Throughout my participation in the Silent Mentor Program, I have learned so many invaluable lessons. Not just in terms of medical skills and knowledge, this program has also opened my eyes to the human, more spiritual part of medicine.
In terms of medical proficiency, this program has taught me a lot of new skills and has also helped improved the techniques of many of my already known skills. As someone who is interested in pursuing surgery, being able to improve in doing the basic skill of suturing, having professional doctors to guide me on how to properly do it on a real human body has greatly improved my skill and my confidence in performing it. Observing the doctors perform procedures such as laparotomy, chest tube insertion, inserting a CVL, and many more on our silent mentor has also greatly deepened my understanding of those procedures and has provided me with a one-of-a-kind exposure towards the inner workings of performing a surgical procedure. The doctors present also were very helpful and friendly which provided a safe that made learning more enjoyable and effective.
This program not only has widened my medical knowledge, it has also made me more understanding and deepened my appreciation of human life. Upon learning about our silent mentor’s life, I couldn't help but admire and be inspired by their bravery, kindness, selflessness and generosity. Learning about our mentors, especially the mentor my group was assigned to, the late Mr. Saw Cheng Yew, made me see past the perception that we are only here to cure diseases. They made me realize that behind every patient is a human being with families, histories, hopes and dreams that I feel I have taken for granted. Talking to the late Mr. Saw's family members, I better understood the value of life and of sacrifice. Learning about how he worked on the Penang bridge, or how he was always the first one to sit at the dinner table, or how generous he was with other, truly moved me and made me appreciate life more.
The Silent Mentor Program has been a very enlightening journey. It has taught me more than I could have anticipated and has had a profound impact on me as a person and on my medical journey. The lessons that I have learnt in this program, I will carry it with me forward in my future endeavors.
Abang Muhammad Danish Amani (UM_22001056)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Prior to joining the Silent Mentor Program, most of my knowledge of human anatomy was based primarily on textbook diagrams and plasticated models in the anatomy laboratory. Through this program, I was given the invaluable opportunity to study human anatomy directly from an actual human body, which was truly an eye-opening experience. It allowed me to appreciate the intricacies of the human body in a way that books and models alone could never fully convey.
However, the Silent Mentor Program taught us much more than anatomy. Beyond the scientific and technical knowledge, it emphasized the humanistic and emotional qualities that are essential in becoming a good doctor. Throughout the program, we were entrusted with the responsibility of caring for our Silent Mentor’s body as various procedures were performed day after day. This fostered a deep sense of respect, gratitude, and responsibility towards the individual who had selflessly donated their body for our learning.
The most profound moment came at the end of the program, when we paid our final respects and bid farewell alongside the mentor’s family members. It was a powerful reminder that behind every donor is a life lived, a family cherished, and a final act of generosity dedicated to the education of future healthcare professionals.
I believe that for many of us who participated, the Silent Mentor Program has provided far more than practical anatomical knowledge. It has filled our hearts with empathy, compassion, and humility, qualities that will continue to guide and inspire us as we strive to become caring and competent doctors in the future.
Muhammad Daniel Bin Khairul Yusri (UM_S2197532)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
As I was involved as a volunteer during the pre-clinical years, I have a glimpse of what the program is about, and how the workshops for the medical students are conducted. Little did I know the experience of being a participant himself, is far more meaningful and memorable.
To be honest, I was truly amazed by the selflessness of our dear mentors and their family members. Not only did the mentors want to donate their bodies for the learning purpose of students and medical professionals, but also their family members who agreed to it and gave unwavering support throughout the week. During house visit, almost all his family members came to give us a great overview of our mentor's life story, and making sure they are always giving their 100% cooperation.
The Silent Mentor Program itself is truly a remarkable one in my medical school journey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizing team and the family members for this wonderful opportunity to not only harness our medical knowledge and skills, but also to explore the willingness and grit shown by our dear mentors.
Chong Bok Siong (UM_22096842/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Heart without beats, eyes closed, cold hands yet so full of life and light. They were not just physical bodies, but they were the embodiment of strength, care and selflessness. Each fold of skin and every strand of hair, endless traces of lives that have been lived.
Words will fall short of the gratitude I feel towards our silent mentor and every piece of knowledge I was blessed to learn. Joining silent mentor was one of the best decisions I made after joining medical school. Each of us were put into a team and assigned a silent mentor for each team. Ours was Mr. Saw Cheng Yew. Meeting his family and learning about his life has been an absolute privilege as I have realized there’s more to life than I have thought all these while. If raw honesty is expected of me, I would admit that I joined this workshop solely for medical knowledge, but I have taken a more precious gift back home. The truth and beauty of life. I entered as a medical student and was humbled and reminded that I am a human being before a medical professional.
Mr. Saw was an incredible man who has upheld remarkable principles in his life. His resilience, positivity and sense of responsibility have become a torch in our own darkness to ignite the way to navigate through life. I will always feel grateful to have known him and to be blessed to learn from him.
Besides, we learned so much during the daily workshop sessions. Our doctors showed us every detail of important procedure and occupied us with priceless knowledge, required and expected of us. All thanks to our silent mentor, we did not just get the opportunity to real parts of body but also to practice some hands-on skills on them. It is something that we will carry with us throughout our career as it will be helpful for us to manage real patients later.
In addition, the coffin ceremony was a remarkable phase of this workshop. It was the most touching and emotional part for me. Sending them off was not easy as we were not ready to part ways yet. On the other hand, we were also grateful to send them off because they can finally rest in peace. I would like to pray that they always be blessed, and their family be taken care of. We tended to him every day, cleaned and clothed him, he almost felt like our own family member. Nevertheless, the journey was full of bittersweet moments and I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to our brave and selfless silent mentors and also the Silent Mentor Centre for initiating such priceless workshop for us to learn our crafts deeper.
Mirashyini A/P Baskar (UM_22005320/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
At first, I had relatively low expectations of the Silent Mentor Program, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my medical journey. Hearing the stories and learning about the lives of each Silent Mentor made me realize how selfless an individual can be, even after death, in contributing to the learning and development of future doctors. The program also taught me the true meaning of discipline, from waking up and arriving as early as 7 a.m. to preparing, cleaning and taking care of our mentors. It was also an eye-opening experience to have the opportunity to perform procedures such as central venous line insertion and chest tube insertion on a real human body, allowing me to appreciate the importance of every step and the responsibility that comes with being a doctor.
I will forever treasure the memories and lessons from this program. Most importantly, I hope to carry the compassion, empathy, discipline and respect that I have learned from our Silent Mentors into my future practice and treatment of every patient.
Amirah Rahwani Binti Mohd Ridzam (UM_22001097/2)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
My first time joining silent mentor was a fulfilling journey. From intimate story tellings by the mentor's family to preparing the mentor until the sending-off ceremony, it felt as if I had grown side by side with my mentor in terms of empathy and medical knowledge. An unforgettable moment was the Initiation Ceremony as the family members crowded the mentor paying their respects. To a stranger, mentor and I were merely acquaintances to say the least. But to the family, it felt like hope. A second chance to have mentor's kindness and love even after passing on. That hope radiated through me even as a stranger. Mentor's kindness truly passed on throughout the workshop. It had me thinking how selfless one can be to foresee and be insightful of the impact he would have by joining this program. Mentor has given the utmost gift by allowing us to dive deeper into the human anatomy and build confidence in the hearts of medical students more than any teacher could. I believe the Silent Mentor Program was a channel not just for knowledge but a platform of grief and learning empathy as well as humanity, portraying the core of medicine.
Nurul Afifa Aeisya Binti Sulaiman (UM_22000960)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
I used to be a volunteer, watching seniors perform procedures under the guidance of skilled doctors from afar. Back then, I saw the Silent Mentor Program simply as a great opportunity to hone practical clinical skills and study real-life anatomy. It wasn’t until I finally stepped into the role of a participant that I realized just how profoundly impactful this experience truly is.
What I didn’t expect was that the experience wouldn’t just happen in the Anatomy Dissection Hall. It started months ago with a home visit, where we learned about our mentor’s life through this family’s shared memories and photos. I could picture our mentor vividly and often found myself wondering what he was like in person. The early human connection was what set the tone for the hectic program week that followed.
It would be a lie to say the week wasn’t physically exhausting — from 5am/7am wakeups to clean our mentor, to late night workshop sessions and ceremony rehearsals — yet it was profoundly fulfilling. As the days passed, a genuine unspoken bond was forged between us and our silent teacher. We grew to truly appreciate his selfless sacrifice.
I cried the most on the final day, especially the part where we were shown a video recorded by another mentor while she was still alive. A kind benevolent lady in hospital gowns; she encouraged us to value this opportunity, reminding us not to be scared and that making mistakes is simply part of learning.
Someone shared that “behind each stitch and incision lies a doctor in the making”, and this quote will stay with me throughout my career. SMP taught me far more than anatomical knowledge; it taught me empathy, gratitude and resilience. With a renewed purpose, I will forever strive to be a better doctor to honor our silent mentor’s ultimate gift.
Priscilla Tan Jing Rou (UM_23053634)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
It’s truly a fruitful week for me. I feel like I spent one week getting to know a person, from the outside to the inside.
It all started with the home visit, where we spent around two hours listening to our mentor, Mr. Saw Cheng Yew’s life story. I was really touched when I saw every family member reminiscing about the good old days they had with him. They laughed while sharing the memories, but at the same time, they couldn't hold back their tears when talking about his passing. It made me realize how much he meant to them, and I was truly amazed by their love and dedication.
During the workshop week, we woke up early every morning to clean and prepare our mentor. The biggest difference we noticed each day was the increasing number of stitches on his body after every session. I don't really know how to describe this feeling, but every day, I silently say, "Thank you, Mentor," in my heart. Thank you for giving us such a precious opportunity to learn.
I enjoyed every session throughout the week because we were involved in every part of the learning process. It wasn't just about learning anatomy, it was also about learning respect, gratitude, and humanity.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all the Silent Mentor volunteers. Thank you for reaching earlier than us every day, preparing breakfast, guiding us patiently throughout the week, and sacrificing your own time to make sure everything went smoothly for us.
It was a week full of tears, gratitude, and knowledge. It is definitely an experience that I will always remember throughout my medical journey.
Tan Yu Xuan (UM_22105518/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
It has been a week since the workshop ended. Yet in my heart, it is still deeply engraved as though it had only happened yesterday. I never thought this workshop would have such a profound impact on me.
It was a Sunday Evening when we first met our mentor physically. Throughout the week, we had the privilege of learning so much from him. Procedures we had never performed, and anatomy that we had only seen in textbooks all came to life. I came to realize the true meaning of selflessness, love, and kindness. Our silent mentor has taught us so much, not only related to medicine but also invaluable lessons about humanity.
Each morning, we also had the opportunity to care for and clean our mentor. As the days went by, we saw more and more stitches and surgical markings appear on his body. It brought me mixed emotions, yet I know behind each incision, it was invaluable knowledge which would shape a future doctor and ultimately benefit countless future patients.
This is the most special learning experience, silent yet immensely powerful. We promise to carry the knowledge with us forever and become doctors who serve with love and compassion in the future.
Lau Jie Ying (UM_22091562/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Silent Mentor taught me what no textbook could do, it was truly an experience like no other especially to medical students. To become a remarkable doctor, we must attain all the skills required to save a life, it is hard to do so when you have no hands-on experience. To do your first procedure on an actual patient is intimidating, nothing fully prepares you in knowing that your mistakes have direct consequences on another person’s wellbeing.
The Silent Mentor Program provides an opportunity to develop my practical skills and confidence in a respectful learning environment before caring for living patients. Through their selfless act and generosity, the Silent Mentors donate their bodies in the name of science, and this allows us, medical students to deepen our understanding and refine our skills for future patient care. So, I say thank you to my Silent Mentor for being my extraordinary teacher and my first patient.
Muhammad Danish Danial bin Razlan (UM_22001039/2)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
The Silent Mentor Program had honestly shaped me into a much better medical student after. It was not only beneficial towards myself to be able to learn medical procedures and dissection anatomy, but it has also benefitted me by reminding myself that all patients that we see in the future are a person. Through interviewing our silent mentor’s family, visiting their home and learning about their life story, I caught a glimpse of who my silent mentor was, what she was like and most importantly learned that she was very much loved. The experience gave me perspective that none of the other volunteering program gave me. During the week of the program’s initiation, it was a rollercoaster of emotions seeing families reunited with their loved ones, honoring them for their selfless sacrifice and seeing them for the one last time. The emotions were raw and unfiltered, and it hit really hard. Thank you silent mentor for giving me the chance to experience life and the very end of it, it will forever me a part of me that shapes who I will be in the future.
Calvis Wong Kai Vizz (UM_22102057/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Before our learning sessions began, we had the opportunity to meet Madam Ng's family and learn about the life she had lived. Through the stories they shared, I came to know her not only as our Silent Mentor, but also as a daughter, a wife, a friend, and someone who lived with kindness and compassion. Listening to her family's memories made her feel like a real person rather than someone I would only encounter in the anatomy lab. The initiation ceremony held even deeper meaning because it marked one year since Madam Ng's passing. Although I never had the chance to meet her in person, I felt grateful to have learned about the values she lived by and the selfless decision she made to continue teaching others even after her passing. The moment that left the deepest impression on me was during our morning care routine. As I gently cleaned and held Madam Ng's hands, I found myself reflecting on the life those hands had once lived. They comforted loved ones, worked tirelessly, and experienced countless moments of joy and hardship. In that quiet moment, I was reminded that every person entrusted to our care has a story, a family, and a life that deserves to be honoured with dignity and respect. That realization has changed the way I see medicine—not simply as learning about the human body, but as caring for another human being with empathy and gratitude. This experience has reminded me that medicine is a privilege built upon the generosity of others. Madam Ng's final act of selflessness has become a lasting source of inspiration for me. I hope to honour her legacy by carrying forward the compassion, respect, and humanity that she embodied, and by striving to become a doctor who never loses sight of the person behind every patient.
Natasha Tan Shin Ru (UM_23052402)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Before joining the Silent Mentor Program, I didn't expect it to leave such a lasting impression on me. While I gained valuable medical knowledge and practical skills, what stayed with me most was the opportunity to understand the humanity part of medicine. From the house visit to the initiation and gratitude ceremonies, I came to know my Silent Mentor through her life story. Despite battling cancer, she continued to serve her community with quiet strength and generosity. Her decision to donate her body for medical education reflects a remarkable commitment to helping others, even beyond her lifetime. This experience reminded me that medicine is about more than treating disease. It is about understanding the lives our patients have lived and caring for them with both competence and compassion. With my deepest gratitude, I will always remember all our Silent Mentor's selfless gifts.
Chong Sueanne (UM_23059293/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Before joining the Silent Mentor Program, I had always thought it was mainly about learning and performing medical procedures. I never expected that we would have the opportunity to meet the family of our silent mentor and learn about her life, values, and experiences. That meeting reminded me that our mentor was a person who lived a meaningful life, with her own joys, struggles, and precious memories, rather than simply someone from whom we learned anatomy. Over just a few days, I was able to learn and perform many medical procedures that I would otherwise never have had the chance to experience as a medical student, making the programme incredibly enriching. During the closing ceremony, the video message from our mentor deeply tugged at my heartstrings. Even while receiving palliative care, she offered us words of encouragement and never once showed signs of distress. Her courage, generosity, and selflessness have left a lasting impression on me. I have the deepest respect for our mentors and am truly grateful for this extraordinary experience.
