RM2 Million to Advance Lifestyle and Preventive Medicine at UoC

7 January 2026

CYBERJAYA: Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai, Founder and Executive Chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd, today signed an agreement with the University of Cyberjaya (UoC) to establish the Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Lifestyle Medicine. Supported by a RM2 million endowment in perpetuity, the fund aims to promote the development of Lifestyle Medicine through teaching, research, and community engagement at UoC.

Named after Tan Sri Dr. Lim, the endowment comprises a RM1 million contribution from him, matched by RM1 million from the university, creating a permanent corpus to support long-term academic, research, and societal impact in the field of Lifestyle Medicine. This branch of medicine emphasises proven lifestyle modifications—such as healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, avoidance of harmful substances, and fostering strong social connections, to prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse chronic diseases like diabetes.

The visiting professorship will bring experienced experts in Lifestyle Medicine from leading global universities to UoC. These visiting academics will collaborate with university staff and students, deliver lectures and flagship talks, support joint research initiatives, contribute to curriculum development, and participate in outreach programmes alongside healthcare partners and the wider community. The goal is to enhance understanding of how individuals can improve their health by making positive lifestyle changes, rather than relying solely on medication.

The endowment will be managed by the university through an income-generating account, with returns used to fund the professorship and related activities on an ongoing basis. A dedicated Endowment Oversight Committee, comprising UoC leaders and representatives of Tan Sri Dr. Lim, will oversee the utilisation of the fund to ensure alignment with programme objectives, strong governance, and sustainable outcomes. 

This initiative is designed to establish UoC as a leader in Lifestyle Medicine, enhance its global reputation through collaborations with international institutions, increase research impact via joint publications and partnerships, build capacity among faculty and students in emerging health disciplines, and promote public engagement focused on disease prevention and healthier lifestyles.

“Lifestyle diseases are increasingly burdening society. Investing in education, research, and leadership within lifestyle medicine is essential for building healthier communities and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Practical, consistent changes in daily habits can significantly improve health,” said Tan Sri Dr. Lim. “My ‘5 Healthy Wells’ philosophy, Clean Well, Eat Well, Work Well, Exercise Well, and Sleep Well, focuses on simple habits that everyone can adopt. I hope this Visiting Professorship inspires students, healthcare professionals, and the public to take personal responsibility for their health and become positive contributors to society.”

In 2021, Tan Sri Dr. Lim was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate in Management and was recognised as an Honorary Professor of Management by the university for his contributions to business and society.

The university will shortly commence the search for suitable candidates from leading global institutions, with the appointment expected to be announced at an upcoming Lifestyle Medicine platform. The professorship aims to support Malaysia’s growing role in preventive and lifestyle-based healthcare.

Professor Dr. David Whitford, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of UoC, expressed his appreciation for Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s support,  “We are grateful for his generous contribution and for lending his name to this endowed visiting professorship in Lifestyle Medicine. It will bolster our efforts in teaching, research, and outreach, and help us prepare future healthcare professionals who understand the vital importance of healthy living.”

Together, the endowed professorship and the university’s broader health sciences initiatives reflect a shared commitment to education, health, and community wellbeing, reaffirming the University of Cyberjaya’s role in nurturing healthcare professionals and promoting healthier lives.