I have finally reached another milestone ……… as of 13/01/2020, my blog is 10 years old! Over the past 10 years, I have written hundreds of articles and even published 2 books from these articles! I probably achieved my wawasan by educating the public on what medical field is all about and how the world is changing.
My last article was written on 24/12/2019, just before the new year started. It has been almost 5 months now and the world has changed. In just a short period of time, our lives have gone upside down and we are still looking at months down the line before everything comes back to normal. 2020 suppose to be the year where Wawasan 2020 should have been achieved, transforming Malaysia into a developed nation, but unfortunately we are in a mess with recession coming soon, if not already. We have had 5 months of political drama and a brainless RNA virus terrorising the world. Let’s start with where I left you on 24/12/2019……
Critical Allowance
Based on JPA circular dated 20/12/2019, critical allowance for all new appointments into MOH will be removed. As I mentioned in my article, it is rather unfair when those who are already in the system will continue to receive the allowance but the new ones will be without the allowance. I said unfair because everyone is doing the same job and same amount of work. It does not make any logical sense, while I did predict and expected the allowance to go one day when we have more body than post. Following this announcement, there were huge outcries from various organisation and members of the public. Thus, on 9th January 2020, this proposal was postponed for further review, scheduled to be updated by end of this year. REMEMBER, it is only postponed and not cancelled!
U41 Contract Renewal
As I have written in several articles towards the end of last year, the number of permanent appointments given out following completion of housemanship has been dwindling down from about 500 for the first batch(December 2018 cohort) to almost 0 in subsequent batch(May 2019). This is again not unexpected. KKM simply do not have enough post to offer everyone. The slides below is self explanatory…..
It is very clear that KKM do not have any post to even offer permanent positions. Thus, almost everyone will be given an extended contract which will be the final contract before you say sayonara to KKM. The issue of being offered U41 post instead of U44 has not been resolved either, despite promising to do so in November 2019 by the cabinet, KKM and JPA. The new contracts are still renewed at U41 as of April 2020. On 29th October 2019, I wrote this :
“The best is yet to come: those who receive extension of contract can remain at the same place where they were transferred as a floating officer! In another word (the way I interpret this), your life in civil service ends there within another year aka completing 4 years of compulsory service. It’s just a diplomatic way of putting it !”
Interestingly, this is now proven true when the newer contract renewals categorically says that ” this will be the last contract!” ………
So, basically whoever received the U41 contract extension of 2 years, after their 3 year initial housemen contract, have to start planning their future. I believe this clause was added after the Sarawak doctors debacle that was publicised widely in newspapers in January 2020. These were doctors who returned from overseas in 2017 and was given a 2 year contract to complete their compulsory service. Unfortunately , they were told that their contract would not be renewed. To be frank, no contract is permanent. A contract is a contract and the employer can decide not to renew your contract once it expires. It is the same in any profession including the medical profession. Even in private hospitals, the hospital can decide not to renew your contract if they feel they do not need your service anymore or simply, if they don’t like your face!. It has happened before and there is nothing you can do about it. There is a clear difference between ” termination” and “non-renewal of contract”. While the Sarawak doctor’s contract were finally renewed, to avoid any such scenarios happening again, JPA has now clearly stated the above clause in the newer contracts. So, now no one can claim ignorance.
What about those who received a permanent post? Again, they were given a U41 post! However, they were told that this is due to technical reasons. The U41 permanent post will be backdated to the day they started housemanship and soon, they will receive their promotion to U44 backdated to the day they completed housemanship. Whether this has happened with all the chaos that is going on now, I do not know! We shall wait and see.
In a sudden turn of events in April 2020, about 102 permanent post were created in Sarawak. This could be part of about 1000 post that suppose to be created over the next few years as I wrote in December 2019. So, about 102 of them were sent an urgent email early April 2020 offering them this permanent post in Sarawak and NO appeal will be entertained……..
Whether there is a political reason for this, I got no idea. Based on the report by Codeblue, about 28 of them declined the offer and decided to stay on their final contract appointments. We just have to face the fact that the government will never be able to absorb all graduates. With the current economic situation, the scenario will only get worst. No job is guaranteed in this world. What is happening in Malaysia, is also happening in many developed countries but at-least, these countries have a better control over the number of graduates being produced, unlike Bolehland.
COVID-19
The world is yet again faced with another Pandemic. I would say that this is the 4th viral outbreak I am facing in my 23 years working as a doctor. It started with SARS in 2003 followed by H1N1, MesCOV and now COVID 19. Facing these viruses or any infectious diseases are part of our occupational hazard. I know many doctors who have contracted infectious diseases and some even succumbed to the illness. So, those who think that doctor’s job is sitting in a cozy room and earning big bucks, please think again. We are not only at risk of being infected with a disease but also high litigation rate and verbal insults.
We may be considered as a hero at the moment for tirelessly facing this pandemic. But trust me, once all this is over, we will be back to square one. No one will even remember what you did. That is the reality out there. But COVID 19 also thought us a lot of other lessons. The Earth is breathing better and animals seem to be enjoying their life. We must understand that the entire ecological system on Earth lives in a balance. It evolved over millions of years keeping everything in an absolute balance. The very fact that we produce CO2 and plants converts it back to O2 proves this balance. BUT humans are always greedy. We feel we can do anything to mother earth and get away with it. I had always said this to my children ” Never play with nature, take care of it. If not, nature will always get back to you!” COVID 19 just proves how nature can get back to you. A simple brainless RNA virus can shut down everything on EARTH! Viruses have been around before humans came about. So, never play with nature. Stop destroying nature and learn to live in harmony. As Sir David Attenborough said in one of his famous documentary “ If you kill a whale in the ocean, the entire ocean ecology changes!” If there are no animals which eat insects, the world will be overrun by insects, which by the way have the highest population number in the world.
What else has this pandemic thought us? Good hygiene and social distancing keep doctors away! Many would have realised that there has been 70-80% drop in the number of cases attending private hospitals and GP clinics. Some GP clinics have even decided to close their clinic as their income has dropped drastically. It is better to close than to continue to maintain the running of the clinic. Private consultant’s income has definitely taken a beating. With lock-down, there were hardly any accidents. People were afraid to go to hospitals as they were worried of getting infected in the hospital. Social distancing, stay at home and good hygiene has drastically dropped the rate of infectious diseases like URTI, respiratory infections and gastroenteritis which generally forms the bulk of private hospitals admissions. Elective cases has also been postponed. It just shows that any job can be affected if something like this happens. It happens in all outbreaks but COVID 19 has been the worst. The only job which will continue to be not affected are civil service jobs! The government has no choice but to keep civil service running and paid. While you may end up taking a pay cut eventually, you will still get paid. In fact you will even get Raya goodies!