Muhammad Zufayri Bin Zulhaimi (UM_U2100892)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
My experience in the Silent Mentor Program was very inspiring, and it humbled me as a medical student. Not only did we get the opportunity to see, learn and apply the knowledge ourselves, but also, we got to experience the pre workshop together with the Silent Mentors’ family and workshop’s organizing committee. I’ve always seen my seniors do it and wondered how I could get that opportunity too. And now I feel very grateful and blessed to have been a part of something so impactful for a medical student. This experience and our most precious Silent Mentor will forever be in my memories and will be a step ahead in shaping me as I’m becoming a good doctor for the community.
Alagu Lakshmi (UM_22101856)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
The Silent Mentor Program has taught me far more than anatomy. It has given me a deeper understanding of life, death, compassion, and the profound gift of selfless giving. I am deeply grateful to every silent mentor and their families for their extraordinary gift. Their legacy will continue to inspire me throughout my journey in medicine.
Wan Hanna Sofia Binti Wan Norhamsa (UM_22001028/2)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
This was truly an impactful and unforgettable experience. I still find it hard to believe that there are so many generous and selfless individuals who are willing to donate their bodies for medical education and research, allowing medical students whom they have never even met to learn from them.
This program has changed the way I view medicine. It has made me realize that studying medicine is not just about understanding diseases or mastering clinical skills. Behind every patient is a unique life story, as well as family and loved ones who care deeply for them. Every patient deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
I am sincerely grateful to our silent mentors and their families for their extraordinary generosity and trust. Their selfless gift has given us an invaluable opportunity to learn not only anatomy, but also humanity, empathy, and the true meaning of being a doctor. Their legacy will continue to inspire me throughout my medical journey and future career.
Chua Pei Xuan (UM_S2180819/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply humbling and meaningful experience. Working with Mentor Ho over the past week, from the careful thawing and preparation, through the surgical workshops, and finally to the cleaning, coffining, and send-off ceremony, all these allowed me to appreciate not only surgical and anatomical knowledge but also the profound generosity behind body donation. This experience reminded me that every skill we learnt is built upon the selfless gift of another, and it reinforced my responsibility to approach medicine with respect, compassion, and gratitude. Mentor Ho has truly been a teacher in the quietest yet most impactful way, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my journey in medicine.
Lennon Loh Yen Wee (UM_U2101537)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
As a medical student, I spend a significant portion of my life immersed in textbooks, anatomy atlases, and clinical guidelines. These resources are excellent for learning the "what" and "how" of medicine, but they often struggle to teach the "why." Participating in the Silent Mentor programme gave me an experience that filled the gaps my textbooks could not. It was a heartfelt event that provided me with technical training, but more importantly, it taught me the true meaning of empathy.
A "Silent Mentor" is a person who has passed away and selflessly donated their body to medical education. Walking into the programme, the atmosphere was one of profound silence and respect. I quickly realized that I wasn't just there to study anatomy, I was there to learn from a person’s final, most generous act. In my lectures, the human body is often discussed as a series of systems and organs. However, standing beside a Silent Mentor, I saw a life story. This person, whom I had never met, was entrusting me with their physical self so that I might one day save others.
From a practical perspective, the skills I gained were invaluable. No plastic model or digital simulation can truly mimic the tactile reality of human tissue. Practicing surgical techniques and medical procedures on a Silent Mentor allowed me to feel the resistance of the skin and the delicate nature of internal structures. This hands-on experience built a level of confidence and muscle memory that is impossible to achieve through reading alone. It reinforced the idea that precision is not just a requirement for a grade, but a responsibility to the patient.
However, the most significant takeaway from the programme was the development of empathy. Empathy is a skill that is frequently mentioned in medical school but is difficult to practice in a classroom setting. Through this experience, I learned that every patient is more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. My mentor taught me that the person on the table has a family, a history, and a soul. This realization changed how I hold a scalpel and how I view my future role as a physician. It taught me to approach every procedure with dignity and every patient with a sense of shared humanity.
In conclusion, the Silent Mentor programme was a transformative chapter in my medical education. It bridged the distance between scientific knowledge and compassionate care. I am deeply grateful to my mentor for their final, silent lecture. The technical skills I practiced will certainly make me a more capable student, but the empathy I learned will, I hope, make me a better doctor. I now understand that while textbooks provide the foundation of medicine, it is the human connection that provides its heart.
Rahul Raj Suraj (UM_22050835)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Prior to joining the Silent Mentor Programme, I did not have many expectations of it. When the schedule was released, outlining the various activities, I began to have second thoughts about the level of commitment required. At the time, I did not fully appreciate its significance. As the programme progressed, I came to realise that each activity was not merely designed to teach us medical procedures, but to cultivate something far more important - compassion for the people we serve. Even when working with our silent mentors, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to treat them with the same respect and dignity as living patients.
This, to me, has been the most meaningful takeaway from the program. Amid the pressures of medical training, it is easy to lose sight of why we chose this path. The Silent Mentor Program served as a timely reminder, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Tow Guan Ren (UM_S2180352)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme was a profound and humbling experience that changed the way I view medicine, life, and death. Unlike learning anatomy from textbooks or simulations, this programme reminded me that every structure I study once belonged to a person who lived a full life, carried dreams, loved others, and was loved in return.
Meeting the mentor’s family and learning about their life story gave deeper meaning to the dissection process. It transformed the body before me from a specimen into a teacher — a final act of generosity in contributing to medical education. This made me reflect on the immense trust and sacrifice involved in body donation, and the responsibility we carry as future doctors to honour that gift with respect, diligence, and gratitude.
Beyond anatomy, the programme taught me about humanity. It reminded me that medicine is not merely about treating diseases, but about caring for people through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Death, which is often seen as an ending, became a lesson in service and legacy.
This experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate and competent doctor. I carry forward not only the knowledge gained, but also the values of humility, empathy, and gratitude. To my silent mentor, thank you for being my teacher without words — your final gift will continue to shape the doctor I hope to become.
Tan Ze Xiu (UM_S2177572)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am deeply grateful for being able to attend Silent Mentor for this batch. I learnt the most from attending the house visits and initiation ceremony as it taught me the importance of empathy towards patients. Learning about the mentors whole lives and how much impact they left on their loved ones really let's us see them in an way that's not just a cadaver, and more of a teacher and friend. I also valued the opportunity to learn many lifesaving procedures like chest tube insertion and intubation.
I am really thankful to Mr Yap and his family, and the Silent Mentor team for letting me have this chance.. I hope I can apply what I've learnt for the betterment of my patients in the future.
Darren Lim Wan Pin (UM_S2184544)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor programme was far more meaningful than I had ever expected when I first signed up for this programme. My initial impression was this programme would help me learn real-life anatomy and practice clinical skills more proficiently. It did fulfill the expectations, however, amidst the progression of the programme where we had done home visit to know more about the mentor personally, his life, his sincere willingness along with his hope of helping the future medical personnel- had shifted something inside me.
I suddenly realized that this was not just about learning medical skills, I was also gradually taught about core values of empathy, kindness, respect, and diligence. Without the mentor's immense contribution, we would not have this opportunity to become a better doctor, be it in practical or character-wise. I'm truly grateful for all the experiences I had gained and glad that I had joined this Silent Mentor programme.
Nurul Aishah Binti Sabri (UM_U2100784)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Silent mentor is really a programme full of gratitude and respect. This is one of the best events I joined throughout my medical journey. Firstly we got the chance to learn more about our mentor through a home visit. Our mentor, Mentor Yap Sin Fah is really a kind and loving man, he really wanted to help us medical students to be better doctors. During the workshop, every morning we offer devotion to clean our mentor’s body full of gratitude. We got the chance to learn a lot of invasive but life saving procedures through them and it was really helpful. This was really an eye opener and I would definitely suggest our juniors to join this event. During the closing ceremony, we could also offer our gratitude through the performance and it was heart warming. I sincerely thank our mentor for his contribution and may you rest in peace. Thank you.
Lam Xian Jun (UM_S2173914)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme as a fourth-year medical student was a deeply meaningful experience. The workshop provided valuable hands-on opportunities, allowing me to practise and refine procedural skills that were already part of our syllabus. While some techniques were familiar, the chance to revisit and perform them in a real setting reinforced their importance and strengthened my confidence. However, beyond technical skills, this programme emphasised values that are often overlooked in our routine training—respect, responsibility, and humanity. Being involved in caring for our mentors, including cleaning them each morning, reminded me that every patient deserves dignity and compassion. Learning about the mentors’ lives and meeting their families added a personal dimension that transformed them from “cases” into individuals with stories and loved ones. The way the programme was organised in UM made the experience even more impactful. Overall, it was a humbling journey that reshaped my perspective on medicine.
Goh Hong Yao (UM_S2180616)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I never expected the Silent Mentor Program to touch me this deeply. What began as a learning experience soon became something far more personal and humbling. Standing before someone who had willingly donated their body for our education made me reflect on the immense generosity behind that decision. It is not a simple act—it is a profound gift. To be incised, dissected, and studied, all for the sake of shaping future doctors, requires a level of nobility that I am not sure I could ever reach.
Throughout the sessions, I was constantly reminded that this was once a living person with a story, a family, and a life full of meaning. This awareness transformed the way I approached every step of learning. It instilled in me a deeper sense of respect, responsibility, and gratitude.
The Silent Mentor Programme has taught me more than anatomy. It has shown me the true essence of compassion, sacrifice, and humanity in medicine. I hope to carry this lesson forward—to treat every patient with the same dignity and respect that our silent mentors have so selflessly taught us.
Daniella Rossellini Binti Saifuzzaman (UM_U2100832/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Initially, the reason of me joining the Silent Mentor was to gain more skills in my clinical practice and learn more on hands skills but instead of the clinical skills I have gained more understanding and knowledge upon humanity and compassion. This program has shown me that medicine is not just treating patient for their illness but its treating humans with kindness and respect. It has made a great impact to me to see all the volunteers and organisers of the event taking care of the mentors with outmost respect even without knowing the mentors personally. I am forever greatful and moved to be able to participate in a program that is meaningful. I will forever carry the lessons that I learn from the mentor throughout my career.
Nur Izzati Atirah Binti Imran Gulcharan (UM_U2101309)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Program was one of the most meaningful experiences of my medical education journey. Since hearing about the program last year, I had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to learn from individuals whose final act of generosity would shape the training of future healthcare professionals.
The experience began with a home visit, where I learned about my mentor’s life, values, and family. Meeting the people who loved and cherished my mentor transformed the learning process into something deeply personal. It reminded me that every patient is more than a diagnosis or a body; they are individuals with unique stories and relationships.
Throughout the program, I gained a deeper understanding of human anatomy through hands-on dissection and exploration of the human body. Seeing anatomical structures directly allowed me to appreciate the complexity and intricacy of the human body in a way that textbooks and models could never fully convey. The knowledge gained during anatomy sessions strengthened my understanding of clinical medicine and provided invaluable insights into the relationship between structure and function.
In addition to anatomy, SMP provided opportunities to develop essential procedural skills. Learning and practicing suturing techniques improved my confidence and precision in handling tissues and performing wound closure. However, the most memorable learning experience for me was performing chest tube insertion under the guidance of experienced instructors. Applying anatomical knowledge to identify landmarks and safely insert a chest tube was both challenging and rewarding. It highlighted the importance of combining theoretical understanding with practical skills to provide effective patient care.
Beyond technical competencies, the program emphasized respect, professionalism, and dignity. Each day began with caring for our mentors, preparing and cleaning them before any procedures. These moments taught me the importance of treating every human body with compassion and reverence, regardless of whether life remains within it.
What touched me most was the extraordinary selflessness of the silent mentors. Their decision to donate their bodies for medical education represents a profound gift that continues to benefit countless future patients through the doctors they help train. Every lesson learned, every skill practiced, and every anatomical structure studied was made possible through their silent sacrifice.
The coffining ceremony was an emotional conclusion to the program. As we expressed our gratitude and bid farewell to our mentors, I reflected on the remarkable bond that had formed despite never meeting them during their lifetime. I left the Silent Mentor Program not only with enhanced anatomical knowledge and procedural skills, but also with a deeper appreciation for humanity, compassion, and the enduring impact of selfless giving. The lessons imparted by my silent mentor will remain with me throughout my medical career and beyond.
Koh Kent Ming (UM_S2163861)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
During our years undergoing medical school, we are given lectures on many life-saving surgical procedures, however often we cannot perform these procedures while in undergraduate training. Through the kindness of our Silent Mentors, we were able to practice these skills in a controlled environment, preparing us for the day where we must pick up the scalpel. Beyond that, we were able to speak with our mentors’ families and learn of the life they lead, of their character, and their strength and courage in their final moments. I am eternally grateful for the gift our Silent Mentors gave to us.
Azlan Bin Alwi (UM_22005338)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Silent Mentor Program, which I had looked forward to since last year. Beginning with the home visit, I was introduced to my mentor, someone I would learn so much from, even without a single word. This experience reminded me that medicine goes beyond knowledge, involving humanity, respect and connection.
Throughout the program, we started our days early by preparing and cleaning our mentors with care before any procedures. These moments taught me discipline, responsibility and most importantly, dignity in handling the human body. Unlike learning from textbooks or manikins, SMP gave us the rare opportunity to perform procedures such as intubation and chest tube insertion under guidance, bridging the gap between theory and real practice.
What impacted me most was the selflessness of the mentors. Their decision to donate their bodies for medical education is truly profound and every step of the learning process reminded me of their silent sacrifice.
During the coffining ceremony, I felt both gratitude and sadness, realizing how meaningful a connection can be formed even without meeting them in life. I leave this program not only with improved skills, but also with a deeper appreciation of life, compassion and the profound impact of giving—even in silence.
Tey Sin Ler (UM_22057107)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I never expected a single program to impact me this much.
It’s been weeks but I still think about how selfless someone must be to continue teaching even after death. I felt guilty, for thinking I’m good enough merely because I passed my exams, but this program reminded me there was once a person behind everybody we learn from; they had a life, a family, and people who loved them deeply. They’re never truly gone too because we remember them. I will remember my mentor till the day I die.
Posting this also because I genuinely hope more people come to know about the existence of the Silent Mentor Program and the quiet impact it leaves on everyone who goes through it.
Thank you to my university for the opportunity.
Ong Jelyn (UM_22005368)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
For the silent mentor programme, it has been an eye-opener for me towards the sacrifice and the enthusiasm of the mentors to teach the future generations in being a much better medical professionals in the future. I am deeply grateful to have been given a chance to participate in a very prestigious programme as SMP and I hope that all the knowledge that I have learnt throughout the programme can mold me into becoming a better doctor and a better person overall.
