Prime Minister Launches IJN University College: Strengthening Malaysia's Capacity in Specialised Healthcare Education

Kuala Lumpur, 4 November 2025 – The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, today officiated the launch of IJN University College (IJNUC), marking the official elevation of IJN College to university college status. The milestone, approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on 13 May 2025, underscores IJN Holdings’ long-term vision to strengthen Malaysia’s capacity in specialised healthcare education.

Established to meet Malaysia’s growing demand for advanced healthcare training, IJN University College builds upon the foundation of IJN College in delivering high-quality, industry-relevant higher education and professional training. As part of IJN Holdings, which also oversees Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), the nation’s leading and internationally recognised heart centre, the institution combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical exposure under the guidance of top medical specialists.

IJNUC currently comprises three main faculties which are the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, the Faculty of Managerial Sciences and the Faculty of Nursing, offering a range of specialised programmes in healthcare and management. Among its flagship courses, the Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences (GCCVTS), which has produced more than 500 graduates who now serve in leading healthcare institutions locally and abroad. The university college now offers bachelor and diploma degree in nursing, apart from diploma, advanced diplomas, post-basic and several other programmes specialised in cardiac care, reinforcing its expertise as a centre for advanced clinical and healthcare education.

With its new status, IJNUC is able to offer its own homegrown programmes at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. At present, it has already offered Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology (Hons), Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bachelor of Nursing Science (Hons) and Diploma in Nursing. IJNUC has also started collaborating with UPSI to offer Bachelor in Psychology (Honours).

Group Chief Executive Officer of IJN Holdings, YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, said the elevation of IJN College to university college status represents a key step in aligning healthcare training with Malaysia’s future needs.

“This milestone reflects IJN Holdings’ commitment to integrating world-class clinical practice with academic excellence. Through IJN University College, we aim to develop a highly skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce that will uphold Malaysia’s reputation as a regional leader in specialised medical care,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of IJN University College, Prof. Emerita Dr. Durrishah Idrus, said the launch marks a defining moment in IJNUC’s mission to advance healthcare-related and specialised medical programmes, particularly in the field of cardiovascular care, while enhancing research and collaboration with other institutions and industries in Malaysia and abroad.

“It is a great honour to have YAB Prime Minister officiate this launch, as we are deeply inspired and highly motivated to continue pushing boundaries in producing highly skilled professionals who will not only serve the nation but also elevate Malaysia’s position globally in healthcare and cardiovascular-related programmes and professional training,” she said.

In conjunction with the official launch, IJNUC also unveiled its official anthem, “Panji Ilmu”, symbolising the institution’s spirit, identity and commitment to excellence in higher education and healthcare.

Looking ahead, IJNUC’s roadmap includes new degree and postgraduate programmes such as in Physiotherapy, Psychology Pharmacy and Nursing. It is already in IJNUC plan to offer Doctorate in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Paediatric and Anaesthesiology. This move reinforces IJNUC roles as a national hub for specialised healthcare education.

ABOUT IJNUC

IJN University College (IJNUC) marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s higher education landscape with its official upgrade to University College status on 13 May 2025. This transformation enables the institution to offer homegrown degree, master’s and PhD programmes, reflecting its readiness to shape the next generation of healthcare and managerial professionals.

IJNUC began in 2007 as IJN Training Division to support the professional development of staff at Institut JantungNegara (IJN), the nation’s leading heart centre, before evolving into IJN College in 2008. Its first flagship programme, the Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences (GCCVTS), laid the foundation for future specialisation in cardiovascular care.

Since then, IJNUC has expanded its academic portfolio to include the Advanced Diploma in Cardiac Nursing, Diplomas in Pharmacy, Psychology, Occupational Safety and Health, Physiotherapy, Healthcare Management, Business, Human Resource Management and Emergency Medical Services—broadening its scope to meet evolving healthcare and industry needs.

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