PENANG, 18 November 2015 - From the historical, cultural and geographical contexts, India and Malaysia have many similarities and Malaysia has always upheld the practices of the various ethnic groups with their own religious beliefs, cultural traditions and customs.

This was mentioned by the KLE Society Chairman, Dr. Prabhakar B. Kore in his welcoming address after receiving the Honorary Degree of Doctor in Education conferred by His Royal Highness Tuanku Chancellor of USM during the 52^nd Convocation Ceremony held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra USM yesterday.

According to Prabhakar, KLE Society specializes in Health Sciences Education and Health Care, with its hospital facilities having 3,650 beds for patients and catering to the rural population.

"Students from Malaysia have been graduating from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) since 1970 and have done yeoman service in
Malaysia and have left behind a credible legacy," he said.

He added, KLE have 120 international and national academic and research collaborations in various health sciences in the last 10 years and KLE is accredited by NAAC with grade A.

"We decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KLE and USM as a challenge as well as an opportunity based on the 50 years of expertise in medical education at JNMC and similarly at the School of Medical Sciences (PPSP) USM, together with our experiences of having worked together at USM-KLE for the last five years since 2010 which has further strengthened our resolve to excel in education and healthcare," he emphasised further.

Prabhakar also acknowledged the genuine support that have been provided to them by the USM Vice-Chancellor, officers, teachers and lecturers of PPSP, and the KLE teachers in India have provided their best to mentor all 48 students from the first batch of USM-KLE International Medical Programme who received their degrees on the first day of the USM Convocation.

In ending his speech, Prabhakar said that he and KLE was indeed proud to train Malaysian nationals to become competent and compassionate doctors who will take charge of the healthcare of Malaysian citizens and this win-win situation has also strengthened the bond, values, mutual trust and educational excellence for both countries.

KLE Society was established in 1916 by seven dedicated teachers founded on the principles of truth, love, service and self-sacrifice; it is a household name in India and has 250 institutions ranging from kindergarten level to Post-Doctoral courses, and having the student population of 125,000 along with its teaching strength of 15,000 which are located all over India and also in Dubai, UAE.

The USM 52nd Convocation Ceremony will be held from 17th until 21st of November 2015 at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra USM.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah

Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin