Honoured by Royalty: Prof. Mike Chan Makes Historic Visit to Perlis

KANGAR, Perlis — 8 August 2025: In a landmark visit that symbolises the growing intersection between biomedical innovation and royal humanitarian causes, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan, world-renowned scientist and founder of European Wellness Biomedical Group, paid an official visit to the state of Perlis. His itinerary included a highly anticipated audience with His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Raja of Perlis and Malaysia’s 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (2001–2006), alongside other senior royals of the Perlis royal family.

The high-level visit aimed at fostering national collaboration in neurodevelopmental healthcare.

Accompanied by Dato’ Nelson Fernandez, Executive Chairman of FMT Media and Dato’ Guna Mahalingam, Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Zurich, Prof. Chan’s day was filled with strategic engagements with educational, religious, and royal stakeholders — all underscoring his ongoing efforts to expand Malaysia’s neurodevelopmental health initiatives.

A Royal Welcome at the Heart of Knowledge

The day began at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), where Prof. Chan and delegation were received at the Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Library, home to the A-HEART Autism Centre — a key initiative spearheaded by the Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation (YTSP). They were given a walking tour led by Head Librarian Mdm Mazmim Mat Akhir, showcasing the centre’s inclusive educational resources and rehabilitation tools for children with autism and neurodivergent needs.

As a staunch advocate for integrative medicine and precision healthcare, Prof. Chan’s visit to A-HEART further solidified his alignment with HRH Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, the Crown Prince of Perlis, who chairs YTSP and has played a pivotal role in raising RM6 million to build the state’s first full-fledged autism centre.

Community Conversations: Education and Compassion

Later that morning, the delegation visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Panggau in Kangar, where they were welcomed by Mr. Rose Aza Che Ariffin, Director of the Perlis Education Department. Discussions involved Haji Mohd Nazim Haji Mohd Noor, CEO of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs), focusing on neurodevelopmental education and inclusivity across all schooling levels.

Royal Encounters and Shared Visions

One of the most meaningful moments came in the afternoon, as Prof. Chan was invited to a royal audience with Her Royal Highness Tuanku Raja Puan Muda of Perlis at Rumah Santosa in Bintong. The two engaged in thoughtful dialogue on future collaborations for child wellness, particularly in underserved regions. This was followed by a private luncheon at Kuali Hangat Restaurant in Kangar, attended by HRH Tuanku Raja Puan Muda, reflecting the warmth and hospitality extended by the royal household.

Later in the day, the delegation visited the Royal Colourful Village Transformation Project in Kampung Seberang Ramai, Kuala Perlis. There, they witnessed first-hand the successful rejuvenation of a traditional fishing village into a vibrant community space — a legacy project supported by the royal family to uplift rural livelihoods through culture, tourism, and sustainability.

A Legacy in the Making

Prof. Mike Chan’s visit to Perlis concluded with a heartfelt private dinner hosted by HRH Crown Prince at Hai Thien Restaurant in Kuala Perlis, a gesture of gratitude for the shared mission to uplift children with special needs.

With the foundation of the National Neurodevelopmental Health Foundation set to be launched later this year, and the Autism Health Summit Malaysia 2025 on Nov 28, 2025, Prof. Chan’s royal visit to Perlis may very well be remembered as a turning point in bridging medicine, monarchy, and mission-driven science.