'{{short description|Malaysian civil servant and endocrine surgeon}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}} {{family name hatnote|[[Yu (Chinese surname)|Yew]]|lang=Chinese}} {{Malay name|Noor Hisham|Abdullah}} {{infobox officeholder | name = Noor Hisham Abdullah | honorific-prefix = [[Malay styles and titles#Honorary styles|Yang Berbahagia]] [[Malay styles and titles#Federal titles|Tan Sri]] [[Malay styles and titles#State titles|Dato' Seri]] [[Doctor (title)|Dr.]] [[Hajj|Haji]] | image = Noor Hisham Abdullah in 2018.jpg | caption = | honorific-suffix = [[Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia#Commander|PSM]] [[Order of Meritorious Service#Commander|PJN]] [[Order of the Crown of Selangor#Knight Grand Commander|SPMS]] [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Perlis|SPMP]] [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Pahang|SSAP]] [[List of post-nominal letters (Negeri Sembilan)|SSNS]] [[List of post-nominal letters (Penang)|DMPN]] [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Perlis|DPMP]] [[Order of the Defender of the Realm#Officer|KMN]] | native_name = {{lang|ms|{{Script|Arab|نورهشام بن عبدﷲ}}}} | office = [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Director-General of Health]] | term_start = 1 March 2013 | term_end = 21 April 2023 | monarch = [[Abdul Halim of Kedah|Abdul Halim]] <br /> {{small|(2013–2016)}} <br /> [[Muhammad V of Kelantan|Muhammad V]] <br /> {{small|(2016–2019)}} <br /> [[Abdullah of Pahang|Abdullah]] <br /> {{small|(2019–2023)}} | minister = [[Liow Tiong Lai]] <br /> {{small|(2013)}} <br /> [[Subramaniam Sathasivam]] <br /> {{small|(2013–2018)}} <br /> [[Dzulkefly Ahmad]] <br /> {{small|(2018–2020)}} <br /> [[Adham Baba (politician)|Adham Baba]] <br /> {{small|(2020–2021)}} <br /> [[Khairy Jamaluddin]] <br /> {{small|(2021–2022)}} <br> [[Zaliha Mustafa]] <br /> {{small|(2022–2023)}} | primeminister = [[Najib Razak]] <br /> {{small|(2013–2018)}} <br /> [[Mahathir Mohamad]] <br /> {{small|(2018–2020)}} <br /> [[Muhyiddin Yassin]] <br /> {{small|(2020–2021)}} <br /> [[Ismail Sabri Yaakob]] <br /> {{small|(2021–2022)}} <br> [[Anwar Ibrahim]] <br> {{small|(2022–2023)}} | predecessor = Hasan Abdul Rahman | successor = [[Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan]] | office2 = [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical)]] | term_start2 = 1 February 2008 | term_end2 = 1 March 2013 | monarch2 = [[Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu|Mizan Zainal Abidin]] <br /> {{small|(2008–2011)}} <br /> Abdul Halim <br /> {{small|(2011–2013)}} | minister2 = [[Ong Ka Ting]] <br /> {{small|(Acting) (2008)}} <br /> Liow Tiong Lai <br /> {{small|(2008–2013)}} | primeminister2 = [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]] <br /> {{small|(2008–2009)}} <br /> Najib Razak <br /> {{small|(2009–2013)}} | 1blankname2 = Director-General | 1namedata2 = Hasan Abdul Rahman | predecessor2 = | successor2 = | birth_name = Yew Ming Seong | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1963|4|21}} | birth_place = [[Sepang, Selangor|Sepang]], [[Selangor]], [[Federation of Malaya]] (now [[Malaysia]]) | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | death_place = | spouse = Nik Suwaida Nik Mohammad Mohyideen | children = 6 | profession = [[endocrine surgery|Endocrine surgeon]] | known_for = One of the most prominent leaders in the fight against the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia]] | occupation = | citizenship = [[Malaysian people|Malaysian]] | education = [[Methodist Boys' School, Kuala Lumpur|Methodist Boys' School]]<br />[[Sultan Alam Shah Islamic College|Kolej Islam Klang]]<br />[[Sultan Alam Shah School|Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah]] | alma_mater = [[National University of Malaysia]] ([[Doctor of Medicine#Malaysia|MD]], [[Master of Surgery|MCh]]) | footnotes = }} '''Noor Hisham bin Abdullah''' (born '''Yew Ming Seong'''; 21 April 1963) was a [[Malaysian people|Malaysian]] [[civil servant]] and world renowned breasts and [[endocrine surgery|endocrine surgeon]]. He served as the [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Director-General of Health]] and President of Malaysia Medical Council (MMC)<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2013 |title=President: Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Noor Hisham bin Abdullah: MMC: Council Members |url=https://mmc.gov.my/council-members/ |access-date=21 April 2021 |website=Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)}}</ref> from March 2013 to his retirement in April 2023. Prior to the appointment as the Director-General, he served as the [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Deputy Director General of Health (Medical)]] from February 2008 to March 2013.