Prof Vincent J. Gnanapragasam has become the first Malaysian to be hired as a urology educator in its long 812 years of history.

Prof Vincent who was once a primary school student at SK La Salle in Petaling Jaya, specialises in prostate cancer, researching the disease, and managing it in patients.

After being promoted as Reader in 2020, the University has promoted him to Professor, hence the title he owns now is Professor of Urology.

The 52-year-old had also invented a device, CamProbe, that could take prostate biopsies for men with suspected prostate cancer more safely.

The revolutionary device promotes a lower infection risk to the patient.

“Skill, talent and innovation can come from anyone. Nobody should be deprived of opportunities to realise their full potential. It is only through challenge, competition and adversity that anything meaningful can ever be gained,” the proud professor said.

On social media, Malaysians were in high praise as Malaysia has its stamp in a prestigious university.

Khadijah Ahmad said, “I am proud of you Prof. As a Malaysian-born, you are worthy of the post at Cambridge University.”

She added that she is saddened by the racial slurs on social media about the achievement and insists it should be only celebrated.

The professor, talking about his success said, “Skill, talent and innovation can come from anyone. Nobody should be deprived of opportunities to realise their full potential. It is only through challenge, competition and adversity that anything meaningful can ever be gained.”

Celine Tan agreed with the professor that hard work by an individual will only bring success.

However, quotas and benefits for a specific race will hinder progress for everyone.

She also mentioned that the government should recognize the success of Malaysians and appreciate them before losing them overseas.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE