Born in 1963 in the Sepang District of Malaysia, Noor Hisham Abdullah transitioned from a background of childhood poverty to become one of the most significant figures in the nation's medical administration. His career spans decades of clinical surgical practice, academic research, and high-level government leadership, culminating in a decade-long tenure as Malaysia's Director-General of Health.
Early Education and Clinical Training
Born as Yew Ming Seong, he attended the Methodist Boys' School in Kuala Lumpur. After being adopted by a principal at the Kolej Islam Klang, he transitioned from a focus on Islamic studies toward the sciences. He earned his primary medical degree in 1988 and a Master in Surgery in 1994, both awarded by the National University of Malaysia. His surgical expertise was further refined through fellowship training programs conducted in Adelaide and Sydney, Australia.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Surgical Career and Innovation
Hisham Abdullah began his hospital career as a houseman at the Kuala Lumpur University Hospital in 1988. By 1999, he was appointed head of the Breast and Endocrine Surgery Unit at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. In 2002, he moved to Putrajaya Hospital, where he served as a Senior Consultant. His clinical work included pioneering the use of acupuncture-assisted anaesthesia for thyroidectomy procedures. Beyond his clinical duties, he authored chapters in various surgical textbooks and served on editorial boards for the Asian Journal of Surgery and the World Journal of Surgery.
Administrative Leadership
Before his appointment as Director-General of Health in March 2013, Hisham Abdullah served as the Deputy Director-General of Health for medical affairs from 2008. During his decade as Director-General, he led Malaysia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and managed the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre. He also campaigned to eliminate Hepatitis C in the country. Following his retirement from civil service in 2023, he transitioned into roles including Chairman of the National Heart Institute and Chancellor of Cyberjaya University.
Global Health and Recognition
His international contributions include serving as the first chair for the World Health Organization’s Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response. In 2017, he was elected chair of the Global Surgery Committee of the International Society of Surgery. His professional achievements earned him the Fellowship Ad Hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2018 and the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Sepang District, Malaysia
- Education: National University of Malaysia
- Director-General of Health: 2013-2023
- Specialization: Breast and endocrine surgery
- Award: Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (2021)
- Current roles: Chairman of National Heart Institute, Chancellor of Cyberjaya University
Questions readers ask
What medical specialty did Noor Hisham Abdullah practice?
He was a breast and endocrine surgeon who pioneered the use of acupuncture-assisted anaesthesia in thyroidectomy procedures.
What was his role during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As the Director-General of Health, he was a leading figure in Malaysia's pandemic response and chaired the Executive Committee for Disaster Management.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor — 2021