<ref name=moh>{{cite web|url=http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/43|language=ms|title=Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan|trans-title=Health Director-General|website=[[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)]]|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406121433/http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/43|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> Noor Hisham is also the current Chairman of the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (SCHEPPR),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/24/dr-noor-hisham-heads-new-who-committee-on-pandemic-response|title=Dr Noor Hisham heads new WHO committee on pandemic response|website=The Star|date=24 December 2022|accessdate=29 December 2022}}</ref> as well as member of the Board of Directors of the Drug for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dndi.org/our-people/our-governance/|title= DNDi - Our Governance - Board of Directors: Noor Hisham Abdullah - Director General of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia|date=11 November 2013 |website=www.dndi.org|language=en-GB|access-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115710/https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> Noor Hisham Abdullah was a leading figure in Malaysia's response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia|COVID-19 pandemic]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-01-26|title=How mismanagement has fuelled Malaysia's coronavirus surge|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3119197/how-political-mismanagement-has-fuelled-malaysias-coronavirus|access-date=2021-01-27|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref> as well as the key figure in the effort to eliminate Hepatitis C in Malaysia. == Early life and education== Born as Yew Ming Seong (姚明祥) on 21 April 1963 in [[Sepang, Selangor]] to a poor [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] family of [[Fuzhou people]] descent,<ref name="Life">{{cite web|url=https://myc.com.my/articles/view/2074|title=Did You Know about the Life of: Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.|website=Malaysian Youth Community (MYC)|date=21 April 2020|access-date=29 April 2020|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805060552/https://myc.com.my/articles/view/2074|url-status=dead}}</ref> he spent his childhood in a ''[[Village|kampung]]'' at [[Sungai Pelek]].<ref name= "sungai pelek">{{cite web|url=https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2243551.html|title=生于雪邦华裔家庭 · 诺希山从小立志当医生 |trans-title=Born in a Chinese family, Noor Hisham wishes to become a doctor since early childhood|website=[[Sin Chew Daily]]|date=29 March 2020|access-date=21 April 2020|language=zh}}</ref> He was raised by his [[single parent|single mother]] after his parents separated since birth and had lived in the off Jalan Loke Yew's San Peng Flats, [[Pudu, Kuala Lumpur]].<ref name=MBSSKL>{{cite web|url=http://mbsskl.edu.my/ouroldboys/2019/04/23/datuk-dr-noor-hisham-bin-abdullah/|title=Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Bin Abdullah - Our Boy Is Now A Globally Recognised Breast Endocrine Surgeon!|author=Gan Swit Peng|work=Catching Up With Our Old Boys|publisher=Methodist Boys' Secondary School Kuala Lumpur|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427061932/http://mbsskl.edu.my/ouroldboys/2019/04/23/datuk-dr-noor-hisham-bin-abdullah/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://malaysiagazette.com/en/2020/04/21/humble-man-noor-hisham/|title=A humble man, that's Noor Hisham|publisher=Malaysia Gazette|date=21 April 2020|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613060511/https://malaysiagazette.com/en/2020/04/21/humble-man-noor-hisham/|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a young school boy, he would walk with his younger sibling to the [[Methodist Boys' School, Kuala Lumpur|Methodist Boys' School]] (MBS) in Jalan Davidson where he acquired his early education.<ref name="conversation">{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2020/08/613338/reluctant-hero-candid-conversation-health-director-general|title=The reluctant hero: A candid conversation with Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah|author=Elena Koshy |publisher=New Straits Times|date=2 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> Forced by his family's poor condition, Yew was then adopted by an ''[[Ustaz]]'' who was the principal of the [[Sultan Alam Shah Islamic College|Kolej Islam Klang]] (KIK) where he continued his upper secondary studies before continuing his pre-university education at [[Sultan Alam Shah School|Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah]] (SAS), [[Cheras]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/77386/PROFIL-DI-SEBALIK-BERITA/Manusia-paling-popular-di-Malaysia|title=Manusia paling popular di Malaysia|trans-title=The most popular man in Malaysia|first=Nurul Riduan|last=Nor Ashaha|website=[[Sinar Harian]]|date=5 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020|language=ms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115748/https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/77386/PROFIL-DI-SEBALIK-BERITA/Manusia-paling-popular-di-Malaysia|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> Later he married his adoptive father's biological daughter; at about that time, he changed his name to Noor Hisham Abdullah.<ref name="Life"/> Yew also had obtained a medical doctorate degree in 1988 and a Master in Surgery in 1994, both from [[National University of Malaysia]] (UKM).