Arief Danial Bin Rizal (UM_U2100748/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in this silent mentor programme has been a deeply humbling and enriching experience for me. I deeply admire the mentors who were willing to contribute their bodies to our learning as their final act of kindness, even after leaving this world. Throughout the workshop, I not only gained medical knowledge but also learned something far more meaningful, the story of a life well lived. Our mentor was an organized and graceful lady who devoted herself to her family and worked as a personal assistant. Learning about her life reminded me that every individual whom we encountered was once full of experiences, relationships, and love. Beyond the workshop itself, we were honoured to meet her family members in person. Being able to participate in her end-of-life journey through the coffining and sending-off ceremonies made the experience even more profound. Speaking with her family was especially moving, as it reminded me of the "humanity" side of medicine that I have now began slowly overlooking. Watching her sister grieve during the ceremony, asking us about how her sister was during the workshop, and even thanking us for taking care of her over that week left a deep impression on me. This experience has reinforced the importance of compassion and respect in medicine for me. I am truly grateful for the invaluable lessons our mentors have imparted to us through their lives and their final gift. I hope to carry these lessons with me throughout my future practice. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this meaningful workshop.
Tee Yi Xuan (UM_S2181284/1)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I put myself in the mentor's shoes sometimes and often think about would I do the same thing? Do I have the courage to? Donating their body for the advance of medical studies is a selfless act, in which our mentors agree without any hesitation. From the first day of cleaning the body to the last day of coffining, I develop so much respect and feelings, each cut and each suture, each procedure done, makes me appreciate the opportunity and want to make the most out of it. I learnt not only clinical skills, but a holistic approach on becoming a better person.
Jacqueline Lye Chen Chen (UM_S2163274)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I put myself in the mentor's shoes sometimes and often think about would I do the same thing? Do I have the courage to? Donating their body for the advance of medical studies is a selfless act, in which our mentors agree without any hesitation. From the first day of cleaning the body to the last day of coffining, I develop so much respect and feelings, each cut and each suture, each procedure done, makes me appreciate the opportunity and want to make the most out of it. I learnt not only clinical skills, but a holistic approach on becoming a better person.
Lee Shin Hui (UM_22063665)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
We have spent our whole life planning on how we should live a different life, but truly speaking, have we ever planned on how we should face death differently? Our Silent Mentors planned it the most noble and selfless way with full support from their families; to devote their body, teaching us without saying a word yet impacting the many lives that our hands will touch. There are a few moments throughout the Silent Mentor Program that stayed with me until today and will follow me from today onward. From the feeling of me first touching the ice-cold body of our Silent Mentor, to observing the first moment of silence, then seeing our doctor updating our Silent Mentor on how many students they are teaching, and the multiple incisions on one chest by many students to master one life saving skill. Seeing my teammates cleaning up blood and fecal material with the heart of service, and the volunteers that worked day and night behind the scenes, guiding us with compassion and gratitude. All this was happening so fast until the last day, where we cleaned our Silent Mentor for one last time, and observed that minute of silence and escorted the casket from the Centre Point all the way out to the faculty entrance, receiving bows from all students. At that moment, everything was paused and I had flashbacks of these moments. I ponder upon how privileged I am to be part of this, how unworthy I am for Silent Mentor’s scarification, and how indebted I am to the family members, especially Ms Wendy, to support this decision of their loved ones. Life is so short to be spent on fame, status, money and worries. I learnt to cherish life every single day, grasp all opportunities to love, to build relationships that will last till eternity.
Connie Koay Chia Ern (UM_S2124233)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme has deepened my appreciation for empathy and compassion. I have learnt that all patients have their own journey from the start of life till the end and none is the same. At the start of this program, we were given the opportunity to know more about our mentor, Miss Ho’s background from her family and friends. This was where I first began to truly appreciate the quiet generosity and selflessness of individuals who choose to give without seeking recognition. Throughout this program, I managed to learn myriads of knowledges from anatomy to procedural skills. I made every effort to learn as much as I could, to honour Miss Ho’s final message which was to save more patients in the future. At the end of the day, what was once a learning experience has become a lifelong reminder to practise medicine with humility and respect and to care for the patients as a whole person.
Nik Nurin Irdina Binti Hamdan (UM_U2100493)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has profoundly reshaped my understanding of medicine, teaching me that healing is fundamentally about people, not just pathology or surgical technique. Through Teacher Carole’s selfless, ultimate gift, I learned the true meaning of altruism and the immense weight of the privilege we hold as future physicians. Realizing that my foundational skills are built upon her generosity has instilled in me a lifelong responsibility to approach my medical training with meticulous dedication so that her sacrifice translates into safe care for others. From learning her life story to the final, reverential send-off, this experience taught me how to respect the dignity of both life and death, leaving me with a permanent blueprint to always treat my future patients with profound empathy, compassion, and humanity.
Veeshan Shanker (UM_U2100717/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply humbling and transformative experience for me. Beyond gaining anatomical knowledge and technical skills, I came to understand the true essence of empathy, respect, and humanity in medicine. Our silent mentor was not just a teacher of structure, but a powerful reminder that every patient carries a life story, a family, and a trust placed in our hands. This experience has reshaped my perspective on what it means to be a doctor—not only to be clinically competent, but to practise with compassion, dignity, and responsibility. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, and I will carry these lessons forward in my journey, striving to become a doctor who not only heals, but also honours the lives entrusted to me.
Elizabeth Goh Hooi Yang (UM_S2175811)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Joining this Silent Mentor programme has truly been an eye opener to me. Through this programme, learnt not only about human anatomy or life saving procedures, I learned about the mentors, who they are, where they come from, what they wanted to achieve in life, their family and their hopes and dreams. Knowing them on a more deep level really made me emotional, as I deeply appreciate and respect them for their contribution. It is definitely not something easy. Knowing that their sole purpose is to help medical students do better and hopefully save more lives, at the cost of their bodies and dignity makes is the most admirable act anyone can ever do. I truly appreciate the contributions of all the mentors and I am so immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Mhehrunnisa Shabbir (UM_22005321)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The silent mentor is a program designed specifically for undergraduate medical students to experience life and death, while gaining core exposure to clinical and procedural skills. Throughout the program, participants were required to conduct home visits to the respective mentor’s family members to deeply understand their mentor’s life and their expectations. For my team and our beloved mentor-Lim Chin Chin was a resilient, selfless and passionate woman who continued to contribute to the society even after her passing. She is not only a mentor, but also a teacher whom I can proudly say has shaped my medical journey. Throughout the program, medical knowledge was important, but life lessons were also essential. For example, a simple cleaning to the mentors daily was a meaningful way to tribute their sacrifice to the medical field. I made myself to the dissection hall everyday to be a responsible, empathetic, and respectful doctor. Students were also anticipated in soft skills such as performance to the mentor’s family members in the grand closing ceremony to show tribute. I had the honor of being the solo violinist during the ceremony, and it was a privilege to perform on such a significant stage. From the depths of my heart, I salute the mentors for their sacrifice, and I hope they are blessed afterlife. Body is part of one’s physical existence, connected to both mind and soul. Donating it for the advancement of medical education is a big step to the betterment of mankind.
Chuan Yap Keat (UM_S2178650)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
My experience in the Silent Mentor Programme was both humbling and transformative. From rehearsing sign language performances that taught me patience and communication beyond words, to creating heartfelt gratitude cards as small tokens of appreciation, every moment carried meaning. Participating in surgical workshops deepened my respect for the human body and the generosity of our silent mentors who made learning possible. Caring for them through cleaning and dressing instilled a profound sense of dignity, responsibility, and gratitude. Finally, sending them off was an emotional farewell—one that reminded me that their final gift was not just to science, but to shaping us into more compassionate and mindful future doctors.
Wong Yann Shin (UM_S2173670)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Joining the Silent Mentor Program has been a truly meaningful and humbling experience for me. From the moment my group and I learned the story of our mentor, Madam Lim Chin Chin, it became clear that she was more than just someone we would learn from. She was a person with a story, values, and a strong desire to continue helping others even after her passing. That understanding made the entire journey feel very personal. Throughout the program, every moment, whether during our learning sessions or the time we spent with our mentor, it reminded me of the importance of respect, gratitude, and humanity in medicine. It was not just about gaining knowledge or skills, but about recognising the sacrifice and trust that was placed in us. The experience as a whole was eye-opening and deeply moving. It gave me a new perspective on life, death, and what it truly means to serve others as a future doctor. I am sincerely grateful to Madam Lim Chin Chin for her selflessness and for allowing us to learn from her. I would also like to thank her family for supporting her decision and for their generosity. This is an experience I will carry with me throughout my medical journey.
Muhammad Adam Bin Redhuan Keng (UM_U2100669)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
At first, I was reluctant to join the Silent Mentor Program because I was worried about the demanding schedule — waking up early and staying until late at night. However, after joining SMP, I realized that the exhaustion was truly worth it. From the home visit to the closing ceremony, I learned the true meaning of humanity. What I gained from this program goes far beyond what any textbook can teach. I was deeply touched by the silent mentors — their courage and selflessness in donating their bodies for the education of future doctors is something I deeply admire and respect. One moment that will stay with me forever was successfully inserting the laryngoscope after multiple attempts. This is something that would not have been possible to practice repeatedly on a real patient, and a mannequin could never replicate such a meaningful experience. I am truly grateful for this invaluable opportunity. I would also like to express my appreciation to all the volunteers — without their dedication and support, the program would not have run so smoothly.
From the silent mentors to the volunteers, I learned the meaning of “大爱” — a selfless, unconditional love for humanity.
Lai Wei Xuan (UM_S2163063/1)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
本次无语良师工作坊对我来说是一次难忘的体验。我学会了每一个无语良师背后都有一段值得我们发掘的人生经历。我从老师们生前的故事中看到了各种值得我们学习的特质:坚韧、善良、勇敢、大爱,以及面对死亡却仍然保持豁达的心态。感谢无语良师们教会我们责任感。感谢无语良师们教会我们谦卑。感谢无语良师们的无私奉献让我们精进医学外科技巧。感谢无语良师们帮助我们重拾学医的初心。愿医者父母心的精神通过无语良师们的遗志继续传承下去。
Tiong Yu Sean (UM_22004694)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The Silent Mentor Program was not only an experience that honed my clinical and surgical skills, as well as strengthened my medical knowledge, but also one that profoundly deepened my sense of humanity. It allowed me to better understand the meaning of true sacrifice and the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. Meeting my mentor’s family and learning about the remarkable life she had lived made the experience deeply personal. Hearing their stories transformed the mentor from a learning subject into someone I felt connected to, which instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to honour her sacrifice. I made a conscious effort to utilise every moment meaningfully, while handling her body with the utmost respect, as I would a teacher. To me, that is truly what they are teachers who continue to educate through both their legacy and their final gift. Performing procedures during this program significantly boosted my confidence, but beyond the technical skills, it served as a powerful reminder of the humanity that lies at the heart of medicine. This experience has shaped not only my approach to learning, but also my perspective on patient care, reinforcing the importance of compassion, respect, and gratitude in every aspect of medical practice.
Sanggari A/P Subramaniam (UM_22005339)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Silent Mentor Programme, an experience I had long heard about since entering medical school. The learning gained from this programme far exceeded my expectations, not only in terms of procedural skills, but also in the profound human connection it fostered. As a group, we were closely involved with our mentor’s family, and this created a sense of responsibility and familiarity that made the experience deeply personal. Throughout the programme, I handled the mentor’s body with the utmost care and respect during cleansing, procedures, and suturing, as though they were still alive. This experience enhanced my understanding of empathy and compassion in medical practice. It reminded me that every patient we encounter carries a story, a family, and a life that deserves dignity. The opportunity to perform procedures such as chest tube insertion and endotracheal intubation on a real human body was invaluable and has significantly increased my confidence and appreciation for surgical training. This programme has left a lasting impact on both my clinical skills and personal growth, and I would not hesitate to embrace such an opportunity again in the future.
Vanida Binti Ahmad Shuhaimi (UM_U2101054)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have joined this 1-week Silent Mentor workshop. It has been an incredibly meaningful experience where I gained not only valuable academic knowledge through the evening workshops, but also practical skills through hands-on sessions. Being able to practice important procedures in a safe environment, without the fear of making mistakes, was something rare and invaluable, especially as these are opportunities we seldom get in real clinical settings as students. Beyond the technical aspects, this journey taught me so much about empathy. From the home visits to interviewing family members and learning about our mentor’s life story, I came to deeply understand that patients are truly our best teachers. I have immense respect for the mentors who made the selfless decision to donate their bodies, and equally for their families who supported such a difficult choice, it could not have been easy for them. This experience reminded me to always be careful and respectful when performing procedures, to approach patients with greater empathy, and to consider not just the patient, but also the wishes and emotions of their loved ones. It has left me feeling deeply thankful for what I have, and more committed to becoming a compassionate and responsible healthcare professional.
Adeline Quah Wei Ling (UM_S2175757)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Having previously volunteered for the Silent Mentor Program (SMP), I initially viewed it as an early opportunity to sharpen the technical skills required for my future as a surgeon. However, this week transformed my perspective entirely. While I gained proficiency in procedures and suturing, the most enduring lessons were those of humility and love.
Spending these days with our mentor bridged the gap between clinical study and human connection; he ceased to be a subject of study and became a true teacher. I realized that a great surgeon needs more than steady hands—they need a heart that honors the person behind the procedure. I am leaving this program not just with better skills, but with a deeper commitment to treating every future patient with the same reverence my mentor showed us.
Lim Ting Qing (UM_S2131795)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor experience transforms learning from observation into meaningful practice. Being able to perform procedures such as endotracheal intubation, central venous line insertion, and suturing on a real human body builds a level of understanding that simulations cannot fully replicate. Each attempt demands precision, patience, and respect, reinforcing that technical skill and ethical awareness must grow together.
What makes this experience truly distinctive is the trust placed in students. The Silent Mentor becomes a teacher in the truest sense, allowing mistakes, guiding improvement, and instilling confidence without words. Through these hands-on moments, medicine feels less like a syllabus to complete and more like a responsibility to honour, shaping not only competent trainees but more mindful future doctors.
However, as there were pros, there were also cons. The timing of the event was taking up the time in our exam week. That was one of the things that could be improved in the future (avoid exam weeks).
Dayang Zeti Kartini Binti Abg Zainudin (UM_U2101888)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I truly value being part of the Silent Mentor Programme. Through this experience, I was not only taught clinical knowledge, but also important human values such as empathy toward family members, respect for the mentors, and the responsibility of handling the mentors with care. The programme also helped me develop my communication skills with people around me.
The programme was well organized and thoughtfully executed. Being involved from the beginning until the end allowed me to gain many meaningful and unforgettable experiences. Throughout the journey, my emotions felt like a rollercoaster, reflecting how deeply impactful the programme was on me both personally and professionally.
I would highly recommend this programme to others if given the opportunity. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the mentors who volunteered themselves. Undeniably, their selfless contributions have helped shape many doctors and students, and their impact will continue through the lives they have touched.
Audi Hafiy Bin Amin Husni Latfi (UM_U2101671)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This workshop has been an eye-opening journey that taught me not only anatomy, but also respect for life and death. Every lesson felt more meaningful knowing it came from someone’s selfless gift. I am genuinely grateful for this experience, and I hope to honour this kindness by becoming a doctor who treats every patient with respect, compassion, and gratitude.
