Kuala Lumpur: The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) today launched the biography of its Senior Fellow, the late Academician Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khalid Yusoff, entitled ‘Khalid Yusoff, The Kampung Boy from Machang: A Biography’. ASM president Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, who is also the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Advisor to the Prime Minister and the government, highlighted that the biography marks the ninth installment of a special ASM project initiated in 2010 to document the lives of distinguished scientists contributing to national advancement.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Dr Khalid Yusoff was an esteemed professor and cardiologist, noted for his significant contributions to the nation, including the establishment of several medical faculties. Although Dr Khalid was unable to witness the culmination of these efforts, his family attended the launch ceremony. The biography project began three to four years ago during Dr Khalid’s lifetime, requiring time to gather the necessary materials, pictures, and stories, leading to its completion last year.
Present at the launch were Dr Khalid’s wife, Academician Prof Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Yusoff, and his children, Muhammad Zulqarnain and Nur Azzah. Tengku Mohd Azzman emphasized that publishing biographies of impactful scientists has become one of ASM’s most valuable projects, aiming to inspire readers and highlight the local ‘heroes’ in science.
Born on January 30, 1955, Dr Khalid became a fellow of the academy in the medical and health sciences discipline in 2005 and passed away on April 5, 2021. He served as the president and vice-chancellor of UCSI University and was honoured with the highest accolade from ASM as a senior fellow in 2019.
Dr Khalid’s notable contributions include establishing the Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR) and leading Malaysia’s largest cohort study on cardiovascular disease, the REDISCOVER study, involving 13,500 participants. His global impact on clinical trials redefined treatments for various cardiovascular conditions. As a cancer patient, Dr Khalid spearheaded the War-on-Cancer Malaysia Initiative, using his experience to address patient suffering and systemic challenges in cancer treatment.
The 232-page biography, written by Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim and edited by Dr Khalid’s wife and Majidah Hashim, was published by ASM to honor Dr Khalid’s legacy and contributions to science and medicine.