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/|title=Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah – DNDi|date=11 November 2013 |website=www.dndi.org|language=en-GB|access-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115710/https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> He went on to specialise in endocrine surgery and did his training in various universities in Adelaide and Sydney, Australia.<ref name=MBSSKL/><ref name="Hero">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/18/dr-noor-hisham---the-man-of-the-hour|title=Dr Noor Hisham – the man of the hour|work=The Star|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> == Medical career == === Medical practice (1988–2023) === Dr. Noor Hisham started his medical career as a [[Internship (medicine)#Malaysia|houseman]] at the [[University Malaya Medical Centre#The University Hospital, a brief introduction|Kuala Lumpur University Hospital]] in 1988, and later in the Accident and Emergency Department in 1989. Upon receiving his Master of Surgery, he became a general surgeon in Hospital Terengganu in 1994. After three years as a general surgeon, Dr. Noor Hisham received an [[endocrinology]] fellowship training at various institutes in Australia. After completing his fellowship training, Dr. Noor Hisham was appointed as the Head of the [[Breast]] and [[Endocrine system|Endocrine]] Surgery Unit at the [[Kuala Lumpur Hospital]] in 1999. Three years later, in 2002, he took on the role of Head and Senior Consultant of Breast and Endocrine Surgery at [[Putrajaya Hospital]], a position that he currently holds. Noor Hisham has received the Excellent Service Award (2000), [[Kuala Lumpur Hospital]] (HKL) and Excellent Service Award (2004), Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department (JKWPKL) for the recognition of his service in a medical career.<ref name=moh/><ref>{{cite news |title=5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About National Hero Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah |url=https://says.com/my/news/here-are-things-you-didn-t-know-about-malaysia-s-hero-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah|author=Arisha Rozaidee|publisher=[[Says Sdn Bhd|Says.com]] |date=|access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> === Director-General of Health (2013–2023) === Noor Hisham served as the [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical)]] for five years from February 2008 before being promoted as the Director-General of Health in March 2013.<ref>{{cite news|date=5 April 2020|title=Who is Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the man now lauded as a "national hero"|website=Cilisos.my|url=https://cilisos.my/who-is-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah-the-man-now-lauded-as-a-national-hero/|access-date=6 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406121139/https://cilisos.my/who-is-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah-the-man-now-lauded-as-a-national-hero/|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> ==== Role during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia==== Dr. Noor Hisham is the director-general in charge during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia]]. Following the [[2020 Malaysian political crisis]], Noor Hisham took over from press briefings after the new Health Minister [[Adham Baba]] was widely criticized when he falsely claimed that drinking warm water can protect from COVID-19.<ref name=":0" /> Noor Hisham's briefings were praised for their calm and clarity during the crisis.<ref name="conversation"/> In April 2020, he was picked to join an international coalition dedicated to clinical research involving [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/health-dg-dr-noor-hisham-joins-global-scientists-to-fight-covid-19-YI2208166|title=Health DG DR Noor Hisham joins global scientists to fight Covid-19|publisher=[[Bernama]]|via=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]|date=3 April 2020|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/noor-hisham-terpilih-sertai-saintis-dunia-lakukan-kajian-perangi-covid-19-236642?amp=1 |title=Noor Hisham terpilih sertai saintis dunia lakukan kajian perangi COVID-19|trans-title=Noor Hisham chosen to join scientists on researches to combat COVID-19|website=[[Astro Awani]]|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020|language=ms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115856/http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/noor-hisham-terpilih-sertai-saintis-dunia-lakukan-kajian-perangi-covid-19-236642?amp=1|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> The [[CGTN (TV channel)|China Global TV Network]] (CGTN), had recognised Dr. Noor Hisham as among the “top doctors” of the world alongside America's Dr. [[Anthony Fauci]] and New Zealand's Dr. [[Ashley Bloomfield]] for the handling of COVID-19 pandemic approach.