12/05/2026

TUESDAY | MAY 12, 2026

12

EDUCATION NEWS

NUMed reaffirms commitment to MBBS students N EWCASTLE University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of o University assures swift and coordinated action following royal assent for new UK legislation. Sciences, Newcastle University, “NUMed was initially established to deliver globally recognised medical education that responds to the evolving needs of Malaysia’s healthcare system, and continues to attract talented students from across the world who recognise Malaysia as a leading destination for high quality clinical training and healthcare innovation. This development reflects continued confidence in the quality and international standing of our programme and marks an important step towards ensuring our graduates have access to clinical training pathways that support both Malaysia’s healthcare priorities and internationally recognised professional progression.”

Over 1.6mil students supported with future-ready skills KUALA LUMPUR: Since its inception in 2017, the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (Finco) has seen over 1.6 million students benefiting from its educational initiatives, trained over 17,000 teachers and engaged 2,200 volunteers, due to its wide-reaching network of support through the financial industry. Guided by Bank Negara Malaysia, Finco’s collaborative approach is supported by over 110 financial institutions, channeling the resources of the financial industry into high quality and inclusive initiatives that align with key agendas in education, fostering future ready students. This enables the financial industry to create collective impact at scale and avoid duplication of effort, as they work towards achieving social and financial inclusion in line with the sector’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. “Our partnership-driven approach leverages the financial industry’s collective expertise to expand access to meaningful educational opportunities for students from low-income families. “This shared effort enables Finco to design evidence-driven and scalable programmes that improve opportunities and outcomes, demonstrating the power of collective action in closing opportunity gaps and helping build a resilient, sustainable workforce prepared forevolving demands,” Finco chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim commented on the organisation’s unique model. “I am now saving RM5 every day and doing my best to achieve my goal of saving RM200 every month for future use,” said 17-year-old Sushmithaa A/P Ananthan from SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, after participating in Finco’s Ringgit Rules workshop. Ringgit Rules is just one of the programmes that Finco runs in schools to achieve its goal of bridging the educational gap, providing underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and tools necessary to access further education, secure decent work, and achieve long-term financial wellbeing.

The university has established regular communication with students and their families through town halls, detailed email briefings, and individual academic mentoring. The vice-chancellor held a town hall with all MBBS students in March. A dedicated Careers Day will be held on May 8, featuring speakers on the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Australian medical licensing, career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, the Malaysian Armed Forces Medical Corps and other pathways. Additional wellbeing support has also been introduced in response to heightened anxiety among the student community. “NUMed is actively supporting students to explore all available options, including alternative pathways to GMC registration, as well as providing information on international medical careers and dedicated careers events,” said Prof Dennis Wong, regional provost and group CEO (East and Southeast Asia). The university has been engaging with the British High Commission in Malaysia, the British Council, the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Medical Schools Council since January 2026. Newcastle is collaborating with other affected transnational education institutions to present a coordinated position and has engaged directly with UK MPs, members of the House of Lords and relevant government officials. The university also welcomes the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s statement expressing its readiness to support affected students. According to Prof Quentin Anstee, pro vice-chancellor of the Faculty of Medical

Surgery (MBBS) students in light of the UK’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026, which received royal assent earlier this year. Under the new framework, NUMed graduates are placed on a reserve list for UK Foundation Programme allocation. While this represents a change in prioritisation, graduates remain eligible for allocation to a training post. In the 2026 UKFP cycle, 103 NUMed graduates applied; all were placed on the reserve list despite holding a UK qualification accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) and meeting all academic and regulatory standards. In a statement NUMed said it recognises that this change is deeply unsettling for students, particularly those who had planned to pursue careers in the UK. The university has consistently stated that access to UK postgraduate training is not guaranteed, and published information for applicants has always included the disclaimer: “This option may change before you graduate and cannot be guaranteed.” The university added that it acknowledges that the progression of many graduates into the UK Foundation Programme in recent years has understandably shaped student expectations. Recognising the concerns among students, particularly those intending to pursue medical careers in the UK, NUMed has taken swift and coordinated action to ensure clarity, advocacy and continued access to opportunities.

Wong emphasised: “Our priority is, and always will be, our students. We understand the uncertainty this development creates, and we are fully mobilised to support every student through it. We are engaging at the highest levels, working collaboratively across institutions, and exploring every viable pathway to safeguard their futures.” The university emphasised that its academic standards, accreditation and commitment to producing highly competent, globally recognised medical graduates remain unchanged. “NUMed’s MBBS is identical to the degree awarded by our UK counterpart and remains a GMC-accredited Primary Medical Qualification. Eligibility to apply for the UK Foundation Programme is unchanged, and graduates of overseas campuses of UK medical schools, including NUMed, are not excluded from applying,” Wong added. NUMed remains resolute in taking every necessary step to protect students’ progression and future careers. The university remains confident in the strength of its programmes and the calibre of its graduates and will continue engaging closely with stakeholders while providing timely updates.

Sabahan is regional winner in Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards KUALA LUMPUR: The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) has announced Dr. Velerie Wheelervon Primus as the regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in Southeast Asia & Pacific.

Banking & Finance “I did not enter this profession to continue what already exists. I entered it to redesign what education could be, especially for those who have been left unseen.” designs inclusive education systems that responds thoughtfully to neurodivergent learners, overseeing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), mentoring educators and working closely with families to provide holistic, student-centred support. He has developed the NeuroArts Framework: a regulation-first model that integrates therapeutic practices, nature-based learning and the arts into education. Velerie was nominated by his school principal and heralded for being a transformative educational leader who has revolutionised inclusive education and advocacy for neurodivergent children across rural Malaysia. “I chose to become a teacher because I believe education is not just about knowledge; it is about restoring dignity, creating safety and giving every child a place to belong,” Velerie said.

Velerie was hailed for championing inclusive education for neurodivergent children. – CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS & ASSESSMENT PIC.

The special educational needs (SEN) teacher was selected by the judges for driving inclusivity and leading transformation of the SEN sector in rural Sabah. Velerie is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. As a regional winner, he will win £500 (RM2,670) worth of books for his class, a trophy, and receive publicity for himself and his school during the coming year. He will also appear on a ‘Thank You’ page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November. Velerie is assistant principal of the Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor in Sabah. He

to become the overall, global winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026 by 4pm tomorrow. Visit dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vot e. The winner will be announced on June 2.

nominate a current primary or secondary teacher for outstanding commitment to their students’ education. The public can vote for Velerie or another of the nine regional winners

The awards programme highlights the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their learners and preparing them for the world beyond school. It gives students, parents and peers the chance to

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