Afrina Binti Abdul Rauf (UM_U2101856)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
When science meets true humanity. This is what the Silent Mentor programme actually means to me. To see such a selfless sacrifice by the silent mentors are nothing short of extraordinary.
I learnt so much in this programme from my silent mentors and volunteer doctors. I managed to practice my intubation skills, and chest tube insertion, which actually a life saving procedure.
One day, I wish to honour the sacrifices of the silent mentors by saving as much life as I can by working hard and practicing what has been taught throughout this one week course.
Muhammad Saifullah Fitri Bin Muhamad Sufian (UM_U2100950/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
SMP provides us with a unique approach to learning in medical school. Beyond acquiring clinical skills, we are taught to experience and appreciate the unconditional love and dedication of our mentors. Their spirit of contribution is the most precious gift we could ever receive; without them, this programme would not be possible. The trust they place in us—by entrusting their own bodies to our care as future medical professionals—is profoundly humbling. The least we can do is to carry forward their love and honour their wishes by becoming good doctors: to heal, to cure, and to comfort.
Lee Han Hwa (UM_S2159484)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Program has been a deeply meaningful and humbling experience. It reminded me that medicine is not only about knowledge and technical skills, but also about humanity, respect, and gratitude. Learning from a silent mentor instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to honour their sacrifice by learning sincerely and practising medicine with integrity and compassion. Their selfless decision to become a mentor was an extraordinary act of kindness, as it allowed me to appreciate the anatomy of the human body in a way I had never experienced before. The workshop also helped me gain confidence in attempting procedural skills. Overall, this experience taught me the importance of humanity and treating everyone equally, regardless of status, as everyone deserves the best care.
Dharshini A/P Raja (UM_U2103584)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I am truly grateful for the selfless contribution of our Silent Mentor, Mr Stanley, and his family. I understand that this was not an easy decision. It took great courage, not only from him, but also from his family who supported the wish. Their courage and generosity have given us a precious opportunity to learn in a way no textbook or lecture ever could. I appreciate this deeply from my heart, and what I learned from this programme will stay with me throughout my career in medicine.
At first, I thought this programme was simply a workshop to learn anatomy and clinical skills. However, throughout the days of preparation, workshops, and time spent together as a group, my mindset slowly changed. I began to see the meaning behind this programme. It is not only about learning but rather about learning empathy, respect, and the value of every human life. It reminds me that every patient has a story, a family, and a life that matters. This has been one of the most meaningful learning experiences of my life. I will remember the lessons whenever I meet a patient, especially during difficult moments.
Lim Ze Shen (UM_S2164275)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The 44th Silent Mentor Workshop was from 3 January to 11 January 2025. I was chosen as a team leader to lead my other 8 groupmates throughout the week. It was an eventful and tiring week as things continued immediately after our end of posting exams. However, the meaning behind the workshop was more incredible than what I thought it would be. I felt different when we were the one accompanying our mentor from going through his life stories to cleaning him up and performing procedures on them. It struck me during the open ceremony that the families came to see their loved ones one last time. I was touched and realised how big the decision was made by the mentor.
During the medical workshops, I got to perform procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion, suturing and many more. These were something that I have never done or even seen in a real patient. At the end of the workshop, during the closing ceremony it was even heartbreaking when seeing all the family come together and send off their loved ones together.
This programme reminded me to view life more broadly, that nothing is heavier than experiencing separation and death. The generosity and kindness shown by the mentors also inspired me to be more determined and to strive to do well as a future doctor. I hope this spirit can continue and benefit many more people. Lastly, I am truly thankful to the staff working behind the scenes who made this programme possible.
Wong Chiew Meng (UM_S2173440)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Before this programme, I thought learning medicine was mainly about acquiring knowledge and skills. The Silent Mentor programme changed that understanding completely. Being responsible for cleaning my mentor each morning and restoring dignity after each session taught me quiet discipline and respect. Visiting my mentor’s home and meeting their family made every action that followed feel intentional and heavy with meaning. Performing necessary procedures that felt uncomfortable, and later being involved in the coffining process, confronted me with my own emotional limits and sense of accountability. Standing at the memorial park, I realised that my mentor’s final lesson was not about anatomy, but about trust and generosity. This experience reshaped how I view patients—not as cases, but as individuals whose lives deserve honour at every stage.
Maisarah Najihah Binti Ridzuan (UM_U2102359/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme has been a profoundly meaningful part of my medical training. Learning anatomy through the generosity of a silent mentor transformed what could have been a purely academic experience into one grounded in respect, humility, and gratitude. Each session reminded me that behind every structure we studied was a person who had selflessly donated their body to advance medical education. This experience deepened my appreciation for the human aspect of medicine, reinforced the importance of professionalism and empathy, and strengthened my commitment to honour patients with dignity both in life and in death. I am sincerely grateful to our silent mentor and their family for this invaluable gift, which will continue to guide me throughout my journey as a future doctor.
Nur Nabihah binti Mohamad Zaini (UM_U2101557/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The silent mentor programme deeply reminded me of what it meant to be a teacher. Not only in our current life, but also contributing when we are not around anymore. Rather than taking it as another task, the programme felt like a service to everyone involved, especially the silent mentors and their beloved family and acquaintances. It made me believe in the spirit of contributing to the community once again. I believe this programme should be continued on for the years to come, not only as an event for teaching, but also as a reminder of who we truly should be as a person. Words cannot describe my gratitude to the beloved mentors and their family. Thank you for this amazing experience and I wish all of you happiness and success.
Dylan Irvin Richard (UM_U2101755/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is truly something special. It is unlike any other event I have attended. Not only did I have the opportunity to perform hands-on procedures that we would not normally be able to do, but it also gave me a very meaningful spiritual experience.
The programme made me appreciate human life more and taught me to empathise better with others. It filled my heart to be able to understand the silent mentors more deeply and to truly appreciate their courage and selflessness.
It made me realise that although from the outside our lives may seem insignificant, each life carries far more meaning and value than we often think.
Teoh Qian (UM_S2105929)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is an invaluable journey that I will remember for life. Initially, I was torn between the challenges of its physical labor and on the other hand, constant reminder of my responsibilities signing up for this programme. However, as more time was spent with the silent mentors, I began realizing the meaning behind their decisions. The silent mentors and their families chose love and kindness in the face of hardship and sacrifice. They taught me the science and art of medicine, but more importantly, the spirit of love, sacrifice and devotion. They will continue to live on in our memories, and in the countless lives that we encounter in the future.
Cindy Chew Shanyee (UM_S2176745/1)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme was an unforgettable experience in my medical school journey. It was the most meaningful week that I cherish very much. I had the chance to be involved in someone’s end-of-life and observe how a family fulfilled his wish while still grieving about the loss. Before meeting our silent mentor, we got to know about him through the words and stories from his loved ones when we had the house visit. As we went through the workshop and cleaned his body every day, we formed a bond with the teacher without us even noticing. Although the workshop was about medical knowledge and procedural skills, the main takeaway from this programme was still the experience with the silent mentor and their family. We learned about respect, passion and dedication which will be beneficial to us now and in the future when we are doctors.
Benjin Lee Qiao Chen (UM_S2193937)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor programme this week was a profound journey of humility and gratitude. The process of meticulously cleaning the donor’s body was not merely a physical task; it was a sacred bridge between life and death, teaching me the ultimate lesson in selfless giving.The experience deepened when I heard his family speak. Listening to his spouse share stories of his kindness turned a "medical subject" into a cherished soul. Their strength in honoring his final wish to serve education moved me to tears. I realized that while the mentor teaches us anatomy in silence, his family’s love provides the heartbeat of our medical ethics. I leave this week with a renewed commitment to treat every patient with the same dignity and humanity.
Hor Ye Hong (UM_S2180353)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme was a deeply touching and humbling experience that reminded me of the true meaning of compassion and humanity in medicine. Through the house visit and the time spent preparing gifts and performances, I learned to see our Silent Mentor as a person who lived, loved, and selflessly gave for our learning. Every procedure performed was not just a technical lesson, but a reminder to practise medicine with gratitude, respect, and empathy in my journey to becoming a doctor.
Adam Fikry Bin Ahmad Fazli (UM_U2102235/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is undeniably a long and tiring week however it was worth the time as we were given the opportunity to take care of the Silent Mentor and participate in workshops where we can practice various surgical skills. Other than that, I am glad that my team and I have fulfilled our silent mentor's last wishes in becoming a teacher even at the end of life, benefiting countless doctors.
Wan Xin Yue (UM_S2182636/1)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Program was a deeply meaningful experience that shaped both my professional and personal development as a medical student. Unlike traditional anatomy learning, this program emphasized respect, gratitude, and humanity, reminding me that the body we learned from once belonged to a person who made a selfless decision to contribute to medical education.
Learning about the mentor’s life transformed the dissection process into a responsibility rather than a routine task. Each session reinforced the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and respect for human dignity. This perspective encouraged me to approach anatomy with care and mindfulness, understanding that every structure studied would one day guide safe and effective patient care.
The program also strengthened my empathy and emotional awareness. Confronting death early in my training highlighted the fragility of life and the immense trust patients place in doctors. It reminded me to see patients as individuals, not merely diagnoses or learning opportunities.
The closing ceremony was particularly impactful, as it allowed us to express gratitude to the mentor and their family. Overall, the Silent Mentor Program bridged scientific learning with human values, reinforcing my commitment to practice medicine with compassion, humility, and respect throughout my future career.
Ng Ying Hui (UM_S2178692)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This is really heartfelt. 💙 The meaning is clear and sincere—you just need some polishing for clarity and flow. Here’s a refined version that keeps your voice and emotions, but reads smoother and more formal (suitable for a reflection, report, or submission):
The Silent Mentor Programme has left a far deeper impact on me than I initially expected. Previously, when I heard seniors sharing their experiences, it felt like just another teaching programme. However, my perspective completely changed after I personally joined it.
Every session throughout the programme taught me so much—not only in the medical field, but also in terms of humanity, empathy, and respect for life. Even though I never met my silent mentor when they were alive, I somehow feel a deep connection to them, as if I had known them before.
Through the home visit session, we were able to learn more about our silent mentor and truly appreciate them as a human being. This allowed us to treat them with dignity and respect throughout the entire programme.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the silent mentor and their family for their selfless contribution. By donating their body for medical education, they have made a priceless contribution to the future of the medical field and to the growth of future doctors.
Nadiatul Azreen (UM_U2101103/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The silent mentor program is truly a gem of experience. I'm deeply grateful for its existence in UMMP. At first, I thought it was just an opportunity to learn medicine on a real human body, but going through all the processes and handling each mentor with care as though they are still alive, I also learned to embrace and appreciate the value of humanity as witnessing the sincerity of the mentors and the families to sacrifice their body for the sake of medical education really touched me.
Fareez Izywan (UM_U2101376)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Joining the silent mentor workshop has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in medical school. It has been an undeniably humbling and fruitful experience, especially going for the home visit where I got to know our silent mentor on a much more personal level. I was in awe of and inspired by her discipline and lifelong dedication to education, which she upheld until her very final moment - so that future doctors could hone their skills and become safe, compassionate healers.
Besides that, being able to practice hands-on with supervision has given me a unique opportunity to perform clinical procedures that I would otherwise hesitate to attempt in a real-life setting for the first time. Their selfless and thoughtful contribution to medical education is deeply appreciated and words cannot fully express how grateful I am.
Eizzah Hanani Badlishah (UM_S2148841)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
有幸参与无语良师工作坊是我在医学道路上最宝贵的经验之一。从家访,到送别仪式,我们一步步走进无语良师的生平里。在那一星期,我们天天带着敬畏的心,以最温柔的方式清理大体,用最积极的态度学习,只为圆满老师生前的梦——化人间最后一刻为大用。未曾谋面,即使活动已经结束,我仍深深记住每一刻:所学到的医学知识、那份无私的精神和勇气、那种无声却洪亮的爱。老师,谢谢你们!
Koo Jia Yong 邱嘉永 (UM_S2162101)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
无语良师计划,是我自大一以来便期盼已久的重要活动。从志工到参与者,这次身份的转变让我格外珍惜这难得的机会。我很幸运地能遇到一群同样认真负责任的组员。我们从家访、准备工程、启用仪式、工作坊到闭幕仪式,每个环节都齐心协力,用心照顾大体老师,也共同努力学习知识、反复练习学到的技术。透过这次活动,我深深铭记了我这一生中最特别的老师——庄喻兰老师。她一生所秉持的教育理念,已经深深烙印在我心中。在未来的行医道路上,我将尽自己所能,坚守本分,不忘初衷,时刻提醒自己成为一名真正关怀病人的好医生。
Carryn Loh Hui En 罗慧恩 (UM_S2175534)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Program was a deeply humbling experience. I am truly grateful for the chance to be involved in the whole process, from home visiting to know the silent mentor better to the coffin and gratitude ceremony. Knowing that someone chose to donate their body for our learning made me more mindful, respectful, and grateful throughout the sessions. It reminded me that behind every lesson in medicine is a human life, and this experience strengthened my sense of responsibility as a future doctor.
Siah Qi Wen (UM_U2104671)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
这一次的无语良师工作坊 让我受益匪浅 得到了很多学习的机会 让我有信心地去完成许多医学手续尤其是缝合术 相信在未来必定派上用场 学院安排的家访也非常有意义 虽然我和队友们在一天里来回了大体老师的故乡槟城大山脚 我们却对大体老师有了更深一层的了解 此外 我们每一天早上为大体老师净身和默哀 也让我学习到自律和尊重 并珍惜老师为我们的牺牲 我很感恩老师的无私 很感谢老师教会了我们大爱无言 舍己为人。
Teoh Kar Keat 张家吉 (UM_S2162722)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Through the silent mentor workshop for the past 1 week, although I did not meet or know my beloved silent mentor, I still felt a strong relationship between us throughout the whole week. Every morning, even though we have to wake up early in the morning just to do washing, I did not complain as I believe this is our responsibility as a medical student or participants to pay respect to our silent mentor. I am touched and grateful that they are willing to sacrifice themselves to dedicate themselves to the medical field for medical trainees and students to practice. Also, thank you to all the volunteers in the silent mentor programme as they took their time out from their respective hectic schedule. Thank you and I learnt a lot from this programme.
Pan Sin Hong (UM_S2164061)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Attending the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply meaningful and transformative experience for me. It was not only an opportunity to enhance my medical knowledge and skills, but also a journey that reshaped my understanding of empathy, gratitude, and the true essence of patient-centered care.
The programme began with a home visit to the silent mentor’s family. Before the visit, I was unsure of what to expect. I felt a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, uncertain about how the family would perceive us and how I should conduct myself in such a personal and sensitive setting. However, the visit allowed me to see the mentor not just as a donor, but as a beloved family member with a life story, relationships, and memories. This experience laid the foundation for my emotional connection to the silent mentor and helped me appreciate the generosity and courage of the family in making such a selfless decision.