<ref name="Hero" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/15/china039s-cgtn-names-dr-noor-hisham-one-of-world039s-top-doctors|title=China's CGTN names Dr Noor Hisham one of world's top doctors|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|date=15 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513045735/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/15/china039s-cgtn-names-dr-noor-hisham-one-of-world039s-top-doctors|archive-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> He also was named again among the COVID-19 heroic trio by Singaporean news outlet, ''The Independent''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theindependent.sg/drs-noor-hisham-bloomfield-and-fauci-covids-heroic-trio/|title=Drs Noor Hisham, Bloomfield and Fauci, COVID's heroic trio|author=Tan Bah Bah|work=The Independent|date=25 October 2020|access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> ==== Role in Eliminating Hepatitis C in Malaysia ==== Dr Noor Hisham was instrumental in the role of Hepatitis C treatment in Malaysia as he successfully brought down the cost of treatment in Malaysian public hospitals. <ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.msfaccess.org/malaysias-compulsory-license-sofosbuvir-positive-step-public-health-and-innovation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-09 |title=Malaysia in the Middle: Tackling Hep C in an Unfair World |url=https://themedicinemaker.com/discovery-development/malaysia-in-the-middle-tackling-hep-c-in-an-unfair-world |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=The Medicine Maker |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia had initiated negotiation with Gilead Sciences Inc for the voluntary license of a miracle drug for Hepatitis C, [[Sofosbuvir]]. Malaysia being a developing country, often caught into middle-income nation trap where the certain drugs are patented and exorbitant price despite the availibility of generic drugs. Despite efforts, negotiation broke down and forced Malaysia to ==== Recognition and accolades ==== On 4 July 2020, Noor Hisham was awarded the '2019 Most Notable Alumni' by his alma mater [[Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia|UKM]]'s Medical Faculty.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dr Noor Hisham awarded UKM Medical Faculty 2019 Most Notable Alumni |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-ukm-medical-faculty-2019-most-notable-alumni-LY2670805#pk_campaign=MASwpn&pk_kwd=Dr+Noor+Hisham+awarded+UKM+Medical+Faculty+2019+Most+Notable+Alumni |access-date=4 July 2020 |work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun Daily]] |date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704035339/https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-ukm-medical-faculty-2019-most-notable-alumni-LY2670805 |archive-date=4 July 2020}}</ref> On 17 July, he received the BrandLaureate Award 2020 for Outstanding Brand Leadership along with the 'Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation' for [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Ministry of Health]] by the World Brand Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/609459/dr-noor-hisham-receives-outstanding-brand-leadership-award|title=Dr Noor Hisham receives Outstanding Brand Leadership Award|author=Hana Naz Harun|publisher=New Straits Times|date=17 July 2020|access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/07/711942/dr-noor-hisham-kkm-terima-anugerah-brandlaureate|title=Dr Noor Hisham, KKM terima Anugerah BrandLaureate |trans-title=Dr Noor Hisham, KKM received the BrandLaureate Award|author=Noor Atiqah Sulaiman|language=ms|publisher=Berita Harian|date=17 July 2020|access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> On 19 August, he was named as the recipient of the national level [[Islamic New Year|Maal Hijrah]] Figure Award 2020[[Gregorian calendar|AD]]/1442[[Islamic calendar|AH]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/08/19/dr-noor-hisham-named-national-2020-maal-hijrah-figure/1895411|title=Dr Noor Hisham named national 2020 Maal Hijrah figure|publisher=[[Malay Mail]]|date=19 August 2020|access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> Noor Hisham received the [[Rotary Club]]'s [[Paul Harris Fellowship]], the highest honour given by them to individuals who have contributed to good causes, from the club Kuala Lumpur chapter on 13 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/13/health-dg-made-rotary-clubs-paul-harris-fellow/1902727|title=Health DG made Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellow|publisher=[[Malay Mail]]|date=13 September 2020|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref> On 18 December, [[women's magazine]] [[Nona (magazine)|Nona]] honoured him with a special Nona Frontliner Award during the Nona Superwoman Award 2020 presentation.<ref name="nona"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/malam-gala-nona-superwoman-2020-raikan-kejayaan-wanita-pencetus-inspirasi/|title=NONA SUPERWOMAN 2020 Raikan Kejayaan Wanita Pencetus Inspirasi|date=21 December 2020|website=[[Nona (magazine)|Nona]]|author=Rosmah Idayu|language=ms|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> On 20 December, he was presented a special award during the ''[[:ms:Anugerah MeleTOP Era 2020|Anugerah MeleTOP Era 2020]]'' (AME 2020) jointly hosted by [[Astro Malaysia Holdings|Astro]]'s both [[MeleTOP]] television entertainment programme and [[Era (radio station)|ERA]] radio station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dr-noor-hisham-terima-anugerah-khas-ame-2020-274046|title=Dr Noor Hisham terima anugerah khas AME 2020|trans-title=Dr Noor Hisham receive special award AME 2020|website=[[Astro