SHAH ALAM - Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Tan Sri Dr Yahya Awang has been conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Monash University in recognition of his significant contributions to cardiothoracic medicine, including his pivotal role in the establishment of the National Heart Institute (IJN).
The honorary degree was presented at a special ceremony held in conjunction with the launch of Dr Yahya’s memoir, Heart to Heart, which was officiated by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein shared a 50-second video of the event on his Instagram account, capturing memorable moments of Dr Yahya with Dr Mahathir and several other distinguished figures.
In the caption accompanying the post, Hishammuddin wrote:
“A meaningful day for our family. Proud to witness the launch of the memoir ‘Heart To Heart’ by Tun Dr Mahathir, which highlights the life journey and contributions of my brother-in-law, Tan Sri Dr Yahya Awang, a legend of the National Heart Institute and a national cardiothoracic figure."
The ceremony was attended by Dr Mahathir and his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Ali, who were present as guests of honour. During the event, copies of Heart to Heart were presented on stage to Dr Mahathir and Dr Hasmah.
Hishammuddin’s video post garnered about 15,000 likes and 339 comments within 15 hours of being uploaded.
Dr Yahya is regarded as one of Malaysia’s foremost cardiothoracic surgeons and a central figure in advancing modern cardiac care in the country.
A Monash University alumnus, he completed his medical education there before undergoing specialist cardiothoracic training in the United Kingdom.
He worked as a surgical registrar at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London from July 1981 to November 1983, before returning to Malaysia to serve as a cardiothoracic surgeon at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.
He was later appointed head and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital, where he led the department until June 1992.
Dr Yahya went on to serve as head and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the National Heart Institute from June 1992 to March 2002 and held the post of IJN medical director from Oct 22, 1998 to Oct 22, 2002.
Among his notable achievements are leading the heart bypass surgery performed on Dr Mahathir, spearheading the establishment of the National Heart Institute Malaysia and carrying out the country’s first heart transplant.