The initiation ceremony left an especially strong impression on me. Seeing the family members attend the ceremony was incredibly touching. As I listened to their sharing, I began to understand what the silent mentor meant to them and why they chose to participate in this programme. Their love, respect, and sense of responsibility toward medical education were deeply moving. At the same time, I could not help but feel a profound sadness, knowing that they had lost someone so important to them forever. This mixture of gratitude and sorrow made me reflect deeply on the weight of this gift and the responsibility we carry as future healthcare professionals.
During the workshop sessions, I learned a great deal, both technically and emotionally. Among all the learning experiences, the most interesting and memorable part for me was intubation. Being able to practice this skill in a respectful and guided environment helped me build confidence while constantly reminding me that I was learning from someone who had given their body for our education. This awareness encouraged me to approach every procedure with care, humility, and respect.
The closing ceremony was another meaningful highlight of the programme. I was grateful for the opportunity to present and reflect on my learning journey. Standing there, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and appreciation for having the chance to challenge myself both professionally and emotionally. I was genuinely happy to be part of this programme and sincerely hope to have the opportunity to participate in similar activities again in the future.
Personally, I found the sending-off session to be the most touching moment of all. The way the programme expressed sincere appreciation to the silent mentors’ family members demonstrated deep respect and gratitude. It reminded me that behind every silent mentor is a family who continues to carry love and loss, and whose contribution to medical education should never be taken for granted.
Overall, the Silent Mentor Programme taught me far more than medical knowledge or technical skills. It taught me empathy — to see situations from others’ perspectives, to understand emotions beyond words, and to treat patients as whole human beings rather than merely diseases or clinical cases. This experience will continue to influence the way I think, feel, and act as I move forward in my medical journey.
Ko Chen Feng (UM_S2179388)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I had a very meaningful and enriching experience in the Silent Mentor Programme. Beyond learning medical procedures and anatomical knowledge, this programme taught me values that go beyond medical science. I am deeply thankful to my silent mentors who generously donated their bodies for the education of medical students. Although they were unable to speak, their contribution left a profound impact on my medical journey and shaped my understanding of what it truly means to be a doctor.
Witnessing the families’ final farewell was both heartbreaking and emotionally moving, as it made me reflect on my own loved ones and the fragility of life. At the same time, it taught me that even after death, one can continue to contribute meaningfully to society. This experience reminded me that a meaningful life is defined by selflessness and service to others. The time spent in this programme, though short, will remain a deeply significant part of my life and future medical practice.
Panimaller Balan (UM_S2157142)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Regarding 44th Silent Mentor and as a participant, everything is well organised for me as the schedule was well planned even though we have exams prior. Thank you very much to the volunteers, especially Mr Sia, for the wonderful experience. I’ve learnt a lot from the silent mentors and I hope I can use all the knowledge for my future ahead.
Ariffin Fazlullah bin Mokhsin (UM_U2101173)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the silent mentor program. I was able to do various procedures and learn about topics that I usually just see in textbooks. I’m eternally thankful to the silent mentors for their selflessness and I hope to repay them by being a safe, humane doctor in the future.
Gordon Chong Xue Zhen (UM_S2173773)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I feel grateful joining 44th Silent Mentor. It gives me a lot of chance to do procedures which I usually don't get to do. Thanks to the Silent Mentors who are willing to contribute their bodies for this good sake.
Goh Ze Rui (UM_S2163932)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Workshop was a profoundly humbling and transformative experience for me, both as a medical student and as a human being.
Standing beside our Silent Mentor, I was constantly reminded that medicine is not merely about acquiring knowledge or mastering procedures but about empathy, respect and honoring the lives entrusted to us. This experience allowed me to truly reflect on the humanity behind every body, every patient, and every story.
I am deeply thankful for the invaluable opportunities provided throughout the workshop, especially the hands-on experiences such as central venous line insertion, intubation, suturing, chest tube insertion, nasogastric tube insertion and multi department procedures. Learning these skills under the guidance of our mentors, in the presence of our Silent Mentor, gave each procedure a deeper meaning, one rooted in gratitude, responsibility and reverence.
The Silent Mentor has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the laboratory. I leave this workshop with a renewed sense of purpose, humility and commitment to practice medicine with compassion and empathy. I am truly grateful for this experience and will carry the teachings and blessings of our Silent Mentor with me throughout my medical journey and future career.
Thank you to all doctors and silent mentor crews for their dedication and guidance throughout this week.
Nur Fakhriah Izzati binti Mohamad Fauzi (UM_U2100919)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This week has been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences in my medical journey. As I reflect on the Silent Mentor Workshop, my heart feels full—with warmth, deep emotions, gratitude, and love. It was not merely a learning experience, but a profound human encounter that reminded me of the true essence of medicine.
I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to learn from our team’s silent mentor, Ms. Leong Sui Ngor, as well as the other three silent mentors who selflessly contributed to our learning. Their silent teachings went far beyond anatomy and procedures; they taught us compassion, humility, and respect for the human body and life itself. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the doctors who guided and taught us patiently throughout the workshop. Their dedication and reverence toward the silent mentors set a powerful example of professionalism and humanity.
One of the moments I feel most proud of was being given the opportunity to help clean our silent mentor’s body every morning. This act, though simple, felt deeply meaningful. It was a privilege and an honour to care for our mentor in this way, and it strengthened my sense of responsibility, respect, and gratitude toward those who donate their bodies for medical education.
The entire week, including the coffining ceremony, was incredibly touching and warm. The atmosphere was filled with love and respect, and I found it difficult to hold back my tears. The ceremony was not one of sorrow alone, but of appreciation, remembrance, and deep connection. It reminded me that behind every donor is a life story, a family, and a legacy of kindness.
I was also very grateful for the opportunity to participate in a home site visit to our silent mentor’s house earlier on. Being able to understand her background and see the environment she once lived in made her feel even more real and close to us, not just as a mentor, but as a person who lived a full and meaningful life.
In conclusion, this workshop has left a lasting impact on my heart and my values as a future doctor. It strengthened my motivation to become not only a competent clinician, but also a compassionate and respectful human being. I sincerely hope that in the future, I will still have the opportunity to participate in similar Silent Mentor workshops, to continue learning from these remarkable teachers who speak to us through silence.
Jess Ng Jie Ying (UM_S2173522)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
We devote so much effort to improving how we live, yet rarely pause to consider how we leave. Death may arrive unannounced, but the Silent Mentor Programme offers a way for loss to become a deliberate gift.
I had volunteered to clean up after workshops since my pre-clinical years, but it was only as a participant in the 44th Silent Mentor Workshop that I grasped the true magnitude of a Silent Mentor’s sacrifice. It is a conscious choice to consent to one’s body being kept for months, marked by stitches, as each incision is made in service of learning. When I asked a colleague if they would become a Silent Mentor, they declined, saying they were not that selfless. I understood why. Each morning, as we uncovered our mentor to find loose strands of hair and bodily fluids staining the linen pad, my heart ached. Despite our best efforts to preserve dignity, it was an unlovely sight. And yet, as our fingertips touched the cold skin, a quiet warmth of gratitude took root within us.
Words fall short of expressing my thankfulness for this experience. The Silent Mentor Programme is one of a kind in Malaysia, and a defining hallmark of the University of Malaya. I am deeply grateful to the Silent Mentors themselves; to the Silent Mentor Centre Committee; to the anatomy laboratory staff who arrived before us and left after us each day of the workshop; to Mr. Sia, Ms. Se Woon, our sign language teacher; to the sponsors of our personal protective equipment; to the medical officers who stayed on after long on-call hours to teach; and to the many others working silently behind the scenes. Their collective dedication ensured that the workshop honoured our mentor’s final wishes. I am especially indebted to the families of our Silent Mentors, who deferred their grieving for half a year. Time, after all, does not heal all wounds.
My Silent Mentor, Ms. Leong Sui Ngor, was accompanied by only two family members during the Initiation and Cremation Ceremonies. As I watched other mentors surrounded by loved ones, I wondered how she might feel, looking down upon her own farewell. She may have been single, with fewer photographs and personal stories than the others, yet I take comfort in knowing that our group sent her off with respect, gratitude, and care — properly mourned and deeply honoured. She lived a beautiful life, and in giving herself to our learning, departed with meaning.
There truly is no better way to die.
Lois Low Xin Ning (UM_22005379)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This was truly an impactful and unforgettable experience. I still find it hard to believe that there are so many generous and selfless individuals who are willing to donate their bodies for medical education and research, allowing medical students whom they have never even met to learn from them.
This program has changed the way I view medicine. It has made me realize that studying medicine is not just about understanding diseases or mastering clinical skills. Behind every patient is a unique life story, as well as family and loved ones who care deeply for them. Every patient deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
I am sincerely grateful to our silent mentors and their families for their extraordinary generosity and trust. Their selfless gift has given us an invaluable opportunity to learn not only anatomy, but also humanity, empathy, and the true meaning of being a doctor. Their legacy will continue to inspire me throughout my medical journey and future career.
Chua Pei Xuan (UM_S2180819/1)
46th Silent Mentor Workshop • 21-26 July 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply humbling and meaningful experience. Working with Mentor Ho over the past week, from the careful thawing and preparation, through the surgical workshops, and finally to the cleaning, coffining, and send-off ceremony, all these allowed me to appreciate not only surgical and anatomical knowledge but also the profound generosity behind body donation. This experience reminded me that every skill we learnt is built upon the selfless gift of another, and it reinforced my responsibility to approach medicine with respect, compassion, and gratitude. Mentor Ho has truly been a teacher in the quietest yet most impactful way, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my journey in medicine.
Lennon Loh Yen Wee (UM_U2101537)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
As a medical student, I spend a significant portion of my life immersed in textbooks, anatomy atlases, and clinical guidelines. These resources are excellent for learning the "what" and "how" of medicine, but they often struggle to teach the "why." Participating in the Silent Mentor programme gave me an experience that filled the gaps my textbooks could not. It was a heartfelt event that provided me with technical training, but more importantly, it taught me the true meaning of empathy.
A "Silent Mentor" is a person who has passed away and selflessly donated their body to medical education. Walking into the programme, the atmosphere was one of profound silence and respect. I quickly realized that I wasn't just there to study anatomy, I was there to learn from a person’s final, most generous act. In my lectures, the human body is often discussed as a series of systems and organs. However, standing beside a Silent Mentor, I saw a life story. This person, whom I had never met, was entrusting me with their physical self so that I might one day save others.
From a practical perspective, the skills I gained were invaluable. No plastic model or digital simulation can truly mimic the tactile reality of human tissue. Practicing surgical techniques and medical procedures on a Silent Mentor allowed me to feel the resistance of the skin and the delicate nature of internal structures. This hands-on experience built a level of confidence and muscle memory that is impossible to achieve through reading alone. It reinforced the idea that precision is not just a requirement for a grade, but a responsibility to the patient.
However, the most significant takeaway from the programme was the development of empathy. Empathy is a skill that is frequently mentioned in medical school but is difficult to practice in a classroom setting. Through this experience, I learned that every patient is more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. My mentor taught me that the person on the table has a family, a history, and a soul. This realization changed how I hold a scalpel and how I view my future role as a physician. It taught me to approach every procedure with dignity and every patient with a sense of shared humanity.
In conclusion, the Silent Mentor programme was a transformative chapter in my medical education. It bridged the distance between scientific knowledge and compassionate care. I am deeply grateful to my mentor for their final, silent lecture. The technical skills I practiced will certainly make me a more capable student, but the empathy I learned will, I hope, make me a better doctor. I now understand that while textbooks provide the foundation of medicine, it is the human connection that provides its heart.
Rahul Raj Suraj (UM_22050835)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Prior to joining the Silent Mentor Programme, I did not have many expectations of it. When the schedule was released, outlining the various activities, I began to have second thoughts about the level of commitment required. At the time, I did not fully appreciate its significance. As the programme progressed, I came to realise that each activity was not merely designed to teach us medical procedures, but to cultivate something far more important - compassion for the people we serve. Even when working with our silent mentors, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to treat them with the same respect and dignity as living patients.
This, to me, has been the most meaningful takeaway from the program. Amid the pressures of medical training, it is easy to lose sight of why we chose this path. The Silent Mentor Program served as a timely reminder, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Tow Guan Ren (UM_S2180352)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme was a profound and humbling experience that changed the way I view medicine, life, and death. Unlike learning anatomy from textbooks or simulations, this programme reminded me that every structure I study once belonged to a person who lived a full life, carried dreams, loved others, and was loved in return.
Meeting the mentor’s family and learning about their life story gave deeper meaning to the dissection process. It transformed the body before me from a specimen into a teacher — a final act of generosity in contributing to medical education. This made me reflect on the immense trust and sacrifice involved in body donation, and the responsibility we carry as future doctors to honour that gift with respect, diligence, and gratitude.
Beyond anatomy, the programme taught me about humanity. It reminded me that medicine is not merely about treating diseases, but about caring for people through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Death, which is often seen as an ending, became a lesson in service and legacy.
This experience has strengthened my commitment to becoming a compassionate and competent doctor. I carry forward not only the knowledge gained, but also the values of humility, empathy, and gratitude. To my silent mentor, thank you for being my teacher without words — your final gift will continue to shape the doctor I hope to become.
Tan Ze Xiu (UM_S2177572)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am deeply grateful for being able to attend Silent Mentor for this batch. I learnt the most from attending the house visits and initiation ceremony as it taught me the importance of empathy towards patients. Learning about the mentors whole lives and how much impact they left on their loved ones really let's us see them in an way that's not just a cadaver, and more of a teacher and friend. I also valued the opportunity to learn many lifesaving procedures like chest tube insertion and intubation.
I am really thankful to Mr Yap and his family, and the Silent Mentor team for letting me have this chance.. I hope I can apply what I've learnt for the betterment of my patients in the future.
Darren Lim Wan Pin (UM_S2184544)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor programme was far more meaningful than I had ever expected when I first signed up for this programme. My initial impression was this programme would help me learn real-life anatomy and practice clinical skills more proficiently. It did fulfill the expectations, however, amidst the progression of the programme where we had done home visit to know more about the mentor personally, his life, his sincere willingness along with his hope of helping the future medical personnel- had shifted something inside me.
I suddenly realized that this was not just about learning medical skills, I was also gradually taught about core values of empathy, kindness, respect, and diligence. Without the mentor's immense contribution, we would not have this opportunity to become a better doctor, be it in practical or character-wise. I'm truly grateful for all the experiences I had gained and glad that I had joined this Silent Mentor programme.
Nurul Aishah Binti Sabri (UM_U2100784)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Silent mentor is really a programme full of gratitude and respect. This is one of the best events I joined throughout my medical journey. Firstly we got the chance to learn more about our mentor through a home visit. Our mentor, Mentor Yap Sin Fah is really a kind and loving man, he really wanted to help us medical students to be better doctors. During the workshop, every morning we offer devotion to clean our mentor’s body full of gratitude. We got the chance to learn a lot of invasive but life saving procedures through them and it was really helpful. This was really an eye opener and I would definitely suggest our juniors to join this event. During the closing ceremony, we could also offer our gratitude through the performance and it was heart warming. I sincerely thank our mentor for his contribution and may you rest in peace. Thank you.