Awani]]|date=20 December 2020|language=ms|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/video-hiburan/tan-sri-noor-hisham-terima-anugerah-khas-ame-2020-1882460|title=Tan Sri Noor Hisham terima Anugerah Khas AME 2020|trans-title=Tan Sri Noor Hisham receive Special Award AME 2020|website=[[Astro Awani]]|date=21 December 2020 |language=ms|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> On 18 March 2021, a year since the first COVID-19 pandemic [[2020 Malaysia movement control order|Movement Control Order]] (MCO) imposed, in which he spearheaded the fight against, Noor Hisham received the Ibn Khaldun Merit Award by [[International Islamic University Malaysia]] (IIUM) from its chancellor [[Raja Permaisuri Agong]] [[Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/03/18/dr-noor-hisham-receives-ibn-khaldun-merit-award-on-behalf-of-frontliners|title=Dr Noor Hisham receives 'Ibn Khaldun Merit Award' on behalf of frontliners |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star Online]]|date=18 March 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iium.edu.my/news/iium-will-present-ibn-khaldun-merit-award-to-front-liners|title=IIUM will present Ibn Khaldun Merit Award to front liners|publisher=[[International Islamic University Malaysia]]|author=Danial Yusof|date=24 October 2020 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> Noor Hisham received the International Surgical Fellowship Award from the [[International Society of Surgery]] (ISS) during the 'Virtual Surgical Week' (VSW 2021) held from 30 August to 3 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/02/dr-noor-hisham-receives-international-surgical-fellowship-award|title=Dr Noor Hisham receives international surgical fellowship award |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star Online]]|date=2 September 2021|access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> On 15 December, the Nona magazine presented Noor Hisham again, who had received 2020 Nona Superwoman Award a year earlier, for the main 2021 [[Nona (magazine)#Nona Superhero Award|Nona Superhero Award]] this time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/video/nona-superhero-award-tan-sri-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah|title=Nona Superhero Award Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham|website=[[Nona (magazine)|Nona]]|language=ms|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nona.my/nona-superhero-award|title=Nona Superhero Award - Teaser Superhero: List Superhero Award: 2021|website=[[Nona (magazine)|Nona]]|date=15 December 2021|language=ms|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> On 18 December, Noor Hisham awarded 2021 Leadership Award by the Malaysia Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA) to recognises and honours his dedication in giving interviews to keep the public updated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/12/18/health-dg-dr-noor-hisham-awarded-prca-malaysia-leadership-award/|title=Health DG Dr Noor Hisham awarded PRCA Malaysia Leadership Award|website=[[The Borneo Post]]|date=18 December 2021|access-date=16 January 2022}}</ref> ==== In popular culture ==== In October 2020, Noor Hisham appeared as an animated character along with characters from ''[[BoBoiBoy]]'' franchise in a one-minute [[public service announcement]] to remind Malaysians to take steps to prevent COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/10/23/watch-dr-noor-hisham-as-an-animated-character-in-a-one-minute-psa-video|title=WATCH: Dr Noor Hisham as an animated character in a one minute PSA video|author=Mumtaj Begum|work=[[The Star Online]]|date=23 October 2020 |access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2020/10/634580/showbiz-boboiboy-fighting-covid-19-dr-noor-hisham|title=#Showbiz: Boboiboy fighting Covid-19 with Dr Noor Hisham|author=Aref Omar|publisher=New Straits Times|date=23 October 2020|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> ==== Retirement ==== On 10 April 2023, it was reported that Noor Hisham was set to retire from his career after 35 years and serving as Director-General of Health for slightly more than a decade on 21 April 2023 as he would reach 60 and the mandatory retirement age for civil servants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/10/well-earned-rest-for-health-chief|title=Well-earned rest for health chief|website=The Star|date=10 April 2023|accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref> On 19 April 2023, Noor Hisham clocked out for the last time and had his last day at the [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Ministry of Health]]. He shared that his post-retirement plan was to take a rest after long work.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/19/health-dg-noor-hisham-retires|title=Health DG Noor Hisham retires|website=The Star|date=19 April 2023|accessdate=19 April 2023}}</ref> Currently, Noor Hisham Abdullah serves as the Chairman of National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara), Chairman of UCSI Healthcare Group and Chancellor of Cyberjaya University<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=Chancellor {{!