At age 70, Toh Hong Keng graduated from medical school, achieving what many might consider highly unlikely at his advanced age.
This retired Malaysian executive received his medical degree from Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines, in July 2024, making him one of the world’s oldest medical graduates.
His path was far from typical. Following a tech sales career and earning several degrees, Toh did not settle into a typical retirement.
He pursued a rigorous five-year medical education, driven to stay engaged and challenge himself.
“Toh conceded, “I had never aspired to be a doctor.” This ambition emerged during a 2018 trip to Kyrgyzstan after meeting two medical students.
Inspired by their zeal, he sought admission at numerous Asian universities.
His age initially posed challenges, with many institutions setting age limits of 35 to 40 years.
Nevertheless, he gained entry to Southwestern University PHINMA, which imposes no age limit.
Despite physical challenges associated with ageing, Toh persevered.
“Between ages 65 and 70, my memory, vision, hearing, and stamina were diminished,” he remarked.
His academic journey involved extensive study sessions, anatomy flashcards, and demanding hospital shifts of up to 30 hours.
He repeated a paediatrics course in his third year after failing it initially, yet his determination remained unshaken.
Support from his family and younger classmates bolstered his resolve.
Toh often questioned his decision but was consistently reminded by classmates that quitting would be regrettable.
This conviction helped him endure the rigours of his studies.
Toh’s accomplishment is a poignant reminder that pursuing dreams knows no age limit.