Lam Xian Jun (UM_S2173914)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme as a fourth-year medical student was a deeply meaningful experience. The workshop provided valuable hands-on opportunities, allowing me to practise and refine procedural skills that were already part of our syllabus. While some techniques were familiar, the chance to revisit and perform them in a real setting reinforced their importance and strengthened my confidence. However, beyond technical skills, this programme emphasised values that are often overlooked in our routine training—respect, responsibility, and humanity. Being involved in caring for our mentors, including cleaning them each morning, reminded me that every patient deserves dignity and compassion. Learning about the mentors’ lives and meeting their families added a personal dimension that transformed them from “cases” into individuals with stories and loved ones. The way the programme was organised in UM made the experience even more impactful. Overall, it was a humbling journey that reshaped my perspective on medicine.
Goh Hong Yao (UM_S2180616)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I never expected the Silent Mentor Program to touch me this deeply. What began as a learning experience soon became something far more personal and humbling. Standing before someone who had willingly donated their body for our education made me reflect on the immense generosity behind that decision. It is not a simple act—it is a profound gift. To be incised, dissected, and studied, all for the sake of shaping future doctors, requires a level of nobility that I am not sure I could ever reach.
Throughout the sessions, I was constantly reminded that this was once a living person with a story, a family, and a life full of meaning. This awareness transformed the way I approached every step of learning. It instilled in me a deeper sense of respect, responsibility, and gratitude.
The Silent Mentor Programme has taught me more than anatomy. It has shown me the true essence of compassion, sacrifice, and humanity in medicine. I hope to carry this lesson forward—to treat every patient with the same dignity and respect that our silent mentors have so selflessly taught us.
Daniella Rossellini Binti Saifuzzaman (UM_U2100832/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Initially, the reason of me joining the Silent Mentor was to gain more skills in my clinical practice and learn more on hands skills but instead of the clinical skills I have gained more understanding and knowledge upon humanity and compassion. This program has shown me that medicine is not just treating patient for their illness but its treating humans with kindness and respect. It has made a great impact to me to see all the volunteers and organisers of the event taking care of the mentors with outmost respect even without knowing the mentors personally. I am forever greatful and moved to be able to participate in a program that is meaningful. I will forever carry the lessons that I learn from the mentor throughout my career.
Nur Izzati Atirah Binti Imran Gulcharan (UM_U2101309)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Program was one of the most meaningful experiences of my medical education journey. Since hearing about the program last year, I had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to learn from individuals whose final act of generosity would shape the training of future healthcare professionals.
The experience began with a home visit, where I learned about my mentor’s life, values, and family. Meeting the people who loved and cherished my mentor transformed the learning process into something deeply personal. It reminded me that every patient is more than a diagnosis or a body; they are individuals with unique stories and relationships.
Throughout the program, I gained a deeper understanding of human anatomy through hands-on dissection and exploration of the human body. Seeing anatomical structures directly allowed me to appreciate the complexity and intricacy of the human body in a way that textbooks and models could never fully convey. The knowledge gained during anatomy sessions strengthened my understanding of clinical medicine and provided invaluable insights into the relationship between structure and function.
In addition to anatomy, SMP provided opportunities to develop essential procedural skills. Learning and practicing suturing techniques improved my confidence and precision in handling tissues and performing wound closure. However, the most memorable learning experience for me was performing chest tube insertion under the guidance of experienced instructors. Applying anatomical knowledge to identify landmarks and safely insert a chest tube was both challenging and rewarding. It highlighted the importance of combining theoretical understanding with practical skills to provide effective patient care.
Beyond technical competencies, the program emphasized respect, professionalism, and dignity. Each day began with caring for our mentors, preparing and cleaning them before any procedures. These moments taught me the importance of treating every human body with compassion and reverence, regardless of whether life remains within it.
What touched me most was the extraordinary selflessness of the silent mentors. Their decision to donate their bodies for medical education represents a profound gift that continues to benefit countless future patients through the doctors they help train. Every lesson learned, every skill practiced, and every anatomical structure studied was made possible through their silent sacrifice.
The coffining ceremony was an emotional conclusion to the program. As we expressed our gratitude and bid farewell to our mentors, I reflected on the remarkable bond that had formed despite never meeting them during their lifetime. I left the Silent Mentor Program not only with enhanced anatomical knowledge and procedural skills, but also with a deeper appreciation for humanity, compassion, and the enduring impact of selfless giving. The lessons imparted by my silent mentor will remain with me throughout my medical career and beyond.
Koh Kent Ming (UM_S2163861)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
During our years undergoing medical school, we are given lectures on many life-saving surgical procedures, however often we cannot perform these procedures while in undergraduate training. Through the kindness of our Silent Mentors, we were able to practice these skills in a controlled environment, preparing us for the day where we must pick up the scalpel. Beyond that, we were able to speak with our mentors’ families and learn of the life they lead, of their character, and their strength and courage in their final moments. I am eternally grateful for the gift our Silent Mentors gave to us.
Azlan Bin Alwi (UM_22005338)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Silent Mentor Program, which I had looked forward to since last year. Beginning with the home visit, I was introduced to my mentor, someone I would learn so much from, even without a single word. This experience reminded me that medicine goes beyond knowledge, involving humanity, respect and connection.
Throughout the program, we started our days early by preparing and cleaning our mentors with care before any procedures. These moments taught me discipline, responsibility and most importantly, dignity in handling the human body. Unlike learning from textbooks or manikins, SMP gave us the rare opportunity to perform procedures such as intubation and chest tube insertion under guidance, bridging the gap between theory and real practice.
What impacted me most was the selflessness of the mentors. Their decision to donate their bodies for medical education is truly profound and every step of the learning process reminded me of their silent sacrifice.
During the coffining ceremony, I felt both gratitude and sadness, realizing how meaningful a connection can be formed even without meeting them in life. I leave this program not only with improved skills, but also with a deeper appreciation of life, compassion and the profound impact of giving—even in silence.
Tey Sin Ler (UM_22057107)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I never expected a single program to impact me this much.
It’s been weeks but I still think about how selfless someone must be to continue teaching even after death. I felt guilty, for thinking I’m good enough merely because I passed my exams, but this program reminded me there was once a person behind everybody we learn from; they had a life, a family, and people who loved them deeply. They’re never truly gone too because we remember them. I will remember my mentor till the day I die.
Posting this also because I genuinely hope more people come to know about the existence of the Silent Mentor Program and the quiet impact it leaves on everyone who goes through it.
Thank you to my university for the opportunity.
Ong Jelyn (UM_22005368)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
For the silent mentor programme, it has been an eye-opener for me towards the sacrifice and the enthusiasm of the mentors to teach the future generations in being a much better medical professionals in the future. I am deeply grateful to have been given a chance to participate in a very prestigious programme as SMP and I hope that all the knowledge that I have learnt throughout the programme can mold me into becoming a better doctor and a better person overall.
Arief Danial Bin Rizal (UM_U2100748/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in this silent mentor programme has been a deeply humbling and enriching experience for me. I deeply admire the mentors who were willing to contribute their bodies to our learning as their final act of kindness, even after leaving this world. Throughout the workshop, I not only gained medical knowledge but also learned something far more meaningful, the story of a life well lived. Our mentor was an organized and graceful lady who devoted herself to her family and worked as a personal assistant. Learning about her life reminded me that every individual whom we encountered was once full of experiences, relationships, and love. Beyond the workshop itself, we were honoured to meet her family members in person. Being able to participate in her end-of-life journey through the coffining and sending-off ceremonies made the experience even more profound. Speaking with her family was especially moving, as it reminded me of the "humanity" side of medicine that I have now began slowly overlooking. Watching her sister grieve during the ceremony, asking us about how her sister was during the workshop, and even thanking us for taking care of her over that week left a deep impression on me. This experience has reinforced the importance of compassion and respect in medicine for me. I am truly grateful for the invaluable lessons our mentors have imparted to us through their lives and their final gift. I hope to carry these lessons with me throughout my future practice. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this meaningful workshop.
Tee Yi Xuan (UM_S2181284/1)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I put myself in the mentor's shoes sometimes and often think about would I do the same thing? Do I have the courage to? Donating their body for the advance of medical studies is a selfless act, in which our mentors agree without any hesitation. From the first day of cleaning the body to the last day of coffining, I develop so much respect and feelings, each cut and each suture, each procedure done, makes me appreciate the opportunity and want to make the most out of it. I learnt not only clinical skills, but a holistic approach on becoming a better person.
Jacqueline Lye Chen Chen (UM_S2163274)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I put myself in the mentor's shoes sometimes and often think about would I do the same thing? Do I have the courage to? Donating their body for the advance of medical studies is a selfless act, in which our mentors agree without any hesitation. From the first day of cleaning the body to the last day of coffining, I develop so much respect and feelings, each cut and each suture, each procedure done, makes me appreciate the opportunity and want to make the most out of it. I learnt not only clinical skills, but a holistic approach on becoming a better person.
Lee Shin Hui (UM_22063665)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
We have spent our whole life planning on how we should live a different life, but truly speaking, have we ever planned on how we should face death differently? Our Silent Mentors planned it the most noble and selfless way with full support from their families; to devote their body, teaching us without saying a word yet impacting the many lives that our hands will touch. There are a few moments throughout the Silent Mentor Program that stayed with me until today and will follow me from today onward. From the feeling of me first touching the ice-cold body of our Silent Mentor, to observing the first moment of silence, then seeing our doctor updating our Silent Mentor on how many students they are teaching, and the multiple incisions on one chest by many students to master one life saving skill. Seeing my teammates cleaning up blood and fecal material with the heart of service, and the volunteers that worked day and night behind the scenes, guiding us with compassion and gratitude. All this was happening so fast until the last day, where we cleaned our Silent Mentor for one last time, and observed that minute of silence and escorted the casket from the Centre Point all the way out to the faculty entrance, receiving bows from all students. At that moment, everything was paused and I had flashbacks of these moments. I ponder upon how privileged I am to be part of this, how unworthy I am for Silent Mentor’s scarification, and how indebted I am to the family members, especially Ms Wendy, to support this decision of their loved ones. Life is so short to be spent on fame, status, money and worries. I learnt to cherish life every single day, grasp all opportunities to love, to build relationships that will last till eternity.
Connie Koay Chia Ern (UM_S2124233)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme has deepened my appreciation for empathy and compassion. I have learnt that all patients have their own journey from the start of life till the end and none is the same. At the start of this program, we were given the opportunity to know more about our mentor, Miss Ho’s background from her family and friends. This was where I first began to truly appreciate the quiet generosity and selflessness of individuals who choose to give without seeking recognition. Throughout this program, I managed to learn myriads of knowledges from anatomy to procedural skills. I made every effort to learn as much as I could, to honour Miss Ho’s final message which was to save more patients in the future. At the end of the day, what was once a learning experience has become a lifelong reminder to practise medicine with humility and respect and to care for the patients as a whole person.
Nik Nurin Irdina Binti Hamdan (UM_U2100493)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has profoundly reshaped my understanding of medicine, teaching me that healing is fundamentally about people, not just pathology or surgical technique. Through Teacher Carole’s selfless, ultimate gift, I learned the true meaning of altruism and the immense weight of the privilege we hold as future physicians. Realizing that my foundational skills are built upon her generosity has instilled in me a lifelong responsibility to approach my medical training with meticulous dedication so that her sacrifice translates into safe care for others. From learning her life story to the final, reverential send-off, this experience taught me how to respect the dignity of both life and death, leaving me with a permanent blueprint to always treat my future patients with profound empathy, compassion, and humanity.
Veeshan Shanker (UM_U2100717/2)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply humbling and transformative experience for me. Beyond gaining anatomical knowledge and technical skills, I came to understand the true essence of empathy, respect, and humanity in medicine. Our silent mentor was not just a teacher of structure, but a powerful reminder that every patient carries a life story, a family, and a trust placed in our hands. This experience has reshaped my perspective on what it means to be a doctor—not only to be clinically competent, but to practise with compassion, dignity, and responsibility. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, and I will carry these lessons forward in my journey, striving to become a doctor who not only heals, but also honours the lives entrusted to me.
Elizabeth Goh Hooi Yang (UM_S2175811)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Joining this Silent Mentor programme has truly been an eye opener to me. Through this programme, learnt not only about human anatomy or life saving procedures, I learned about the mentors, who they are, where they come from, what they wanted to achieve in life, their family and their hopes and dreams. Knowing them on a more deep level really made me emotional, as I deeply appreciate and respect them for their contribution. It is definitely not something easy. Knowing that their sole purpose is to help medical students do better and hopefully save more lives, at the cost of their bodies and dignity makes is the most admirable act anyone can ever do. I truly appreciate the contributions of all the mentors and I am so immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Mhehrunnisa Shabbir (UM_22005321)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The silent mentor is a program designed specifically for undergraduate medical students to experience life and death, while gaining core exposure to clinical and procedural skills. Throughout the program, participants were required to conduct home visits to the respective mentor’s family members to deeply understand their mentor’s life and their expectations. For my team and our beloved mentor-Lim Chin Chin was a resilient, selfless and passionate woman who continued to contribute to the society even after her passing. She is not only a mentor, but also a teacher whom I can proudly say has shaped my medical journey. Throughout the program, medical knowledge was important, but life lessons were also essential. For example, a simple cleaning to the mentors daily was a meaningful way to tribute their sacrifice to the medical field. I made myself to the dissection hall everyday to be a responsible, empathetic, and respectful doctor. Students were also anticipated in soft skills such as performance to the mentor’s family members in the grand closing ceremony to show tribute. I had the honor of being the solo violinist during the ceremony, and it was a privilege to perform on such a significant stage. From the depths of my heart, I salute the mentors for their sacrifice, and I hope they are blessed afterlife. Body is part of one’s physical existence, connected to both mind and soul. Donating it for the advancement of medical education is a big step to the betterment of mankind.
Chuan Yap Keat (UM_S2178650)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
My experience in the Silent Mentor Programme was both humbling and transformative. From rehearsing sign language performances that taught me patience and communication beyond words, to creating heartfelt gratitude cards as small tokens of appreciation, every moment carried meaning. Participating in surgical workshops deepened my respect for the human body and the generosity of our silent mentors who made learning possible. Caring for them through cleaning and dressing instilled a profound sense of dignity, responsibility, and gratitude. Finally, sending them off was an emotional farewell—one that reminded me that their final gift was not just to science, but to shaping us into more compassionate and mindful future doctors.
Wong Yann Shin (UM_S2173670)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Joining the Silent Mentor Program has been a truly meaningful and humbling experience for me. From the moment my group and I learned the story of our mentor, Madam Lim Chin Chin, it became clear that she was more than just someone we would learn from. She was a person with a story, values, and a strong desire to continue helping others even after her passing. That understanding made the entire journey feel very personal. Throughout the program, every moment, whether during our learning sessions or the time we spent with our mentor, it reminded me of the importance of respect, gratitude, and humanity in medicine. It was not just about gaining knowledge or skills, but about recognising the sacrifice and trust that was placed in us. The experience as a whole was eye-opening and deeply moving. It gave me a new perspective on life, death, and what it truly means to serve others as a future doctor. I am sincerely grateful to Madam Lim Chin Chin for her selflessness and for allowing us to learn from her. I would also like to thank her family for supporting her decision and for their generosity. This is an experience I will carry with me throughout my medical journey.