}} University of Cyberjaya |url=https://cyberjaya.edu.my/university/leadership/chancellors |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=cyberjaya.edu.my |language=en-GB}}</ref>. ==Controversies and issues== === Controversial political tweets and posts === In 2018, Noor Hisham was criticised for his politically inclined [[Twitter#Tweets|retweets]]. These tweets were viewed as pro-[[Barisan Nasional]], who were the then-ruling coalition during the [[2018 Malaysian general election|2018 general election]] (GE14) campaign. One of his retweets was a message by former [[Prime Minister of Malaysia|Prime Minister]] [[Najib Razak]]'s, containing a photo announcing the ceremony of the [[Hospital Kajang]] women and children's complex with a verse of his{{Who|date=December 2022}} hopes for [[Barisan Nasional|BN]]'s return to the state power of [[Selangor]]. Prior to that, Noor Hisham had also retweeted another message from Najib that showed a picture of Najib on a visit to the [[Kuala Lumpur Hospital]], sending that [[Barisan Nasional|BN]] would implement more for mothers and children if it continues to be given the mandate.<ref name="FMT">{{cite news|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/04/20/health-chief-under-fire-for-disgraceful-pro-bn-retweets/|title=Health chief under fire for 'disgraceful' pro-BN retweets|author=Michael Murty|access-date=7 May 2020 |date=20 April 2018|website=[[Free Malaysia Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507050322/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/04/20/health-chief-under-fire-for-disgraceful-pro-bn-retweets/|archive-date=7 May 2020}}</ref> [[Noor Farida Ariffin]], a spokesperson for G25<!-- Potentially turn into a red link? I'm unsure how to do so --> (a group of eminent ex-civil servants of Malaysia), stated that Noor Hisham was abusing his position as public servants were not supposed to campaign for any political party. A founding member of G25 and former Treasury secretary-general, [[Mohd Sheriff Kassim]] said that the Ministry of Health should lodge a complaint against Noor Hisham to the [[Election Commission of Malaysia|Election Commission]] (EC).<ref name="FMT" /> The electoral reform group, [[Bersih 2.0 rally|Bersih 2.0]], also gave criticism to Noor Hisham by stating that he was in breach of public service regulations. He was named in Bersih's 'Hall Of Shame' alongside Najib. Bersih has stated that they were appalled that the Ministry of Health allowed its [[Facebook]] page to promote BN's manifesto during the GE14 campaign.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/420814|title=Najib named in Bersih's 'Hall of Shame'|access-date=7 May 2020|date=20 April 2018|website=[[Malaysiakini]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507050730/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/420814|archive-date=7 May 2020}}</ref> === SOP breach allegation === On 21 March 2021, photos of Noor Hisham were circulated online showing him going against the [[standard operating procedure]] (SOP) of the ongoing conditional MCO. The photos display Noor Hisham and other family members standing closely without any face masks for a photo-op during a wedding reception of his daughter, Khairin Afiqah. As a result, Noor Hisham has been criticised online for not setting a good example to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hype.my/2021/220942/did-dr-noor-hisham-flout-sops-during-daughters-recent-wedding/|title=Did Dr. Noor Hisham Flout SOPs During Daughter's Recent Wedding?|publisher=Hype|author=Syahrul|date=22 March 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/berita/dr-noor-hisham-nafi-langgar-sop-rai-majlis-kahwin-anak/ar-BB1eP8oE|title=Dr Noor Hisham Nafi langgar SOP rai majlis kahwin anak|author=Jamilah Kamarudin|publisher=[[MSN|MSN News]]|language=ms|date=22 March 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> === Ineffective Health DG claims === In July 2021, the former health DG [[Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Ismail Merican]] rebuked Noor Hisham as a "toothless tiger" for not being effective in leading the nation's COVID-19 pandemic management by failing to be firm with decisions, as well as being pressured by politicians.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/35055/ex-health-dg-slams-toothless-tiger-noor-hisham-for-not-putting-foot-down-in-govts-virus-handling |title=Ex-health DG slams 'toothless tiger' Noor Hisham for not putting a foot down in govt's virus handling |date=2 December 2013|publisher=The Vibes|accessdate=26 January 2022}}</ref> Dr Mohamed Ismail, who was the former position holder in charge of the [[2002–2004 SARS outbreak|2003 SARS outbreak]], opined that if politicians tried to interfere, they would be told to stay calm and stop meddling.