BTW, KKM has also offered 6 months contract jobs for those who are interested to be the frontliners. Specialist will be paid RM 12K/month and MOs will be paid RM 6K/month. I understand the offer is not available anymore. I heard some GPs did take up the offer.
Democracy
On 9th May 2018, everyone thought that Malaysia has woken up. In my article titled ” Towards Malaysia Baru?” on 4th June 2018, I wrote this
“With all the euphoria that we are having now, it is just too early to say how this new government will perform. Statistic shows that Pakatan only received 48% of the votes with BN & PAS taking 52% of the votes. Pakatan won in many areas due to split votes. PAS benefited from split votes in Kelantan and Terengganu. Personally, I feel that the Pakatan government is not really in a very stable situation. Tides can change by next election if they do not outperform the previous government by leaps and bounds.”
Again my words have come through! One of my friends told me to stop predicting anything as everything I predict seem to be happening again and again. The Sheraton move on 27/02/2020 and subsequent fall of PH is something I expected to happen sooner or later. The politics in Malaysia is as such. Everything is tied to race and religion. Whoever plays the right card, will win. Who cares about corruption and good governance? Whatever said and whatever mockery that has happened to Malaysian democracy, the country seem to be going downhill. Years of brain drain and racial politics will only take this country to the dungeon. With COVID 19, fall in oil price and dry coffers, we are surely heading into a recession and disaster. Never in world history I have heard of a 1 day Parliament sitting with nothing more than the royal address! It is the joke of the century.
After 10 years of writing this blog, I hope readers would have learnt something. My predictions are all based on facts and statistics. It is not rocket science!
Have a blessed Ramadan and SELAMAT HARI RAYA………………………. a different Raya I must say………….
Pagalavan's Avatar 
A very beautifully written article. One keeps learning only when they keep reading. Thank you very much.
After a long time….congrats on your 10 yrs completion……but sad truth is the direction the country is going towards🙏
Hi Dr, i have issues regarding APC. Ive completed my housemanship, but i quit KKM before completed my compulsory services as MO. It was 2 plus years ago as i have to quit because of stress and i cant apply NPL at that time. I followed my husband move out from Malaysia after that and came back recently. May i know if there is a chance for me to continue working as a Dr or is there anything medical related works that i can do without APC?
Compulsory service of 4 years is mandatory under medical act. You need to write to MMC whether they can give you an exemption but I doubt so. But looking at the current job status in KKM, I am not sure whether KKM can give you a job for 2 years to complete your compulsory service. Whatever it is, worth asking MMC on your status and if they insist to complete the remaining 2 years, you can apply to KKM for the job or any university hospits
Is it possible KKM may allow her to start back all over again? Meaning she starts as a houseman all over again and let her continue. But if this is made possible, she will be told to join the waiting list for houseman, which is now about 9 months to one year. Plus if posted, it could be in any part of Malaysia.
You suggestion for her to contact MMC is very good.Better to get clarification on her status from the authorities.
She has completed housemanship which means she should have full registration. So what she needs is just another 2 years of MO contract to complete the compulsory service. Yes if she gets the contract it can be anywhere in Malaysia.
Sincerely hope she will update us here when she contacts MMC or any other authorities. Will be beneficial to others who could be in a similar predicament.
(1) What is the fate of doctors who have to leave government service, once the 4 years period of Houseman and MO ends?
(2) Are they working in private clinics, private hospitals or venturing into non medical fields?
(3) Any survey done to gauge the situation?
(4) Who can employ them and what are the options available in the job market ?
(5) Simply put, who do they do after government service?
Any feedback from readers are welcome
We will know the fate come 2021. The situation has not happened yet as the first batch of extended contract doctors will end their contract in December 2021. Most of the answers of what can be done is available in this blog.
It is already happening. GP locum slots are snapped up within minutes on being posted on line.
On another matter, those private Universities offering medical programs are now hard pressed to do something as income has drastically fallen along with upsetting their financial projections.What will they do now? Increase the number of medical students as this is a money making program for them. Who will restrict them if they seek approval? Government has to find new sources of income to survive itself during this period. With this, the problem of excess medical graduates is going to exacerbate.
Yes and I just heard some medical schools saying that doctor’s job is guaranteed by the government upon graduating! This half truth will convince some of the parents and students who are ignorant of the truth.
Correct. It is not hearsay.I did mention a couple of time earlier here.The so called counselors at the private universities will try to recruit as many students as possible.These counselors have targets to achieve to stay in their jobs.If they recruit a Diploma student, their incentive is RM300. If they can recruit a degree student from another college , they will get RM800 to RM1,000. Medical student will be a jackpot. Easily Rm 2500 to RM3,500 as the fees will cover all these costs.The counselors will give all the stories of heaven and earth to the prospective.As long as gullible parents are there, counselors will be there to `guide` them. These counselors are very good because they will make the parents have a talk with the medical school head who will show them paradise. And then they will tell don`t worry about the money. Pay semester basis and we will help to apply for RM150,000 PTPTN loan. This is only about local private universities.The overseas universities will leave it for another day as they have bigger stories to tell.
Medical school recruitment has now come to be same as buying a new car. The salesman will try to get you to buy the car.His basic salary is RM1200. Each basic level entry car ( Perodua and Proton) sold he gets a commission of RM1,000.He will strongly advise you take maximum loan because the car depreciates in value and the repayment will not burden you.He will throw in some gifts saying they are from his own pocket.He will arrange financing for you. He says he will do all the paperwork.You are so happy. But you do not know the next element. The bank actually will give him 1 percent of the loan amount as commission to the salesman.Say the car loan is RM30,000. 1 per cent is RM300. This is per year. If the loan is for 5 years, he will get RM1,500. But you are advised to take for 9 years, which means he will get RM300 x 9 years = RM2,700.This commission itself is more than the salary of our houseman, after spending more than 5 years in medical school.
I have a feeling that it is best that we get rich first before studying medicine and becoming a medical doctor.Then we can even volunteer free of charge to really save and help people.
no bro, never do anything for free. you will not be happy. treat medicine as a service. leave passion for something you believe in. get paid well dont take anything less.
Hi Dr Paga,
Congrats on your 10 year anniversary! It’s a great service that you are doing by educating the general public about the world of medicine, appreciate it. The situation is definitely getting worse and having someone in the profession telling us the hard facts is eye-opening.
Doctor, I have been thinking a lot lately about the world of medicine and whether I should pursue it as a graduate course. I’m a complete dilemma now because the reality dictates otherwise but the feeling is becoming stronger by the day. Even if I can’t pursue that, I was thinking of doing a hospital management course as I want to be involved in the world of medicine, by working in a hospital environment. I want to ask your opinion doctor, with regards to a career in hospital administration/management. Are the prospects ok? I want to be involved in a hospital’s day to day management, like in operations/patient management/staff management.
I’m seriously thinking of doing the career switch, as at least being in the world of medicine in a management position will let me pursue my interest. I’m really looking forward to your guidance doctor.
