UniKL RCMP Celebrates Silver Jubilee: 25 Years of Elevating Royal-Standard Medical Education
The Silver Jubilee celebration of UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak (RCMP), held on August 28, 2025, marked a historic moment for the institution and the state of Perak. This magnificent event was graced by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. His presence further highlighted the significance of this occasion as a tribute to the outstanding achievements of this Royal-standard educational institution.
Since its establishment on February 18, 1999, UniKL RCMP has played a vital role in building professional healthcare human capital in Malaysia. The inspiration for its founding stemmed from the vision of the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, who wished to see a premier medical institution based in the state of Perak. Now, after 25 years, more than 10,950 graduates have been produced across various study programs.
From a small college established in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, UniKL RCMP has emerged as one of the leading medical institutions in Southeast Asia. With a capacity of nearly 3,600 students and over 400 academic and non-academic staff, the institution continues to strengthen its role as a leader in health education in the country.
Royal Status: A Symbol of Trust and Excellence
UniKL RCMP is the only higher education institution in Malaysia granted Royal status, a special recognition that carries significant responsibility. The Royal Charter was bestowed on February 27, 2004, by the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, making the name 'Royal College' a symbol of trust in the academic capability and integrity of this institution.
In his official speech during the celebration, RCMP Chairman, Datuk Dr Afifi Al-Akiti emphasized the ongoing commitment to maintaining academic quality, student empowerment, and an international-standard learning environment. To him, the Royal status is not merely a title, but a trust that must be carried out with full dedication.
Furthermore, this status has made RCMP a focal point not only for local students but also for international students. The trust placed in this institution reflects the credibility of UniKL RCMP in producing excellent healthcare professionals.
New Agenda: A Teaching Hospital for the Community
In conjunction with this 25th anniversary, the proposal for the establishment of a teaching hospital for UniKL RCMP was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He described this teaching hospital as an urgent necessity to complete the students' learning process and provide direct benefits to the local community.
With the RM40 billion allocation for the health sector announced in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), the establishment of this hospital is expected to contribute to reducing the burden on government hospitals, while enhancing the quality of clinical training for RCMP students. This proposal has received strong support from the state government and the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
This step also aligns with RCMP's long-term goal to become a medical referral and health tourism center in the state of Perak, thereby contributing to the integrated development of the local economy.
Launch of the Al-Zahrawi Block and Latest Innovations
The celebration ceremony also witnessed the launch of the Al-Zahrawi Block, a new academic building housing the Faculty of Medicine as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences. It is named after the renowned Islamic medical figure, Abu al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi, as a symbol of the enduring legacy of knowledge.
This block is equipped with high-tech laboratories and modern learning spaces that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) applications to improve teaching and learning efficiency. Demonstrations of this technology were among the main attractions at the exhibition held during the celebration.
Also launched were several important scholarly publications, including the Handbook of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Contemporary Usrah Module, which serve as proof of RCMP's commitment to producing relevant knowledge resources for students, health practitioners, and the general public.
A Center for Knowledge Sharing and Human Capital
RCMP's success is not limited to the academic field but also encompasses character development and leadership among students. Programs such as the Professional Huffaz demonstrate the institution's dedication to developing human capital that is balanced in both intellect and spirituality.
Strategic collaboration with the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) proves RCMP's efforts to produce graduates who are holistic and competitive. The publication of contemporary Islamic education modules also shows the balanced approach practiced within the RCMP education system.
With teaching staff from both within and outside the country, the learning atmosphere at RCMP is inclusive and open, making it the best platform for students who wish to delve into the field of health from a global perspective.
The Future: Upholding the Malaysia MADANI Aspirations
UniKL RCMP is a clear testament to the success of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) under the auspices of MARA. The institution's ability to produce thousands of professionals in high-impact fields proves the effectiveness of government policies in empowering the Bumiputera community and building national capacity.
The important role of RCMP in supporting the Malaysia MADANI aspirations and the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan makes it a vital pulse in the state's development. The combination of academics, research, innovation, and community service makes UniKL RCMP a model 21st-century educational institution.
With a solid 25-year legacy and a clear direction, UniKL RCMP is ready to step into a new phase, upholding its trust as a Royal institution that not only brings honor to the state of Perak but also to the nation of Malaysia on the world stage.
