NUMed Students Expanding Horizons at the UK-MUC Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme
Three of our students recently joined the UK Malaysia University Consortium (UK MUC) Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme, a five-day event at Universiti Malaya. Fully sponsored, they immersed themselves in sustainability, innovation and cultural exchange, gaining fresh perspectives, practical skills and the confidence to step outside their comfort zones.
22 September 2025
Studying a medical or health sciences programme doesn’t mean you need to stay in one lane all the time. In fact, at NUMed, we encourage our students to venture beyond hospitals and laboratories. So when the opportunity arose to participate in the recent UK-MUC Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme, three of our students secured a wonderful opportunity to participate in this after going through a tough selection process. Fully sponsored by the UK-Malaysia University Consortium (UK-MUC), Lan Yuen Qi and Insha Thellachery, Year 5 MBBS students, along with Angeline Kho, a Year 2 Biomedical Sciences student, attended the five-day programme, which was hosted at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.
The Dean of Student Support, Dr Arun Kumar Basavaraj, proudly shared that, “The UK-MUC organisers informed us that they were very impressed with the standard of our three students’ applications and ranked them highly in a very competitive pool of applicants.” This is notable as other universities only secured one or two places.
.png)
The event saw undergraduates across several universities in Malaysia and the UK participating enthusiastically. It focused on the foundations of entrepreneurship, namely the ideation, creation, and management of sustainable enterprises via problem-solving approaches. For our trio, it was a refreshing change from their routines, opening up conversations about sustainability, innovation, and social impact within a collaborative, multicultural environment.
From cultural appreciation to business inspiration, each student walked away with fond memories. For Insha, the programme made the best first impression. “I LOVED my first day! We tried batik painting, played traditional games, and were welcomed with live music and dance. It made me appreciate Malaysian culture beyond just the food!”
Yuen Qi was particularly moved by a visit to the PlayKlang! Cafe. According to her, “The founder’s love for Klang and passion for nurturing the younger generation really resonated with me. As someone who feels strongly about my homeland (Malaysia!), I appreciate how thoughtfully this business was created.”
Meanwhile, Angeline’s interaction with a seasoned entrepreneur made a lasting impact. “Mr Daniele Gambero, an Italian property investor, was profoundly inspiring. His insights into weaving sustainability into business practices and journey in real estate got me thinking about pursuing a venture in the medical field. After all, impactful entrepreneurship transcends industry boundaries.”
Lessons that Last
The three of them found themselves working in diverse teams, collaborating with peers from different countries and academic backgrounds. While this was not easy, it proved to be invaluable, and they learnt how to keep an open mind, listen, adapt, and work with each other.
“There was no one-size-fits-all solution,” said Yuen Qi. “With our different areas of expertise, we all had something different to bring to the table.”
“It was not easy at first, but we made it work and gained new skills in pitching, problem-solving, and understanding the basics of entrepreneurship together,” added Insha.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learnt was how to deliver a compelling five-minute pitch. Equally enriching was discovering how successful entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures rooted in purpose,” highlighted Angeline.
The experiences from the summer programme are already shaping their perspectives on their impending roles in healthcare.
“As a future doctor, I will be working with people from all walks of life. This programme reminded me of the importance of being able to communicate effectively to work cohesively in a team and ensure that patients feel heard and respected. Be it in event planning or personalising patient care, I am now excited to see how my problem-solving skills will evolve as I learn to tackle issues from a wide range of perspectives,” observed Yuen Qi.
Insha, on the other hand, acknowledged the practical use for what she learnt: “The planning and entrepreneurship skills I gained will prove useful when organising community projects or starting a social enterprise. The 9-step Business Model Canvas was a game-changer. It helped me break down big ideas into manageable steps.”
For Angeline, “I envision myself applying the insights and entrepreneur principles I have gained and integrating them into the healthcare sector, exploring how sustainable, innovative approaches can enhance community well-being. And I am committed to contributing within my means, translating my ideas into meaningful impact!”
Words of Encouragement
The three of them encourage their peers to take similar leaps, even if it feels intimidating at first.
“Truthfully, I was nervous at the start,” Yuen Qi admitted. “But I came out of the programme grateful for the experiences and friends I gained along the way. It was really refreshing to do something out of medicine for a change, and to get some exposure on sustainable entrepreneurship.”
“Just go for it!” exclaimed Insha. “You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take, so it will never hurt to try. I am glad that I took the leap of faith to apply. Moments like those made me realise how much these experiences are also about connection and growth, not just entrepreneurship."
And in Angeline’s words: “Stepping outside your comfort zone is where most valuable insights come from, as other disciplines and perspectives not only deepened our understanding of global markets but also empowers us to reimagine and strengthen the healthcare system. Alone we make progress, together we make impact; don’t delay, seize the day!”
At NUMed, we are proud to support our students as they step out of the classroom and into the world, gaining knowledge, wisdom, courage, and a drive to make real change.