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/327913 |title=Noor Hisham 'a toothless tiger', says former health D-G|author=Raevathi Supramaniam |date=17 July 2021|publisher=The Malaysian Insight|accessdate=26 January 2022}}</ref> == Personal life == Noor Hisham is married to Nik Suwaida Nik Mohyideen and has six children; four sons and two daughters. He also has a son from a previous marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldofbuzz.com/here-are-7-things-you-should-know-about-our-health-dg-dr-noor-hisham/|title=Here Are 7 Things You Should Know About Our Health DG, Dr Noor Hisham|date=21 April 2020|website=WORLD OF BUZZ|access-date=16 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="nona">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/isteri-saya-adalah-orang-terpenting-di-rumah-tan-sri-dato-seri-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah/|title='Isteri Saya Adalah Orang Terpenting Di Rumah' Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah|date=17 July 2021|website=[[Nona (magazine)|Nona]]|author=Norzalina|language=ms|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> Noor Hisham having a lanky physique is an avid sportsman since his younger days.<ref name=MBSSKL/> He was a school athlete, played football during university days and enjoys scuba diving including underwater photography.<ref name="conversation"/> His hidden singing talent was revealed after an old video clip of him rendering the [[The Bund (TV series)#Theme song|Shanghai Beach]] or ''Seung Hoi Tan'' (上海灘), a famous 1980s [[Cantopop]] song, resurfaced on social media.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2020/10/05/four-year-old-clip-showing-dr-noor-hisham-belting-out-chinese-classic-shang/1909670 |title=Four-year-old clip showing Dr Noor Hisham singing 'Shanghai Beach' resurfaces, wins praise from social media users (VIDEO)|publisher=[[Malay Mail]]|date=5 October 2020|access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/10/06/dr-noor-hisham-croons-cantonese-song-shanghai-bund-wins-hearts-all-over/|title=Dr Noor Hisham Croons Cantonese Song "Shanghai Bund", Wins Hearts All Over|publisher=The Rakyat Post|date=6 October 2020 |access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> He is also known as a multilingual, being able to communicate fluently in English, [[Malay language|Malay]], several [[Chinese language|Chinese]] regional languages, including his native [[Foochow colloquial|Foochow]] colloquial, and even a little [[Tamil language|Tamil]].<ref name="Life"/><ref name="conversation"/> == Honours == ===Honours of Malaysia=== * {{Flag|Malaysia}} : **[[File:Kesatria Mangku Negara.png|50px]] Officer of the [[Order of the Defender of the Realm]] (KMN) (2004) **[[File:MY Darjah Jasa Negara - Order of Meritorious Service - PJN.svg|50px]] Commander of the [[Order of Meritorious Service]] (PJN) – '''Datuk''' (2007)<ref>{{cite news |date=2 June 2007 |title=Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's birthday honours list |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/06/02/yang-dipertuan-agongs-birthday-honours-list |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115944/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/06/02/yang-dipertuan-agongs-birthday-honours-list |archive-date=6 April 2020 |access-date=2 April 2020 |website=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref> **[[File:Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia - PSM.svg|50px]] Commander of the [[Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia]] (PSM) – '''Tan Sri''' (2020)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-17 |title=Noor Hisham made Tan Sri in birthday honours |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/17/noor-hisham-made-tan-sri-in-birthday-honours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821170149/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/17/noor-hisham-made-tan-sri-in-birthday-honours/ |archive-date=21 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |work=[[Bernama]] |publisher=[[Free Malaysia Today]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 August 2020 |title=Dr Noor Hisham terima gelaran Tan Sri |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/08/722042/dr-noor-hisham-terima-gelaran-tan-sri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817142007/https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/08/722042/dr-noor-hisham-terima-gelaran-tan-sri |archive-date=17 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |website=[[Berita Harian]] |language=ms}}</ref> * {{Flag|Perlis}} : ** [[File:MY-PERL Order of the Crown of Perlis - Knight Commander - DPMP.svg|50px]] Knight Companion of [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Perlis|Order of the Crown of Perlis]] (DPMP) – '''Dato'''' (2010)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Sultan+of+Johor+heads+Perlis%27+honours+list.pdf|title=Sultan of Johor heads Perlis' honours list|date=17 May 2010|newspaper=Borneo Post|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406121012/https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Sultan+of+Johor+heads+Perlis%27+honours+list.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> ** [[File:MY-PERL Order of the Crown of Perlis - Knight Grand Commander - SPMP.