Thanks a lot doc!
Firstly, you must understand the healthcare system in our country. Our public hospitals do not hire managers who are hospital administrators or managers. The directors are medical doctors who have done public health etc. Unless our hospitals are corporatised in the future, there is no prospect in public hospitals. As for private, it is all about corporate world and MONEY. The only thing that hospital administrators/managers do is counting money! that is their KPI. Forget about managing operations/patient and staff. Even doctors and nurses who became hospital managers, will forget all the ethics they have learned. Trust me, I have worked with them! Unless you don’t mind all those.
Hi doc
Thx for the response. Yup I am aware that medical directors in our public hospitals comes from the pool of doctors in public service who has chosen the administrative path. So my choices would be joining the likes of Pantai, KPJ, Columbia etc.
Sadly in our capitalistic society it’s all about the money, no matter which industry. That’s the reason I was thinking that since its going to be this way, might as well I go into an industry that I care about and contribute. Since it going to be a totally new industry, was just thinking which role would suit me best. I am even thinking of doing a Masters in Hospital Management, since doing a graduate medical degree wouldn’t be wise at the moment after reading through your blog.
Does working at the private hospitals afford a great career path? Sorry but would like to pick your brains a little bit doc because I highly appreciate and value your input. Whatever you have said in this blog has only become true!
Thanks doc 🙂
Firstly you must get into the private hospital! That would be the greatest challenge. You know vey well who does these hospitals belong to. Secondly, how many managers do they need in each hospital? At the most probably 2 or 3 administrators for bigger hospital and probably only 1 in smaller hospital. Up to you to take the challenge
Good advice.
Just for your information .There are some private hospitals which are public listed. Meaning , they are listed on BURSA Malaysia where shares are bought and sold daily. Bursa has 3 markets, namely Main Market, ACE market and finally LEAP Market.
Currently Integrated HealthCare Berhad (IHH), TMC Berhad and KPJ Berhad are listed on the main board. IHH has 37 hospitals in Malaysia, Singapore, India, China ,Turkey and others. More will be added to the list as time passes.
KPJ is Kumpulan Perubatan Johore ,which has 27 hospitals under them. TMC ( Singapore based), formerly called Tropicana Medical Centre , now called Thomson Medical Centre, operates hospitals in Kota Damansara and Johore. They are going big into fertility clinics.
There are other healthcare hospitals which are listed bot on the LEAP market.Leading Entrepreneur Accelerator Platform. These are new firms who wish to expand their business. Less regulations too. The LEAP market was introduced in 2017 and a few companies have been listed. Only those with a minimum of RM300,000 annual income and RM3 million in personal assets can invest or buy the shares of companies listed on the LEAP market.
Right now Metro Healthcare Berhad, SMILE Link Healthcare Global Dental Berhad and TopVision Eye Specialist Berhad are listed on the LEAP Market.. Metro Healthcare has hospitals in Klang and Kuala Selangor. SMILE operates dental clinics and TopVision has eye hospitals and clinics.
Now many private hospitals have branched out into Fertility Clinics. Entry level charge is RM15,000. Those childless couples can visit them and they will try to assist you.
There are many private hospitals but not listed . They could also be a target of takeover by these Bursa listed companies.
Thank you so much sir, I definitely learned from your post. Many people only know of the big listed firms.
I am guessing for now the likes of KPJ and IHH are growing fast in Malaysia, hence was thinking I would like to join them and learn the ropes. The field of medicine is really interesting to me. Unfortunately I realised this late and to do a graduate medical degree now seems unadvisable. Hence I am of the view that working in a hospital would allow me to live out my interest 🙂
Welcome. Most appreciated.
Hello sir… Ur blog and articles have given me a great insight about the current situation of medical field in Malaysia. Initially I was interested in medical field because I thought it has high demands and ofc becuz of my parents too. But I hav to say I am grateful that I came upon ur articles and I realised that it is not a wise choice to choose to become a doctor unless I am really interested in becoming doctor. So I hav decided to become an accountant cuz I love accounts . Dr, I would like to know, is being an accountant is a wise choice or accountants are also outnumbered in malaysia? I will be graduating in upm as an accountant in 4 to 5 years if I decide to be an accountant… Is it a good choice sir? Would really appreciate ur advices and thank you once again…
Hi Suggus. Just to add some thoughts before our good Dr provides his valuable comments. I am not going to say if your decision to jump from the medical field to the accounting field is right or wrong , good or bad. 4 years later if you qualify as an accountant from a local University, where you will be only time can decide. When you qualify as an accounting graduate you will be on par with all other accounting graduates from UK, Australia and New Zealand. But lower than those with professional accounting qualifications like ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA and our local MACPA. You need to upgrade your self after graduation by sitting for some final year papers in these professional qualifications. ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW are recognised worldwide. Right now only Sunway University specialises in providing ACCA programs. There were many colleges previously but all gave up as the student numbers became smaller and at the same time counselors in colleges were recruiting prospective students to join accounting degree programs from various foreign Universities.
A SPM student with 5 credits enters a diploma in accounting program in any private college. Pays about RM35,000 in total fees. 2 1/2 years. Certain to pass because PTPTN loan is made available. Then continues with the accounting degree for 2 years. Pays another RM40,000. With RM75,000, the SPM student after 4 1/2 years becomes an accounting graduate.Mind you, the local companies prefer to employ foreign University qualified accounting graduates because of their ability to communicate in English, better than locally qualified graduates. The graduate will join an accounting firm to start work. Same for those with ACCA and CIMA. Your starting salary is very low but working hours are very long. Normally from 9 am to 9 PM. Outstation travel on top of it. They will tell, you need to learn the ropes of the trade. After 20 years of working in an accounting firm, you will have big office, a secretary if lucky, a separate car parking spot and a salary of RM10,000. That is all. That is the glamorous life of the accountant and the Human Resouces Manager.Why pay so low? They can find another one hundred of accountant waiting to take up your job at a lower salary. Dispensable you are, as they say.
Very sorry to tell you, unlike the medical doctor, the accountant writes the accounts what the CEO of the public listed company wants you to write. Your job is only the staff role, only advisory, not the decision maker in any company. If not the company cannot be marketing itself to Fund Mangers and investors. Thousands of companies collapsed because they manipulated the accounts. Go and read what happened to the biggest financial scandal that forced the closure of major accounting firms. ENRON Corporation. Accounting firms were working in cahoots with the Board of Directors to cheat everyone Unethical business practices are everywhere including private hospitals, Universities, Food Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Companies and what not.
It is only the individual who has to decide what principle he or she is going to adopt. The days of thinking of making millions working as a doctor are gone. It is only hard work . Only the passionate survives to take care of the sick. Only during this Covid19, everyone is talking about the medical profession. Once over, all is forgotten. Don`t forget, that the attrition rate during houseman-ship is between 30 to 40 percent. It is really very tough and you need a lot of patience to survive the 2 years. No point talking about social life. Even when you are sleeping you will waking up in the middle of night wondering if you had diagnosed the earlier patient rightly!