Muhammad Adam Bin Redhuan Keng (UM_U2100669)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
At first, I was reluctant to join the Silent Mentor Program because I was worried about the demanding schedule — waking up early and staying until late at night. However, after joining SMP, I realized that the exhaustion was truly worth it. From the home visit to the closing ceremony, I learned the true meaning of humanity. What I gained from this program goes far beyond what any textbook can teach. I was deeply touched by the silent mentors — their courage and selflessness in donating their bodies for the education of future doctors is something I deeply admire and respect. One moment that will stay with me forever was successfully inserting the laryngoscope after multiple attempts. This is something that would not have been possible to practice repeatedly on a real patient, and a mannequin could never replicate such a meaningful experience. I am truly grateful for this invaluable opportunity. I would also like to express my appreciation to all the volunteers — without their dedication and support, the program would not have run so smoothly.
From the silent mentors to the volunteers, I learned the meaning of “大爱” — a selfless, unconditional love for humanity.
Lai Wei Xuan (UM_S2163063/1)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
本次无语良师工作坊对我来说是一次难忘的体验。我学会了每一个无语良师背后都有一段值得我们发掘的人生经历。我从老师们生前的故事中看到了各种值得我们学习的特质:坚韧、善良、勇敢、大爱,以及面对死亡却仍然保持豁达的心态。感谢无语良师们教会我们责任感。感谢无语良师们教会我们谦卑。感谢无语良师们的无私奉献让我们精进医学外科技巧。感谢无语良师们帮助我们重拾学医的初心。愿医者父母心的精神通过无语良师们的遗志继续传承下去。
Tiong Yu Sean (UM_22004694)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
The Silent Mentor Program was not only an experience that honed my clinical and surgical skills, as well as strengthened my medical knowledge, but also one that profoundly deepened my sense of humanity. It allowed me to better understand the meaning of true sacrifice and the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. Meeting my mentor’s family and learning about the remarkable life she had lived made the experience deeply personal. Hearing their stories transformed the mentor from a learning subject into someone I felt connected to, which instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to honour her sacrifice. I made a conscious effort to utilise every moment meaningfully, while handling her body with the utmost respect, as I would a teacher. To me, that is truly what they are teachers who continue to educate through both their legacy and their final gift. Performing procedures during this program significantly boosted my confidence, but beyond the technical skills, it served as a powerful reminder of the humanity that lies at the heart of medicine. This experience has shaped not only my approach to learning, but also my perspective on patient care, reinforcing the importance of compassion, respect, and gratitude in every aspect of medical practice.
Sanggari A/P Subramaniam (UM_22005339)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Silent Mentor Programme, an experience I had long heard about since entering medical school. The learning gained from this programme far exceeded my expectations, not only in terms of procedural skills, but also in the profound human connection it fostered. As a group, we were closely involved with our mentor’s family, and this created a sense of responsibility and familiarity that made the experience deeply personal. Throughout the programme, I handled the mentor’s body with the utmost care and respect during cleansing, procedures, and suturing, as though they were still alive. This experience enhanced my understanding of empathy and compassion in medical practice. It reminded me that every patient we encounter carries a story, a family, and a life that deserves dignity. The opportunity to perform procedures such as chest tube insertion and endotracheal intubation on a real human body was invaluable and has significantly increased my confidence and appreciation for surgical training. This programme has left a lasting impact on both my clinical skills and personal growth, and I would not hesitate to embrace such an opportunity again in the future.
Vanida Binti Ahmad Shuhaimi (UM_U2101054)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have joined this 1-week Silent Mentor workshop. It has been an incredibly meaningful experience where I gained not only valuable academic knowledge through the evening workshops, but also practical skills through hands-on sessions. Being able to practice important procedures in a safe environment, without the fear of making mistakes, was something rare and invaluable, especially as these are opportunities we seldom get in real clinical settings as students. Beyond the technical aspects, this journey taught me so much about empathy. From the home visits to interviewing family members and learning about our mentor’s life story, I came to deeply understand that patients are truly our best teachers. I have immense respect for the mentors who made the selfless decision to donate their bodies, and equally for their families who supported such a difficult choice, it could not have been easy for them. This experience reminded me to always be careful and respectful when performing procedures, to approach patients with greater empathy, and to consider not just the patient, but also the wishes and emotions of their loved ones. It has left me feeling deeply thankful for what I have, and more committed to becoming a compassionate and responsible healthcare professional.
Adeline Quah Wei Ling (UM_S2175757)
45th Silent Mentor Workshop • 14-19 Apr 2026
Having previously volunteered for the Silent Mentor Program (SMP), I initially viewed it as an early opportunity to sharpen the technical skills required for my future as a surgeon. However, this week transformed my perspective entirely. While I gained proficiency in procedures and suturing, the most enduring lessons were those of humility and love.
Spending these days with our mentor bridged the gap between clinical study and human connection; he ceased to be a subject of study and became a true teacher. I realized that a great surgeon needs more than steady hands—they need a heart that honors the person behind the procedure. I am leaving this program not just with better skills, but with a deeper commitment to treating every future patient with the same reverence my mentor showed us.
Lim Ting Qing (UM_S2131795)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor experience transforms learning from observation into meaningful practice. Being able to perform procedures such as endotracheal intubation, central venous line insertion, and suturing on a real human body builds a level of understanding that simulations cannot fully replicate. Each attempt demands precision, patience, and respect, reinforcing that technical skill and ethical awareness must grow together.
What makes this experience truly distinctive is the trust placed in students. The Silent Mentor becomes a teacher in the truest sense, allowing mistakes, guiding improvement, and instilling confidence without words. Through these hands-on moments, medicine feels less like a syllabus to complete and more like a responsibility to honour, shaping not only competent trainees but more mindful future doctors.
However, as there were pros, there were also cons. The timing of the event was taking up the time in our exam week. That was one of the things that could be improved in the future (avoid exam weeks).
Dayang Zeti Kartini Binti Abg Zainudin (UM_U2101888)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I truly value being part of the Silent Mentor Programme. Through this experience, I was not only taught clinical knowledge, but also important human values such as empathy toward family members, respect for the mentors, and the responsibility of handling the mentors with care. The programme also helped me develop my communication skills with people around me.
The programme was well organized and thoughtfully executed. Being involved from the beginning until the end allowed me to gain many meaningful and unforgettable experiences. Throughout the journey, my emotions felt like a rollercoaster, reflecting how deeply impactful the programme was on me both personally and professionally.
I would highly recommend this programme to others if given the opportunity. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the mentors who volunteered themselves. Undeniably, their selfless contributions have helped shape many doctors and students, and their impact will continue through the lives they have touched.
Audi Hafiy Bin Amin Husni Latfi (UM_U2101671)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This workshop has been an eye-opening journey that taught me not only anatomy, but also respect for life and death. Every lesson felt more meaningful knowing it came from someone’s selfless gift. I am genuinely grateful for this experience, and I hope to honour this kindness by becoming a doctor who treats every patient with respect, compassion, and gratitude.
Afrina Binti Abdul Rauf (UM_U2101856)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
When science meets true humanity. This is what the Silent Mentor programme actually means to me. To see such a selfless sacrifice by the silent mentors are nothing short of extraordinary.
I learnt so much in this programme from my silent mentors and volunteer doctors. I managed to practice my intubation skills, and chest tube insertion, which actually a life saving procedure.
One day, I wish to honour the sacrifices of the silent mentors by saving as much life as I can by working hard and practicing what has been taught throughout this one week course.
Muhammad Saifullah Fitri Bin Muhamad Sufian (UM_U2100950/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
SMP provides us with a unique approach to learning in medical school. Beyond acquiring clinical skills, we are taught to experience and appreciate the unconditional love and dedication of our mentors. Their spirit of contribution is the most precious gift we could ever receive; without them, this programme would not be possible. The trust they place in us—by entrusting their own bodies to our care as future medical professionals—is profoundly humbling. The least we can do is to carry forward their love and honour their wishes by becoming good doctors: to heal, to cure, and to comfort.
Lee Han Hwa (UM_S2159484)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Program has been a deeply meaningful and humbling experience. It reminded me that medicine is not only about knowledge and technical skills, but also about humanity, respect, and gratitude. Learning from a silent mentor instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to honour their sacrifice by learning sincerely and practising medicine with integrity and compassion. Their selfless decision to become a mentor was an extraordinary act of kindness, as it allowed me to appreciate the anatomy of the human body in a way I had never experienced before. The workshop also helped me gain confidence in attempting procedural skills. Overall, this experience taught me the importance of humanity and treating everyone equally, regardless of status, as everyone deserves the best care.
Dharshini A/P Raja (UM_U2103584)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I am truly grateful for the selfless contribution of our Silent Mentor, Mr Stanley, and his family. I understand that this was not an easy decision. It took great courage, not only from him, but also from his family who supported the wish. Their courage and generosity have given us a precious opportunity to learn in a way no textbook or lecture ever could. I appreciate this deeply from my heart, and what I learned from this programme will stay with me throughout my career in medicine.
At first, I thought this programme was simply a workshop to learn anatomy and clinical skills. However, throughout the days of preparation, workshops, and time spent together as a group, my mindset slowly changed. I began to see the meaning behind this programme. It is not only about learning but rather about learning empathy, respect, and the value of every human life. It reminds me that every patient has a story, a family, and a life that matters. This has been one of the most meaningful learning experiences of my life. I will remember the lessons whenever I meet a patient, especially during difficult moments.
Lim Ze Shen (UM_S2164275)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The 44th Silent Mentor Workshop was from 3 January to 11 January 2025. I was chosen as a team leader to lead my other 8 groupmates throughout the week. It was an eventful and tiring week as things continued immediately after our end of posting exams. However, the meaning behind the workshop was more incredible than what I thought it would be. I felt different when we were the one accompanying our mentor from going through his life stories to cleaning him up and performing procedures on them. It struck me during the open ceremony that the families came to see their loved ones one last time. I was touched and realised how big the decision was made by the mentor.
During the medical workshops, I got to perform procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion, suturing and many more. These were something that I have never done or even seen in a real patient. At the end of the workshop, during the closing ceremony it was even heartbreaking when seeing all the family come together and send off their loved ones together.
This programme reminded me to view life more broadly, that nothing is heavier than experiencing separation and death. The generosity and kindness shown by the mentors also inspired me to be more determined and to strive to do well as a future doctor. I hope this spirit can continue and benefit many more people. Lastly, I am truly thankful to the staff working behind the scenes who made this programme possible.
Wong Chiew Meng (UM_S2173440)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Before this programme, I thought learning medicine was mainly about acquiring knowledge and skills. The Silent Mentor programme changed that understanding completely. Being responsible for cleaning my mentor each morning and restoring dignity after each session taught me quiet discipline and respect. Visiting my mentor’s home and meeting their family made every action that followed feel intentional and heavy with meaning. Performing necessary procedures that felt uncomfortable, and later being involved in the coffining process, confronted me with my own emotional limits and sense of accountability. Standing at the memorial park, I realised that my mentor’s final lesson was not about anatomy, but about trust and generosity. This experience reshaped how I view patients—not as cases, but as individuals whose lives deserve honour at every stage.
Maisarah Najihah Binti Ridzuan (UM_U2102359/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme has been a profoundly meaningful part of my medical training. Learning anatomy through the generosity of a silent mentor transformed what could have been a purely academic experience into one grounded in respect, humility, and gratitude. Each session reminded me that behind every structure we studied was a person who had selflessly donated their body to advance medical education. This experience deepened my appreciation for the human aspect of medicine, reinforced the importance of professionalism and empathy, and strengthened my commitment to honour patients with dignity both in life and in death. I am sincerely grateful to our silent mentor and their family for this invaluable gift, which will continue to guide me throughout my journey as a future doctor.
Nur Nabihah binti Mohamad Zaini (UM_U2101557/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The silent mentor programme deeply reminded me of what it meant to be a teacher. Not only in our current life, but also contributing when we are not around anymore. Rather than taking it as another task, the programme felt like a service to everyone involved, especially the silent mentors and their beloved family and acquaintances. It made me believe in the spirit of contributing to the community once again. I believe this programme should be continued on for the years to come, not only as an event for teaching, but also as a reminder of who we truly should be as a person. Words cannot describe my gratitude to the beloved mentors and their family. Thank you for this amazing experience and I wish all of you happiness and success.
Dylan Irvin Richard (UM_U2101755/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is truly something special. It is unlike any other event I have attended. Not only did I have the opportunity to perform hands-on procedures that we would not normally be able to do, but it also gave me a very meaningful spiritual experience.
The programme made me appreciate human life more and taught me to empathise better with others. It filled my heart to be able to understand the silent mentors more deeply and to truly appreciate their courage and selflessness.
It made me realise that although from the outside our lives may seem insignificant, each life carries far more meaning and value than we often think.
Teoh Qian (UM_S2105929)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is an invaluable journey that I will remember for life. Initially, I was torn between the challenges of its physical labor and on the other hand, constant reminder of my responsibilities signing up for this programme. However, as more time was spent with the silent mentors, I began realizing the meaning behind their decisions. The silent mentors and their families chose love and kindness in the face of hardship and sacrifice. They taught me the science and art of medicine, but more importantly, the spirit of love, sacrifice and devotion. They will continue to live on in our memories, and in the countless lives that we encounter in the future.
Cindy Chew Shanyee (UM_S2176745/1)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme was an unforgettable experience in my medical school journey. It was the most meaningful week that I cherish very much. I had the chance to be involved in someone’s end-of-life and observe how a family fulfilled his wish while still grieving about the loss. Before meeting our silent mentor, we got to know about him through the words and stories from his loved ones when we had the house visit. As we went through the workshop and cleaned his body every day, we formed a bond with the teacher without us even noticing. Although the workshop was about medical knowledge and procedural skills, the main takeaway from this programme was still the experience with the silent mentor and their family. We learned about respect, passion and dedication which will be beneficial to us now and in the future when we are doctors.
Benjin Lee Qiao Chen (UM_S2193937)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor programme this week was a profound journey of humility and gratitude. The process of meticulously cleaning the donor’s body was not merely a physical task; it was a sacred bridge between life and death, teaching me the ultimate lesson in selfless giving.The experience deepened when I heard his family speak. Listening to his spouse share stories of his kindness turned a "medical subject" into a cherished soul. Their strength in honoring his final wish to serve education moved me to tears. I realized that while the mentor teaches us anatomy in silence, his family’s love provides the heartbeat of our medical ethics. I leave this week with a renewed commitment to treat every patient with the same dignity and humanity.
Hor Ye Hong (UM_S2180353)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme was a deeply touching and humbling experience that reminded me of the true meaning of compassion and humanity in medicine. Through the house visit and the time spent preparing gifts and performances, I learned to see our Silent Mentor as a person who lived, loved, and selflessly gave for our learning. Every procedure performed was not just a technical lesson, but a reminder to practise medicine with gratitude, respect, and empathy in my journey to becoming a doctor.