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Commander of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Perlis|Order of the Crown of Perlis]] (SPMP) – '''Dato' Seri''' (2013)<ref>{{cite news|date=17 May 2013|title=Juanda antara 207 penerima pingat Perlis|language=ms|newspaper=[[Malaysiakini]]|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230393|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120833/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230393|archive-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> * {{Flag|Pahang}} : ** [[File:MY-PAH Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang - Grand Knight - SSAP.svg|50px]] Grand Knight of the [[Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang]] (SSAP) – '''Dato' Sri''' (2013)<ref>{{cite news|date=5 April 2014|title=199 Individu Terima Darjah Kebesaran Pahang|language=ms|work=[[Bernama]]|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2014/04/05/199-terima-darjah-kebesaran-sultan-pahang|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120615/https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2014/04/05/199-terima-darjah-kebesaran-sultan-pahang|archive-date=6 April 2020|via=mStar}}</ref> * {{Flag|Penang}} : ** [[File:MY-PEN Order of the Defender of State - Companion - DMPN.svg|50px]] Companion of the [[List of post-nominal letters (Penang)|Order of the Defender of State]] (DMPN) – '''Dato'''' (2013)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2013/08/26/pandikar-amin-dahului-senarai-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-tyt-pulau-pinang|title=Pandikar Amin Dahului Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran TYT Pulau Pinang|date=26 August 2013|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120120/https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2013/08/26/pandikar-amin-dahului-senarai-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-tyt-pulau-pinang|archive-date=6 April 2020|work=[[Bernama]]|via=mStar|language=ms}}</ref> * {{Flag|Selangor}} : ** [[File:MY-SEL Order of the Crown of Selangor - Knight Grand Commander - SPMS.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Commander of the [[Order of the Crown of Selangor#Knight Grand Commander|Order of the Crown of Selangor]] (SPMS) – '''Dato' Seri''' (2020)<ref>{{cite web|date=11 December 2020|access-date=11 December 2020|website=[[Bernama]]|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=1911020|title=King heads Selangor Sultan's 75th birthday honours list}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=11 December 2020|language=ms|website=[[Berita Harian]]|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/12/763830/agong-terima-darjah-kerabat-selangor|date=11 December 2020|title=Agong terima Darjah Kerabat Selangor}}</ref> * {{Flag|Negeri Sembilan}} : ** [[File:Darjah Seri Setia Negeri Sembilan.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Companion of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Negeri Sembilan|Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan]] (SSNS) – '''Dato' Seri''' (2021)<ref>{{cite web|date=14 January 2021|title=Top officials head honours list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/14/top-officials-head-honours-list|access-date=14 January 2021|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=14 January 2021|access-date=14 January 2021|work=[[Bernama]]|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=1921750|title=272 receive Negeri Sembilan state honours}}</ref> === '''Foreign honours''' === * '''{{Flag country|Brazil}}''': ** [[File:BRA Ordem de Rio Branco Grande Oficial BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Officer of the [[Order of Rio Branco]] (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Health DG honoured by Brazil for tireless work during pandemic |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/09/25/former-health-dg-honoured-by-brazil-for-tireless-work-during-pandemic |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The Star |language=en}}</ref> ===Honorary degrees=== * {{Flag|Malaysia}} : ** Honorary [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] degree in Leadership in Public Health from [[Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia]] (2021)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-honorary-doctorate-in-leadership-in-public-health-by-ukm-DI7486342|title=Dr Noor Hisham awarded honorary doctorate in leadership in public health by UKM|publisher=[[Bernama]]|via=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]]|date=4 April 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * [http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/43 Profile at Malaysian Health Ministry] * [https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/ Biography] * [https://www.facebook.com/DGHisham/ Noor Hisham Abdullah] at [[Facebook]] * [https://twitter.com/DGHisham?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Noor Hisham Abdullah] at [[Twitter]] {{COVID-19 pandemic}} {{COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia}} {{portal bar|Malaysia|Biography|Medicine|COVID-19|Politics}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1963 births]] [[Category:People from Selangor]] [[Category:Malaysian people of Chinese descent]] [[Category:Malaysian Muslims]] [[Category:Converts to Islam from Buddhism]] [[Category:Malaysian surgeons]] [[Category:Malaysian civil servants]] [[Category:National University of Malaysia alumni]] [[Category:Commanders of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia]] [[Category:Commanders of the Order of Meritorious Service]] [[Category:Officers of the Order of the Defender of the Realm]] [[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor]] [[Category:20th-century surgeons]] [[Category:21st-century surgeons]]'