All professions have their tough part. Decide on what is best for you after considering all information.Always learn to love what you are doing. If not only misery will follow you closely behind. Best wishes.
Firstly, never do something just because someone ask you to do, even if it is your parents. I always believed that anyone can be successful if they do what they feel they will be good at. No job is guaranteed and never look at the starting salary or workload. Some jobs may have a low starting salary but if you are good, you go up the ladder much faster than even medicine. When I was still struggling to do my postgraduate exams while earning peanuts and working FULL TIME, my friends in other fields (who graduates 1-2 years earlier than me) were already in comfortable position and income brackets! They were earning way higher than me!
What pillay has mentioned is also true. No one will know how the situation will be in 4-5 years time. However, Malaysia still need a lot of accountants. You may start low but opportunities are there for you to climb up the ladder. As an accountant, you can always bring your work back home, unlike medicine. BUT always remember, no one can earn tonnes of money if you don’t become a businessman! A doctor only starts to make money once he converts medicine into a business aka private doctors! Similarly, if you want to make big amount of money by being an accountant, you need to invest to open up your own business/firm. In any profession, if you are employed, your income can only go as much. I have accountant friends who are happily flying all around the world while their firm is running at the background. That’s the beauty of some other professions, not to mention the flexibility of moving from one country to another. You don’t need to be physically present in your office for your business to run. This can never happen in medicine! Once you have a successful firm, you don’t even have to come to your office daily!
At the end, it is how good you are in your field. Thus, do what you think you will be good at.
Correctly said. At the end of the day, are you contented? You can have millions but you can eat only so much. You can have many houses but you will be sleeping only in one house and on one bed. Parents used to tell their children to buy properties and accumulate wealth plus get settled down fast. Today,the concept of owning a house is slowly disappearing. Why buy a house when I can sign a long term lease agreement with a owner. How many are getting married now? Either stay single or have a live-in relationship. When you die, no one follows you. When you are in Romeo and Juliet scene, you will be singing all kinds of songs and poems. After marriage all lyrics are forgotten. How many married people hope to turn back the clock? How many are living a mechanical life? Things have changed so much. Pressures keep building up everyday.
There is still a shortage of accountants.in Malaysia.As our Dr said, choose what you like to do. You want to make ,money, do your job and diversify your earnings. Invest in properties, share market ,commodities market, gold, fixed deposit and what not. As I said earlier, how much money you have does not guarantee you happiness. It is based on what your aim in life is. Many people out there are surviving aimlessly. You need to be clear about aim and then set your strategies in place. Once you set your aim, set your mind to it and move.
During the negotiations, the Taliban told the final statement to the US Forces this. ` You have the watches, but we have the time`. This applies to all of us. Patience and knowledge will enable us to excel ourselves and also tests our own limits. In the short term victory may be seen but it will turn out to be illusion. Only those with the right skills , information and finally a clearly defined aim, will conquer all.
Hey doc, I’m the little girl who got the advise from u that do not studied medicine since my English is sucks and now I’m gonna graduate from medicine . Don’t put ur limited knowledge to judge a person. 🙂
Hahaha, in Malaysia anyone can do medicine and graduate! And your English still sucks. Sorry to say!
Good morning Lisa.Congratulations that you are going to graduate as a doctor. But you are still using sms language and your language is still very poor. Possibly you should have requested someone who is good in the language to post your comment.So sad to see a future doctor writing atrocious English. U should be you, English is sucks should be English sucks, gonna is not a word to be used and it should be … going to be a graduate,.. ur also does not exist, it should be your.. Please come back to visit this blog 5 years later and tell us your story further, hopefully you would have improved on your language by then. But definitely, you are forgiven even though your comment may not be warranted.
Congrats Lisa. Which medical school?
Hi Dr,
I have few question for you.
1. Should a new medical graduate continue housemanship or not; or change to other profession?
2.Will passing any standardize exams like USMLE, AMC etc put a houseman in a better/worst spot?
3. When the contract expired, will their registration number remain? Can they still practice medicine?
4. Is there any country where Malaysian medical graduate can do their housemanship?
I hope to get your reply at the earliest.
All the answers are available in this blog, if you read from A to Z.
1) Without housemanship, you can never practise as a doctor. Of course, you can always choose not to work as a doctor
2) Does not change anything except you can try to find a job in US(USMLE) or Australia(AMC).No guarantee that you will get one.
3) As long as you have completed compulsory service, you can practise medicine BUT you would not be able to do any specialisation without being in civil service.
4) depends from which uni you graduate. Monash allows you to do housemanship in Australia/NZ. NuMed for UK. UM and UKM in Singapore. The rest are only recognised in Malaysia.
Hi Dr, on a separate note, I was hoping to get some of your insights on the field of clinical psychology. I am planning on pursuing my Master’s but I have been receiving mixed input; some say that it shall be a blossoming industry in the near future, whilst some others mention that there aren’t many jobs available and the pay is not so good. I have a few other concerns as well, the primary one being that there are no regulatory bodies, there is only the Allied Health Act which hasn’t been enforced yet in terms of registration for certified psychologists. I’m quite confused and was hoping to solicit some advice on the matter, thank you very much in advance!
Psychology in Malaysia is still at its infancy. In western countries, it is well established and every institution will need an in house psychologist. In Australia, a psychologist can make as much money as a GP with minimal litigation and office hour job! They run individual clinics and charge $80-100 per consultation which is basically talking! It will pick up in Malaysia but the awareness and government investment into it is very much lacking(in-fact the entire healthcare do not get investment in Malaysia). In Malaysia, every psychological patients are referred to a psychiatrist. This is not the case in western or developed countries. All are referred to a psychologist except those extreme cases like schizophrenia or suicidal tendencies.When I was with Monash Malaysia and started the JB campus back in 2006, Monash Australia made it mandatory that we must have a psychologist in the campus. We could not even find one! In Australia, even schools have in house psychologist!
As for pay, nothing is well paid in Malaysia unless you run your own business! My suggestion is to do a psychology degree which is recognised in a developed countries. Also do some attachment or part of your course overseas. In that way, you can have a better future options.
Good reply from the Dr.
From a completely perspective. Don`t take it negatively This may hurt a bit but take it with an open mind. What the Dr said is correct. A psychologist has limited scope here compared to many Western countries.
Going backwards first. What is the reason you are taking up this specific area and not any others? Is it you just like it or some other reason? Have you gone for any aptitude test determine if you are capable for this specific field? The greatest element an individual must possess to go into this area is only one – patience.How much of this element do you have? Have you gone for any test on your patience level?
