KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM) marked a significant milestone last Saturday with the official inauguration of its new Administrative and Training Center at the Auditorium, Medical Academies Malaysia, Putrajaya.
The ceremony was graced by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Mukhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, the Royal Patron of AFPM.
A New Chapter For AFPM
Established in 1973, AFPM has been pivotal in advancing family medicine in Malaysia. In her opening speech, Dr Isriyanti Mohd Rafae, president of AFPM, reflected on the academy’s rich history.
She highlighted the vision of the founding members, including Dr Hui Weng Choon and Dr P.T. Arasu, whose efforts laid the foundation for family medicine training in Malaysia.
Dr Isriyanti also emphasised how the support of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in the early years helped shape the academy into what it is today.
Dr Isriyanti shared AFPM’s aspirations for the future, outlining the academy’s commitment to expanding training programs and embracing advancements in health care, particularly in the digital space.
She reaffirmed the academy’s dedication to producing more family physicians capable of meeting the challenges of Malaysia’s evolving health care landscape.
The new, state-of-the-art facility, she said, symbolises AFPM’s vision for “soaring to new horizons” as the academy continues its mission to advance family medicine and ensure quality primary health care for all Malaysians.
The construction of the new premises, which began in 2020, followed the purchase of a 2.5-acre plot in Precinct 8, Putrajaya. This acquisition was made possible through compensation funds from the relocation of its former headquarters.
Under the leadership of the Special Building Committee Chairman, Dr Ridzwan Bakar, the project was completed in June 2024. The facility will now serve as a hub for academic training, medical examinations, and conferences, jointly utilised by the Malaysian Academy of Medicine and AFPM.
Strengthening Family Medicine In Malaysia
AFPM continues to play a vital role in producing highly skilled family physicians. To date, the academy has graduated 762 specialists, with 814 currently in training. AFPM is proud to contribute to the ongoing expansion of family medicine in Malaysia. T
he academy also offers a variety of specialised programmes, including those in dermatology, orthopaedics, and sexually transmitted infections for primary care physicians.
The new facilities in Putrajaya will further support AFPM’s mission to enhance family medicine education and services. Reflecting the theme of the inauguration, AFPM remains committed to embracing new opportunities, especially in the realm of digital health care.
Moving Forward With The Embrace Of Knowledge
Looking toward the future, AFPM aims to position itself alongside global family medicine institutions, ensuring that its physicians are equipped to meet the health care demands of the digital age. Dr Isriyanti’s speech echoed the academy’s commitment to lifelong learning, as embodied by its motto, “With the embrace of knowledge”.
This new chapter for AFPM represents both the advancement of family medicine in Malaysia and the academy’s enduring dedication to primary care and health care excellence.
