KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman was presented with the Honorary Professor Award by the Kursk State Medical University, making him the first Malaysian to receive such an honour.
The Rector of Kursk State Medical University, Russia, Professor Victor Anatolovich Lazarenko, presented the award to Musa during a courtesy call on the latter at Wisma Innoprise, yesterday.
Since its establishment 78 years ago, the university has presented the Honorary Professor to 25 recipients worldwide.
Lazarenko said the university presented Musa with the award in recognition of the good rapport between the university and the executive of the Sabah Government.
“We also believe he (Musa) deserves the award as through him, the State Government has shown its commitment in overcoming the shortage of medical practitioners in the state,” he said.
To date, some 600 Malaysian students have pursued their studies at the university, with 80 of them Sabahans, who have graduated and are now practising their profession.
“Currently, there are 150 Sabah undergraduates in Kursk State Medical University,” said Lazarenko.
He added that the Kursk State Medical University is the first in Russia to use English as the medium of instruction, adding that the medical courses are offered at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, Musa said it was an honour to receive the award from a prestigious medical university.
“We wish to send more Sabahans to pursue the medical degrees at the university so that one day, they can return and serve their statesmen in the future,” he said.