Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Medical Scientist is First Malaysian to Win Australian PM Award

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Jeegajeeva Rao from UiTM’s Faculty of Medicine, has become the first, and only Malaysian, to receive the coveted Australian Prime Minister’s Asia Endeavour Award 2010.

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Award, worth RM630,500.00, will enable Dr Rao to pursue his doctorate in medicine at the University of News South Wales and undertake research at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney. Dr. Rao will conduct research on the human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer under Australia’s leading gynaecological cancer specialist, Professor Neville Hacker.

The award was made to Dr Rao by Her Excellency Ms Penny Williams at a special ceremony held at the Chancellory, UiTM, in the presence of the university’s top management.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Professor Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar stated that Dr Rao was being recognised for a string of accomplishments besides his vast training and experience in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Indonesia and Australia.

Dr Rao who leaves on Sunday to pursue his studies said the award was “a dream come true.”