Now coming to the present. If you were to check around various hospitals, you will find doctors from a particular race seem to be inclined to this area which you are asking about. What is the reason? Is it they truly like it despite knowing very well the demand for this specific service is limited in Malaysia? Or the deep perception of fear in them?. Fear of unable to perform in other departments?. Fear of being reprimanded in other demanding departments? Or is it they fear their own shadow? Or are they trying to run away from facing challenging situations which is definitely stressful but absolutely rewarding in future? Or putting it more bluntly, are they looking for a sedentary life in the hospital?
Those who are knowledgeable will tell you the psychologist in a hospital is the same as the HR manager in a company in Malaysia. Very big office. Huge table. Beautiful ambience. That is all. You cannot make any decisions on your own , as everything is advisory. But if you are in any other department, you can make decisions and that carries a lot of weight.
Think hard. The challenging departments are ones that will test your limits. That is where you will be able to realise their own potential and true worth.Why put a barrier in front of you when you can excel further? Given the time and effort you had put in, it is not easy to become a qualified doctor. But you did it despite so many hiccups daily. Passing through houseman ship is akin to going to hell and coming back. In one piece.You have done it . 30 to 40 per cent drop out during HO.Life as a doctor will never be easy.But that satisfaction only you will realise it deep down, as thousands of people are able to get up and see a new day because you were there! No other job can do this.
Have faith in yourself. Create that determination. Talk to like-minded parties – like this group? ( Don`t know). You have the opportunity to test your own limits. The time has come. Don`t waste it. Because, you can do better..
Usually medical doctors do not do Psychology. They do Masters in Psychiatry to become a Psychiatrist. Psychology is not a medical degree.
Sincere apologies. My mistake.
Good evening dr.
First of all, i would like to thank you for your valuable and insightful posts.
I am one of the contract MOs. During my 3rd posting, i was extended for 2 months, but otherwise the other postings went smoothly. I plan to take a parallel paper MRCPSYCH this Dec, but i know with a history of extension my chance to be absorbed into permanent posts would be slim.
In your wise opinion, do you think taking a parallel paper is still worth it because it is quite costly. If i pass will this increase my chance to get permanent?
I heard about the suggestion of extending contract mo up to 10 years, but i honestly doubt it would be implemented
Thank you dr
accoding to MOH, preference will be given to those who have passed certain postgraduate exams. However, this did not happen since the 2nd cohort of extended contracts due to no post being available. As for MRCPsych, I presume you are talking about Part 1. As for me, I would still go ahead for whatever it’s worth as it may still give you some advantage if you do apply to university hospitals etc.
Just for your knowledge. Updated 9 July 2020 All information are sourced from the 2019 Annual Report distributed in July 2019. AGM on RPV format on 9 July 2020.
KPJ Healthcare Berhad. (Kumpulan Perubatan Johor)
1. Operates 28 hospitals in Malaysia, 2 in Indonesia, 1 in Bangladesh and 1 in Thailand.
2. Operates 1 University College with 3 branches in Malaysia.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
REVENUE RM2.8B RM3.0B RM3.2B RM3.4B RM3.6B
PROFIT RM145M RM156M RM 167M RM186M RM227M
Profit stated above is AFTER tax.
3. KPJ Healthcare University College. Started in 1991. Offers 26 programmes for PhD, Master and Bachelor degrees. This is the only private institution of higher learning to offer Post Graduate Medical Specialist Programmes.
4. MBA in Healthcare Management coming up soon.
5. 13 Directors on Board. Chairman is Dato Yusli. He is also holding Directorship in Mudajaya Group, Westports, Air Asia X and FGV Holdings.
3 directors have Medical Degrees. Prof Dato Azizi, Dato Dr Ngun and Dato Dr Sivamohan The others have accountancy background.
6. Companies related to KPJ Berhad . Johor Corp, Al-Aqar REIT, Al –Salam Reit and Damansara Realty Berhad. Johor Corp is the parent company, holding 36.12 per cent shares in KPJ Berhad.
7. Some of the hospitals under KPJ, all of which are 100 per cent owned ( at the end of 31 December 2019):
-Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
-Bandar Baru Klang Specialist Hospital
-BDC Specialist Hospital
-Kajang Specialist Hospital
-Maharani Specialist Hospital
-Pasir Gudang Specialist Hospital
-Penang Specialist Hospital
-Pusat Pakar Klang Utama
-Rawang Specialist Hospital
-Sentosa Medical Centre
-Sibu Medical Centre
-Sabah Specialist Centre
-UTM KPJ Specialist Hospital
*. Few other hospitals but less than 100 per cent owned.
8. Total number of shares issued 4.4 billion. 8,584 shareholders: 2,604 are Bumiputeras. 5,747 others. 233 are foreigners.
9. Share price as on 8 July 2020 0.825 sen.
Hello Dr. My daughter has a passion to study MBBS. After checking the fees of all the private universities, only below universities are affordable for me based on my financial condition. I want to fulfill my daughter’s wish. Appreciate it if you could share your opinion among MSU, MAHSA AND AIMST Universities.
Thank you very much in advance Dr.
Firstly, please ask your daughter to read my blog from A-Z. Please also be informed with the issues in regards to medical degrees, in terms of recognition etc. The universities mentioned are all OK except the fact that, you can only work in Malaysia. I am also sure you are aware that most will end up without a government job after 4 years. Having a big debt upon graduation is not a good idea.
Before the good Dr gives valuable input, some basic elements to take note.
The following is the fee structure for MBBS in MAHSA University:
• Duration : 5 years.
• Application / Registration Fees : RM 2,600.
• Tuition Fee : RM 360,000 (RM 72,000 x 5 years)
• Yearly Fee : RM 4,400 (RM 1,100 x 4 years)
• Others Fee : RM 2,900.
• Grand Total Fee : RM 369,900.
Degree Programs at AIMST
Programs Duration Fees (Ringgit)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) 5 75,830
This is per year fee. Multiply by 5 years.
Above information is from the NET.
MSU fee is similar but all these fees are on the surface only. You could be paying finally RM400,000 or more. This is only the fees. Hostel, food, transport, and other living expenses could come to RM12,000 per year x 5 years = RM60,000. Not including the need for car in the final year. Also during the clinical period, expenses will go up. Set aside RM500,000 at today `s prices. Coffee in the first year will be in the canteen. Coffee during clinical period will be Starbucks or Gloria Jeans. Taste and expenses will change with time.
PTPTN loan could be arranged between RM100,000 to RM150,000, depending if you are under BRIM or not. Assuming she joins in 2021, she will qualify in 2026. No one knows what the situation will be then. Being passionate of being a doctor is good. At least your aim is good and clear. Always analyse the cost and benefit of any course or project.
The toughest time of her medical life will be during housemanship. Lot of support from family members is needed.
