorsement marked the official beginning of this initiative and reflects our shared commitment to preserving Prof Ong’s remarkable legacy for generations to come.
The accompanying photographs capture two significant milestones in this journey—our early discussions in the newly completed Ong Kok Hai Executive Lecture Theatre, where university leadership and alumni representatives envisioned this initiative, and the memorable visit to Mrs Pat Ong, whose support transformed that vision into an official campaign.

Prof Ong Kok Hai was never simply a pioneer.

He became one of Malaysia’s most treasured figures in medical education, healthcare innovation, and service. As one of the visionaries behind IMU and the inventor of the Typhidot diagnostic test, he inspired generations of doctors and healthcare professionals who continue to carry forward his spirit of excellence, compassion, and service.

Yet his greatest legacy extends beyond medicine.

Through Rainbow Bridge Malaysia, Prof Ong devoted his life to creating opportunities for those in need, reminding us that true leadership is measured not by personal achievement, but by the lives we uplift.

The Ong Kok Hai Executive Lecture Theatre will be more than a state-of-the-art learning space. It will stand as a lasting tribute to a man whose vision, humility, and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire future generations.

This is more than a naming initiative. It is an opportunity for every IMU alumnus, partner, and friend of the University to become part of a lasting legacy that has profoundly shaped our institution and the healthcare profession.

Together, let us honour a remarkable pioneer whose life’s work reminds us that the greatest legacy we leave behind is not what we achieve for ourselves—but what we choose to give back.

The Ong Kok Hai Executive Lecture Theatre Naming Fund officially launches today.

Together, let us honour a legend. Together, let us build a legacy.