Adam Fikry Bin Ahmad Fazli (UM_U2102235/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Programme is undeniably a long and tiring week however it was worth the time as we were given the opportunity to take care of the Silent Mentor and participate in workshops where we can practice various surgical skills. Other than that, I am glad that my team and I have fulfilled our silent mentor's last wishes in becoming a teacher even at the end of life, benefiting countless doctors.
Wan Xin Yue (UM_S2182636/1)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Program was a deeply meaningful experience that shaped both my professional and personal development as a medical student. Unlike traditional anatomy learning, this program emphasized respect, gratitude, and humanity, reminding me that the body we learned from once belonged to a person who made a selfless decision to contribute to medical education.
Learning about the mentor’s life transformed the dissection process into a responsibility rather than a routine task. Each session reinforced the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and respect for human dignity. This perspective encouraged me to approach anatomy with care and mindfulness, understanding that every structure studied would one day guide safe and effective patient care.
The program also strengthened my empathy and emotional awareness. Confronting death early in my training highlighted the fragility of life and the immense trust patients place in doctors. It reminded me to see patients as individuals, not merely diagnoses or learning opportunities.
The closing ceremony was particularly impactful, as it allowed us to express gratitude to the mentor and their family. Overall, the Silent Mentor Program bridged scientific learning with human values, reinforcing my commitment to practice medicine with compassion, humility, and respect throughout my future career.
Ng Ying Hui (UM_S2178692)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This is really heartfelt. 💙 The meaning is clear and sincere—you just need some polishing for clarity and flow. Here’s a refined version that keeps your voice and emotions, but reads smoother and more formal (suitable for a reflection, report, or submission):
The Silent Mentor Programme has left a far deeper impact on me than I initially expected. Previously, when I heard seniors sharing their experiences, it felt like just another teaching programme. However, my perspective completely changed after I personally joined it.
Every session throughout the programme taught me so much—not only in the medical field, but also in terms of humanity, empathy, and respect for life. Even though I never met my silent mentor when they were alive, I somehow feel a deep connection to them, as if I had known them before.
Through the home visit session, we were able to learn more about our silent mentor and truly appreciate them as a human being. This allowed us to treat them with dignity and respect throughout the entire programme.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the silent mentor and their family for their selfless contribution. By donating their body for medical education, they have made a priceless contribution to the future of the medical field and to the growth of future doctors.
Nadiatul Azreen (UM_U2101103/2)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The silent mentor program is truly a gem of experience. I'm deeply grateful for its existence in UMMP. At first, I thought it was just an opportunity to learn medicine on a real human body, but going through all the processes and handling each mentor with care as though they are still alive, I also learned to embrace and appreciate the value of humanity as witnessing the sincerity of the mentors and the families to sacrifice their body for the sake of medical education really touched me.
Fareez Izywan (UM_U2101376)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Joining the silent mentor workshop has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in medical school. It has been an undeniably humbling and fruitful experience, especially going for the home visit where I got to know our silent mentor on a much more personal level. I was in awe of and inspired by her discipline and lifelong dedication to education, which she upheld until her very final moment - so that future doctors could hone their skills and become safe, compassionate healers.
Besides that, being able to practice hands-on with supervision has given me a unique opportunity to perform clinical procedures that I would otherwise hesitate to attempt in a real-life setting for the first time. Their selfless and thoughtful contribution to medical education is deeply appreciated and words cannot fully express how grateful I am.
Eizzah Hanani Badlishah (UM_S2148841)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
有幸参与无语良师工作坊是我在医学道路上最宝贵的经验之一。从家访,到送别仪式,我们一步步走进无语良师的生平里。在那一星期,我们天天带着敬畏的心,以最温柔的方式清理大体,用最积极的态度学习,只为圆满老师生前的梦——化人间最后一刻为大用。未曾谋面,即使活动已经结束,我仍深深记住每一刻:所学到的医学知识、那份无私的精神和勇气、那种无声却洪亮的爱。老师,谢谢你们!
Koo Jia Yong 邱嘉永 (UM_S2162101)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
无语良师计划,是我自大一以来便期盼已久的重要活动。从志工到参与者,这次身份的转变让我格外珍惜这难得的机会。我很幸运地能遇到一群同样认真负责任的组员。我们从家访、准备工程、启用仪式、工作坊到闭幕仪式,每个环节都齐心协力,用心照顾大体老师,也共同努力学习知识、反复练习学到的技术。透过这次活动,我深深铭记了我这一生中最特别的老师——庄喻兰老师。她一生所秉持的教育理念,已经深深烙印在我心中。在未来的行医道路上,我将尽自己所能,坚守本分,不忘初衷,时刻提醒自己成为一名真正关怀病人的好医生。
Carryn Loh Hui En 罗慧恩 (UM_S2175534)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Participating in the Silent Mentor Program was a deeply humbling experience. I am truly grateful for the chance to be involved in the whole process, from home visiting to know the silent mentor better to the coffin and gratitude ceremony. Knowing that someone chose to donate their body for our learning made me more mindful, respectful, and grateful throughout the sessions. It reminded me that behind every lesson in medicine is a human life, and this experience strengthened my sense of responsibility as a future doctor.
Siah Qi Wen (UM_U2104671)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
这一次的无语良师工作坊 让我受益匪浅 得到了很多学习的机会 让我有信心地去完成许多医学手续尤其是缝合术 相信在未来必定派上用场 学院安排的家访也非常有意义 虽然我和队友们在一天里来回了大体老师的故乡槟城大山脚 我们却对大体老师有了更深一层的了解 此外 我们每一天早上为大体老师净身和默哀 也让我学习到自律和尊重 并珍惜老师为我们的牺牲 我很感恩老师的无私 很感谢老师教会了我们大爱无言 舍己为人。
Teoh Kar Keat 张家吉 (UM_S2162722)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Through the silent mentor workshop for the past 1 week, although I did not meet or know my beloved silent mentor, I still felt a strong relationship between us throughout the whole week. Every morning, even though we have to wake up early in the morning just to do washing, I did not complain as I believe this is our responsibility as a medical student or participants to pay respect to our silent mentor. I am touched and grateful that they are willing to sacrifice themselves to dedicate themselves to the medical field for medical trainees and students to practice. Also, thank you to all the volunteers in the silent mentor programme as they took their time out from their respective hectic schedule. Thank you and I learnt a lot from this programme.
Pan Sin Hong (UM_S2164061)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Attending the Silent Mentor Programme has been a deeply meaningful and transformative experience for me. It was not only an opportunity to enhance my medical knowledge and skills, but also a journey that reshaped my understanding of empathy, gratitude, and the true essence of patient-centered care.
The programme began with a home visit to the silent mentor’s family. Before the visit, I was unsure of what to expect. I felt a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, uncertain about how the family would perceive us and how I should conduct myself in such a personal and sensitive setting. However, the visit allowed me to see the mentor not just as a donor, but as a beloved family member with a life story, relationships, and memories. This experience laid the foundation for my emotional connection to the silent mentor and helped me appreciate the generosity and courage of the family in making such a selfless decision.
The initiation ceremony left an especially strong impression on me. Seeing the family members attend the ceremony was incredibly touching. As I listened to their sharing, I began to understand what the silent mentor meant to them and why they chose to participate in this programme. Their love, respect, and sense of responsibility toward medical education were deeply moving. At the same time, I could not help but feel a profound sadness, knowing that they had lost someone so important to them forever. This mixture of gratitude and sorrow made me reflect deeply on the weight of this gift and the responsibility we carry as future healthcare professionals.
During the workshop sessions, I learned a great deal, both technically and emotionally. Among all the learning experiences, the most interesting and memorable part for me was intubation. Being able to practice this skill in a respectful and guided environment helped me build confidence while constantly reminding me that I was learning from someone who had given their body for our education. This awareness encouraged me to approach every procedure with care, humility, and respect.
The closing ceremony was another meaningful highlight of the programme. I was grateful for the opportunity to present and reflect on my learning journey. Standing there, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and appreciation for having the chance to challenge myself both professionally and emotionally. I was genuinely happy to be part of this programme and sincerely hope to have the opportunity to participate in similar activities again in the future.
Personally, I found the sending-off session to be the most touching moment of all. The way the programme expressed sincere appreciation to the silent mentors’ family members demonstrated deep respect and gratitude. It reminded me that behind every silent mentor is a family who continues to carry love and loss, and whose contribution to medical education should never be taken for granted.
Overall, the Silent Mentor Programme taught me far more than medical knowledge or technical skills. It taught me empathy — to see situations from others’ perspectives, to understand emotions beyond words, and to treat patients as whole human beings rather than merely diseases or clinical cases. This experience will continue to influence the way I think, feel, and act as I move forward in my medical journey.
Ko Chen Feng (UM_S2179388)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I had a very meaningful and enriching experience in the Silent Mentor Programme. Beyond learning medical procedures and anatomical knowledge, this programme taught me values that go beyond medical science. I am deeply thankful to my silent mentors who generously donated their bodies for the education of medical students. Although they were unable to speak, their contribution left a profound impact on my medical journey and shaped my understanding of what it truly means to be a doctor.
Witnessing the families’ final farewell was both heartbreaking and emotionally moving, as it made me reflect on my own loved ones and the fragility of life. At the same time, it taught me that even after death, one can continue to contribute meaningfully to society. This experience reminded me that a meaningful life is defined by selflessness and service to others. The time spent in this programme, though short, will remain a deeply significant part of my life and future medical practice.
Panimaller Balan (UM_S2157142)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
Regarding 44th Silent Mentor and as a participant, everything is well organised for me as the schedule was well planned even though we have exams prior. Thank you very much to the volunteers, especially Mr Sia, for the wonderful experience. I’ve learnt a lot from the silent mentors and I hope I can use all the knowledge for my future ahead.
Ariffin Fazlullah bin Mokhsin (UM_U2101173)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the silent mentor program. I was able to do various procedures and learn about topics that I usually just see in textbooks. I’m eternally thankful to the silent mentors for their selflessness and I hope to repay them by being a safe, humane doctor in the future.
Gordon Chong Xue Zhen (UM_S2173773)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
I feel grateful joining 44th Silent Mentor. It gives me a lot of chance to do procedures which I usually don't get to do. Thanks to the Silent Mentors who are willing to contribute their bodies for this good sake.
Goh Ze Rui (UM_S2163932)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
The Silent Mentor Workshop was a profoundly humbling and transformative experience for me, both as a medical student and as a human being.
Standing beside our Silent Mentor, I was constantly reminded that medicine is not merely about acquiring knowledge or mastering procedures but about empathy, respect and honoring the lives entrusted to us. This experience allowed me to truly reflect on the humanity behind every body, every patient, and every story.
I am deeply thankful for the invaluable opportunities provided throughout the workshop, especially the hands-on experiences such as central venous line insertion, intubation, suturing, chest tube insertion, nasogastric tube insertion and multi department procedures. Learning these skills under the guidance of our mentors, in the presence of our Silent Mentor, gave each procedure a deeper meaning, one rooted in gratitude, responsibility and reverence.
The Silent Mentor has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the laboratory. I leave this workshop with a renewed sense of purpose, humility and commitment to practice medicine with compassion and empathy. I am truly grateful for this experience and will carry the teachings and blessings of our Silent Mentor with me throughout my medical journey and future career.
Thank you to all doctors and silent mentor crews for their dedication and guidance throughout this week.
Nur Fakhriah Izzati binti Mohamad Fauzi (UM_U2100919)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
This week has been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences in my medical journey. As I reflect on the Silent Mentor Workshop, my heart feels full—with warmth, deep emotions, gratitude, and love. It was not merely a learning experience, but a profound human encounter that reminded me of the true essence of medicine.
I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to learn from our team’s silent mentor, Ms. Leong Sui Ngor, as well as the other three silent mentors who selflessly contributed to our learning. Their silent teachings went far beyond anatomy and procedures; they taught us compassion, humility, and respect for the human body and life itself. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the doctors who guided and taught us patiently throughout the workshop. Their dedication and reverence toward the silent mentors set a powerful example of professionalism and humanity.
One of the moments I feel most proud of was being given the opportunity to help clean our silent mentor’s body every morning. This act, though simple, felt deeply meaningful. It was a privilege and an honour to care for our mentor in this way, and it strengthened my sense of responsibility, respect, and gratitude toward those who donate their bodies for medical education.
The entire week, including the coffining ceremony, was incredibly touching and warm. The atmosphere was filled with love and respect, and I found it difficult to hold back my tears. The ceremony was not one of sorrow alone, but of appreciation, remembrance, and deep connection. It reminded me that behind every donor is a life story, a family, and a legacy of kindness.
I was also very grateful for the opportunity to participate in a home site visit to our silent mentor’s house earlier on. Being able to understand her background and see the environment she once lived in made her feel even more real and close to us, not just as a mentor, but as a person who lived a full and meaningful life.
In conclusion, this workshop has left a lasting impact on my heart and my values as a future doctor. It strengthened my motivation to become not only a competent clinician, but also a compassionate and respectful human being. I sincerely hope that in the future, I will still have the opportunity to participate in similar Silent Mentor workshops, to continue learning from these remarkable teachers who speak to us through silence.
Jess Ng Jie Ying (UM_S2173522)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
We devote so much effort to improving how we live, yet rarely pause to consider how we leave. Death may arrive unannounced, but the Silent Mentor Programme offers a way for loss to become a deliberate gift.
I had volunteered to clean up after workshops since my pre-clinical years, but it was only as a participant in the 44th Silent Mentor Workshop that I grasped the true magnitude of a Silent Mentor’s sacrifice. It is a conscious choice to consent to one’s body being kept for months, marked by stitches, as each incision is made in service of learning. When I asked a colleague if they would become a Silent Mentor, they declined, saying they were not that selfless. I understood why. Each morning, as we uncovered our mentor to find loose strands of hair and bodily fluids staining the linen pad, my heart ached. Despite our best efforts to preserve dignity, it was an unlovely sight. And yet, as our fingertips touched the cold skin, a quiet warmth of gratitude took root within us.
Words fall short of expressing my thankfulness for this experience. The Silent Mentor Programme is one of a kind in Malaysia, and a defining hallmark of the University of Malaya. I am deeply grateful to the Silent Mentors themselves; to the Silent Mentor Centre Committee; to the anatomy laboratory staff who arrived before us and left after us each day of the workshop; to Mr. Sia, Ms. Se Woon, our sign language teacher; to the sponsors of our personal protective equipment; to the medical officers who stayed on after long on-call hours to teach; and to the many others working silently behind the scenes. Their collective dedication ensured that the workshop honoured our mentor’s final wishes. I am especially indebted to the families of our Silent Mentors, who deferred their grieving for half a year. Time, after all, does not heal all wounds.
My Silent Mentor, Ms. Leong Sui Ngor, was accompanied by only two family members during the Initiation and Cremation Ceremonies. As I watched other mentors surrounded by loved ones, I wondered how she might feel, looking down upon her own farewell. She may have been single, with fewer photographs and personal stories than the others, yet I take comfort in knowing that our group sent her off with respect, gratitude, and care — properly mourned and deeply honoured. She lived a beautiful life, and in giving herself to our learning, departed with meaning.
There truly is no better way to die.
Lois Low Xin Ning (UM_22005379)
44th Silent Mentor Workshop • 06-11 Jan 2026
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