Kindly take note. The Dr has NEVER discouraged anyone in taking up medicine. He has given you the picture and it is for you to make the final decision. Here the DR is NOT running a Medical University where you will be completely stunned by the colourful picture given to you by the counselors.
Always analyse well all the information given to you.
Do you know what is the greatest problem facing Malaysians all the time? Decision making. 80 per cent are scared to make decisions. It is because the education system has moulded you like that.
Consult more people if you have to. Or if you have decided, stick to it. Never waver what may come.
Life is always clear. You need to decide what direction it needs to take.
Best wishes.
https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2020/07/15/moh-tells-contract-doctors-to-pay-own-way-for-specialisation/
It’s true like what you have said Dr….Scholars or Non – Scholars, they are not being absorbed due to lack of availability of position. Additionally, it’s all decided on merits I believe during housemanship, if there are vacant permanent slots.
Just wanted to know Dr, then why are there scholarships are still being given by the government to do medicine. Knowing that there’s hardly any / no more availability of position..shouldn’t they cut cost or announce that they are not gonna sponsor due to oversupply of doctors? Or is it because there is no political will from the current and previous government to just say the truth?
It is all about politics! Firstly the government did stop providing scholarship to do medicine overseas since 2017. If I am not mistaken, JPA also do not provide scholarship anymore but it is a convertible loan. It means that if you do work for the government, it should be 10 years bond, if you work for GLC you need to return 50% of the loan and if you go private , you need to repay 100% of the loan.I am not sure whether this is still the same as it was introduced in 2017. Few years ago, the health minister Dr Subra did say that let the market force decide when he was asked whether the government will cut the number of medical students intake into private universities. The fact is, that is how it is! No government can stop anyone from doing any course BUT no government guarantees you a job. Let’s look at how many other graduates are jobless? Do the government still provide PTPTN loan, MARA etc for these graduates? Of course it still does!
Hi Doc,
I just read the code blue article linked above.
How does HLP work? If one gets into specialty training, isn’t he/she also working full time, with full pay? Why is a scholarship necessary?
Also, I am not confident he knows what he’s talking about here:
“Although contract medical officers are not eligible to be offered the Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan (HLP) at this time, they can still further their specialist study through self-financing or outside sponsorship and further their studies abroad,” Dr Adham said in the Dewan Rakyat.”
If there are available specialist posts in the country, does he mean that if they “self-finance” they can be in the program? I mean, one needs to also be employed by the MOH, isn’t it? If the contract is not extended, then there’s not even a “self-finance” option to talk about. Or am I understanding it all wrong? I don’t even want to go into the “further their studies abroad” bit. Maybe he thinks its like applying for a masters degree in a university abroad. I am sure he’s not that daft, but am also not entirely surprised if he actually is.
Thanks in advance.
HLP generally is for Master’s program. When you are in KKM and go on to do local Master’s program, the fee for the university is paid by KKM via HLP. If not, you will need to pay the fee yourself, which is already happening for the last few years when not all those who are selected for Master’s program are receiving HLP. However, if you are not a KKM employee, you can still apply for master’s under private candidate quota and pay the whole fee. The number of private candidate entering local Master’s program is usually very very small. These candidates will be working at the university hospitals like UM, UKM and USM. I am not sure whether they will be paid a salary. I think it is different for different universities, some just pay an allowance.
HLP is also given for subspeciality training program where 1 out of 3 years, you are allowed to do your training overseas under government sponsorship aka HLP. All these can only happen if you are a government employee.
Almost all our local degrees are NOT recognised overseas! So, your chances of getting a job overseas is almost NIL unless you sit and pass an entrance exam which cost thousands of ringgit with no guarantee of a job. So, his logic of doing postgraduate training overseas is rather dumb! Even if someone go through all the trouble of doing that, do you think he will even return!
Thank you for explaining!
There has been some speculations on the issue of permanent placement regarding medical officers. It has been said that only / all the scholars [ JPA / MARA ] are the one being absorbed into the permanent post.
Can you clarify this dr?
Well, there’s no turning back for those who are already into the profession. Start planning ahead and be prepared for the storm.
https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2020/07/23/serving-villages-wont-bump-medical-professionals-up-for-permanent-posts/
“ Dr Adham added that MOH would prioritise medical officers who passed their membership examination or entrance examination for specialist study in the parallel pathway (training outside local programmes) for permanent positions in the civil service. ”
This is of course subject to availability of permanent positions.
This is what they have been saying since the beginning
Well said. Those who are thinking of entering the profession, think hard. Really hard. Those who are already in the profession start planning now. The future is uncertain but some planning helps to protect you rather than not planning at all.
It’s in a big mess to be honest. There has been some speculations stating that those who have been absorbed as permanent medical officers, are all scholars [ JPA / MARA ] .Can Dr confirm this?
Thank you
I am not sure but I also know many JPA and MARA scholars who di not get permanent post.
To cut it short, most of the Private Universities offering medical courses have very strong political connections. IMU is under IHH Healthcare Berhad. SEGi University is under Tan Sri Clement Hii ( Sarawakian). Perdana University is under Tan Sri Mohan Swamy. AIMST is under MIC . MSU is under Datuk Effendi Norwawi, from Sarawak and former Education Minister. CSMU is under Datuk Palani. How to stop assisting these Private Universities with Government scholars?
Just for your information about e dentist. Just like the e housemen which opened a month back, the e dentist sistem will be opened on Monday 27 July 2020 for the second time this year. The first was in February 2020. Based on this only 3 intakes per year.Conditions are very strict. Only 1 more chance is given in case one decides to skip the placement because of whatever reason. Example, don`t want to accept Perlis or Sabah. Those who forget their password or make a wrong choice. In the letter it is mentioned 3 times. Jangan terburu-buru- in bold letters.
As SPA and MOH gain experience over time, their e-systems also gets improved. You can now choose which hospital you want to be placed, assuming empty slots are there. Your appointment starts on the day the PTM starts. Now they inform you when is the PTM. For the e dentist opening on Monday, PTM is on 17 August. Unlike previously where it was 5 days, it is now for 3 days and it is stated in the email it will be held in a hotel in Klang Valley (Lembah Klang). They keep emphasising, do not come with excuses, like never print the PTM invitation letter or cannot make it for PTM.
This time too they tell you to get everything ready before coming to the PTM – EPF number, Income Tax Number and document attested by Commissioner of Oaths.
So those medical housemen who are getting ready, please get ready and do your homework thoroughly. You need to have at least 3 plus 2 states( Sabah and Sarawak) on your choice. Previously you will receive letter to go to the state health office. There they will inform you which hospital you will be attached to.You go to Johore Baru and the officer will tell to report to Kota Tinggi or Kluang or Pontian (our good Dr`s previous experience) . You go to Kuching Health office, and they will tell you to report to Sarikei, Daro, Dalat, Bau, Ta Tau or even Limbang.
