New chapter: (From left) UoC pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr R. Palan, Lim and Prof Whitford during a mock cheque presentation to mark the establishment of the professorship.
CLEAN well, eat well, work well, exercise well and sleep well form Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai’s “five healthy wells” philosophy.
“It focuses on simple habits that everyone can practise,” says the Top Glove Corporation Bhd founder and executive chairman.
Extending beyond his own practices, Lim is bringing his firm belief in the power of a healthy lifestyle to the University of Cyberjaya (UoC).
With a recently signed agreement to establish the Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Lifestyle Medicine, supported by an RM2mil endowed fund in perpetuity, Lim hopes to inspire students, healthcare professionals and the public to take personal responsibility for their health and become positive contributors to society.
“Lifestyle diseases are placing an increasing burden on society. Investing in education, research and leadership in lifestyle medicine helps build healthier communities and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
“Lifestyle and preventive medicine demonstrate how consistent, practical changes in daily habits can significantly improve health,” he said in a Jan 7 press release.
Lifestyle medicine, for the uninitiated, uses proven lifestyle changes – such as healthy eating, regular exercise, good sleep, stress control, avoiding harmful substances, and strong social connections – to prevent, treat and sometimes reverse long-term diseases such as diabetes.
The endowment – comprising an RM1mil contribution from Lim, matched by RM1mil from UoC – aims to advance lifestyle medicine through teaching, research and community engagement at the varsity.
Besides creating a permanent corpus to support long-term academic, research and societal impact in lifestyle medicine, the visiting professorship will bring experienced experts from top global universities to the varsity.
The visiting professors will work with the varsity’s academics and students, deliver lectures and flagship talks, support joint research, contribute to curriculum development, and participate in outreach programmes with healthcare partners and the wider community, to strengthen understanding of how people can improve health by changing how they live, rather than just prescribing medicines, according to the press release.
The endowed fund will be placed in an income-generating account by the varsity, with returns used to support the visiting professorship and related activities on a continuing basis.
A dedicated endowment oversight committee, comprising UoC leaders and representatives of Lim, will guide the use of the fund in line with the shared objectives of the programme and ensure strong governance and sustained outcomes.
UoC vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Dr David Whitford expressed his appreciation for Lim’s support.
Lim was conferred an honorary doctorate in management and the title of honorary professor of management by the varsity in 2021.
The varsity will commence the search for eligible candidates from leading global institutions, with the official appointment expected to be announced at an upcoming lifestyle medicine platform.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1. In groups of four, choose one “well” from Lim’s philosophy. Prepare a one- to two-minute skit showing how you follow that “well” in daily life. End your skit with a message for your class-mates.
2. In pairs, create a poster with at least three practical tips for a healthy lifestyle. Use catchy slogans, and display your poster in the classroom for everyone to read.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