This is an uncertain world. Government policies could change anytime. Could it become worse? No one knows. Can we live with some hope? Hope is the only thing left for us.
Are you also in the medical profession? Or just someone very keen on the profession, and they way its going in the country?
I am not in the medical profession. I am very keen on the medical profession.
Is it possible for a fresh MBBS graduate to explore a career as a Biomedical Scientist? This is taking into account the present situation for young doctors in Malaysia.
Any other career possible?
Anyone can do anything but it is totally a different field
Hi doctor, what is your take on the fresh medical graduate 5 years from now?
If the current production rate continues, the situation will be worst!
Hi, Dr Pagalavan, how do a foreign medical graduate gain entry to Australia to practice medicine as a general practitioner or specialist assuming money is not an issue?
I think I had mentioned about this few times in some of my articles. If you are not a specialist, you need to sit and pass AMC exams. AMC Part 2 has about 20-30% passing rate and only held in Melbourne. Passing AMC does not mean you will get a job as, since last year, Australia has tightened the Visa rules for employers to recruit foreign GP doctors. You can only apply for remote and rural areas. This remote and rural area classification has been changed since July 2019, known as DPA area. That’s why many employers have stopped recruiting foreign doctors for GPs. Even if you pass Part 2 and get a GP job, you will need 12 months of supervision to be fully registered.
As for specialist, Malaysia is not included into competent authority pathway country. Thus, you need to first apply to the respective college to be assessed. They will go through your application and call you for an interview. After this, they will inform you whether you are substantially comparable or partially comparable or not comparable. If not comparable, you will not be considered as a specialist. If partially comparable, you may need to do top up training of about 1-2 years as registrar and sit for their Part 2 exams. If substantially comparable, you can work as a specialist with 12 months peer review. The job(full time) , you need to find yourself within 2 years of this assessment. You will never get a full time job in any metro areas. Generally, only physician and paediatrician college will even consider substantially comparable status. The rest, if you are lucky, you may get partially comparable status. Not to mention thousands of Australian dollars that you would have spent just to complete the assessment path.
Thanks. So the rules keep changing. What about those who have obtain the FRACGP conjointly with the Master in Fam. Med (Academy of Fam Physicians) here in Malaysia?. Do they still need to sit for the AMC exams?
Those who enrolled into the FRACGP program before January 2019 in Malaysia, can work in Australia without the need to sit for any exams. As I have written in my blog before, those who enrol from January 2019 you will not receive FRACGP anymore but icFRACGP instead. This degree will not be able to register in Australia without further module completions. These details are not available yet.
Hello Dr,
I’m currently a Foundation in Science student at IMU. I chose this course as I wanted to medicine. I would’ve originally taken A-Levels but I got the JPA convertible loan so I went for Foundation instead, as it’s quicker and grades easier to maintain. The reasons I cited to myself when choosing medicine was: 1. I really like biology.
2. I want to help people.
3. Medicine is a noble profession.
4. Medicine is a lucrative profession. I love money.
5. Studying medicine would give me a deeper emotional understanding of human life and death and assist me in appreciating it more.
I came across your blog after starting my Foundation and it really opened up my eyes. I realised that I have overestimated myself. Liking Biology does not matter at all. Doctors aren’t the only people helping others. Doctors aren’t seen as noble by the majority of aunties and uncles out there. Doctors do earn a lot but it might not be enough compared to what they went through in med school and housemanship. And I do not need to study medicine to solve my existential crisis. I can come up with my own philosophies.
Before picking Foundation I was stuck between either medicine or computer science. I know it’s two completely different fields but I have, or should I say had, a deep interest in both of them. Now I’m feeling like leaning more towards Computer Science. Foundation is still Pre-U and most Computer Science degrees in Malaysia require only Math grades for entry, so I believe I might still have the chance to u-turn and switch over to Computer Science (with specialism in either Data Analytics or Cyber Security) after completing my Foundation, even though most of its content is health science-focused.
Would I face any trouble transitioning from studying Pure Sciences in Pre-U to studying Computer Sciences in Degree? My parents aren’t forcing me to study medicine but they were really happy when I said I wanted to do medicine. How do I break this to them once I complete my Foundation without disappointing them?
Before our Good Dr comments on this, let me pen down a few points. There are 5 reasons you have given for choosing medicine. Based on my knowledge, talking privately to many students, 80 per cent gave reason number 4, that is one can make good money by becoming a doctor. 20 percent gave other reasons. Some tried to say they want to help people but I tell them to take up priesthood so that they can guide people to go to heaven. Here too they will be helping people.
Always take note, the future is uncertain. Anything can happen anytime. If the problems are too much to bear here, it could be worse in other countries. Many had gone overseas but have only sad stories to tell. They are successful migrants but that number has dwindled now.
As in your case, it is better to have good knowledge of the situation. You seem to have the grasp of the situation. That itself is a good start. Thank you for reading this blog and kept your self updated. A science student jumping to business or accountancy or computer courses is NOT a problem at all. Your written language is good so you should do well.
You are very fortunate to have parents who are giving you the freedom to choose. Show them all the newspaper articles. Tell them to read this blog if possible. They will understand the critical situation for medical graduates.Some medical graduates have become temporary waiters and insurance salesman, while waiting for their posting for HO.
It is better to tell them the truth rather than they developing dreams about you being a doctor. All parents just want to see their children being happy. You could be in any profession and be happy depending on what you want to achieve in life.
Before handling your parents, please talk to JPA people first. See if they will let you go from the program you are supposed to do.From my knowledge, they will not let you go easily because they will tell you were selected based on strict criteria. By you giving up medicine, you have dented the hopes of someone else `s. Lot of procedures to follow. Check on this please.
It is always hard in the beginning but better to vacate now than to regret later. Finalise your decision and do not backtrack. Best wishes.
Hello pillay4611,
Thank you for your reply and advice. I just started my Foundation so I’m not ready to break this to them yet. Who knows, perhaps a few months into Foundation I might find myself regaining interest in medicine again. I might only inform them near the end of my Foundation, provided I’m still leaning to Computer Science by then.
To my understanding JPA doesn’t care what you do for Pre-U. We only need to tell them which field we want to venture into when submitting our Degree information. So the thing that matters now is whether other universities would accept my entry with my IMU Foundation results. I’m currently looking at unis famed for their CS courses like APU. Many people have told me that Foundation courses are very specific and they “lock” you into the institution.
All the answers you need is available in this blog. Firstly let me tell you, many students do give the same reasons as you had mentioned BUT the reality is not what you thought it was. I had always advised students to do what they feel they will be good at. Never do medicine for easy life, good money and supposedly to help people! Almsot all philantropist in this world are NOT doctors! In medicine, you make money only if you work day and night! No life! Public do not see how doctors work and the risk taken. They just see the surface and make their conclusion. When their kids become a doctor and they hardly see their child, they start writing to newspapers!
It is entirely up to you but never do medicine for wrong reasons! you will only regret it later.I think anyone can do computer science with basic qualifications.
Hi Myshin,
While my comment was very long, our Dr`s comment was short and very precise. Take note of the contents in this blog clearly. No one is discouraging you or anyone else from doing medicine. The facts and figures are given for you to analyse and then make your own decision. Why I am mentioning this? Five later when you become qualified as a doctor , I do not want you to write here to say you people discouraged me but I became a doctor now.
Please take everything positively. Every profession is a noble profession. Either find the job you like or like the job you are doing. Many are stuck in-between. Life is short so never regret what you did. The choice is always yours to make.
Life is always good to all of us. Only we complicate it ourselves. Open your window and see the thousands of people passing by daily. How many are actually happy? Less than 20 per cent. The balance 80 per cent have complaints about everything.Bad job, bad superiors, bad children, bad spouse, bad neighbours, bad relatives and much more. Everything is bad except them. Happiness is all in your mind. Challenges keep coming up everyday. Learn to face them and and handle them.
Unlike the Americans, our decision-making is very poor. It is due to our education system.You can see many writing here to seek advice. It is not their fault but we, including me, have been trained not to question anything. Just follow blindly. Many a times we start questioning our own abilities. So sad we never left the world of Copernicus.
You, like many others, are lucky our Good Dr has this blog and he spends his valuable time answering everyone `s questions. Definitely not his destiny to keep writing on this blog. I have not met him either but he is doing a great service. He finds happiness in updating this blog and answering all the questions.Thank you very much to Him. You too can find your source of happiness by making the right decision.
Think well and think good. Uncertainty is the key word today.Only information added to your existing knowledge will assist you to face whatever uncertainties that may come. When the mind is clean , everything will fall in place. Best wishes.
Thanks for the insight, Dr! I’m only into my first semester so I’ll see how it goes and how my interests change.
Hi Myshin,
Welcome.
You are living in 2019 . But this is 2020, the year of Covid 19.Things have changed so much. There are many colleges and Universities ( all private) that impose all kinds of conditions to make the extra money from students if you did not do their Foundation programme. Deliberately ask you to take 2 or 3 management subjects to make money from you. But now things are different. All you got to do is send emails to all the colleges asking about CS courses. Tell them you have completed the Foundation programme from IMU mentioning some the subjects you had studied. You will see all of them offering you places in their colleges immediately. Why?
Times are very bad for colleges. Many depended on foreign students because good money from them. Example local student registration fee is RM100. Foreign student RM500. Some RM800. Covid 19 has prevented foreign students from coming here. So if you call them to enquire, they will keep bugging you to enrol immediately. Counsellors are under immense pressure to recruit students.
If they tell you to sit for new subjects, tell them the other colleges are willing to accept you straight away. If you want PTPTN loan, that too they can help you to apply. Will you fail any year? Don`t worry. Nothing this sort will happen.
Students from China sign for MBA programmes in local Colleges. All will pass after 2 years. But they still cannot write simple English even with the MBA qualification. How is this possible? Some foreign Universities have assignment based MBA. They will go to Brickfields where Indians( from India) are waiting to do the assignment for you. All can be outsourced. That is the level of education here.
It is okay to realise the reality is so contrasting. Have the information and make a good decision which you feel is the best. Since JPA matter is not an issue then you can look at other factors . Take note that the environment keeps changing daily. Only 20 per cent will be able to handle the change calmly. Who are these people? Those who have information. Nothing else.Keep reading daily. Get different views. Analyse. Then decide.
Always remember Pareto s Rule 80:20. 80 per cent population will be controlled by 20 per cent of the people. 80 per cent of the taxes collected come from 20 per cent of the Companies.The tax rate on beer in Malaysia is the second highest in the world. Non malays constitute 35 per cent of the population. Heineken Malaysia Berhad paid RM1.3 billion in taxes in 2019. Record breaking taxes paid by them. People remember when you are in 20 per cent bracket. Try to do anything but ensure you in this 20 per cent bracket.
Look at this blog. So many are here but how many are writing and giving comments.? Dr is the main person writing here. Where ever he goes people remember him . He is in that 20 percent bracket. So, do good and be positive. You will be fine.
On another topic not related to doctors but dentists. 2020 . Now is August. So far only 2 recruitment this year.. One in February. And the next one in August 1 st week. Waiting period is 8 months. Each recruitment roughly about 280 graduate dentists. All given only Kelinik Pergigian. Very rare in Hospitals. Each Kelinik only one vacancy or slot.
Program Transformasi Minda (PTM) started today at 2 pm. All the new recruits where ever you are, have to attend the PTM conducted in Selangor. One is in Dorsett Grand Hotel and the other is 3 km away , Summit Hotel, USJ, Each recruit will be staying individually per room, not sharing due the Covid factor. PTM ends on Wednesday 2 pm.
Don`t get upset if in the invitation letter it is stated UD41 instead of UG41 and it ends on 19 August , but in brackets it is stated hari Khamis, as all must wear Batek clothes every Thursday. Mistakes are bound to happen but be appreciative a job is being given after the long wait.
Hi, first and foremost, I would like to thank you Dr for creating this blog, it has been really insightful for me as I’m able to get an overview of the Malaysian healthcare sector and what’s to come in the future. It has also been really interesting to see the various replies and discussions garnered in the comment sections 🙂
I recently completed Cambridge A-Levels, and contrary to what this blog is widely covering – medicine, I am actually about to pursue a degree in dentistry soon, I was recently offered a place at AIMST University and UKM (as a full-fee-paying student) for dentistry. I understand that this may be a little bit out of topic here but this blog was one of the places that came to mind for questions relating to the healthcare field :). Thus, may I know which university is better in terms of the quality of lecturers, facilities, and quality of graduates? I have heard from many dentists saying that the university attended isn’t really important, what matters are experiences gained during and after studies… Still a little clueless here but I would like to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, hope Dr can provide me with some advice on this 🙂 Thanks in advance!
public university is definitely better in terms of facility. I would suggest UKM.
Thanks for the reply Dr! Just curious, may I know what are your thoughts on dental graduates or healthcare-related graduates from AIMST in general?
As far as I know last, AIMST was struggling with their recruitment of lecturers. I am not sure now.
Dentistry is a good field too. Just a question. You said you did Cambridge A Levels. UKM allows you to enter the dentistry program with A Levels?
For A Level graduates, we would have to apply directly to the school.
Which means with A Levels too, one can apply directly to to UKM, That is very good. Obviously they will be taking in those with the best results. As for AIMST, many of the academic staff are from India, Pakistan and Myanmar. Since covid began, those who went back and if their contract is over, they have been told not to return to AIMST.
While in public universities those who do not perform will have to repeat the semester, such is not the case in private universities. They cannot afford to fail anyone as their projected revenue will be affected.