Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Yahya Awang

Tan Sri Dato' Dr Yahya Awang has performed over 5,000 open-heart surgeries, yet his greatest achievement remains entrusting him with the heart of Malaysia's most formidable leader—twice. At 75, the cardiothoracic surgeon who performed coronary artery bypasses on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1989 and 2007 transformed a nation where cardiac patients faced grim prospects into one boasting world-class care that attracts international patients and trains surgeons across the region.

Born in Singapore, Yahya graduated from Monash University in 1974 before pursuing specialist training at London's Brompton Hospital, earning Fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons. Returning to Hospital Kuala Lumpur, he and his team performed over 1,000 surgeries under conditions where most cardiac patients couldn't access care. This inequality catalysed his vision for Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), established in 1992 with Dr Mahathir's support as Malaysia's first dedicated cardiac hospital.​

As medical director, Yahya performed Malaysia's first successful heart transplant in 1997, building IJN into Southeast Asia's leading cardiac centre with outcomes rivalling elite Western institutions. The IJN Foundation, which he championed, removes financial barriers by subsidising treatment for those who cannot afford care. Beyond infrastructure, he trained over 50 cardiac surgeons who collectively transformed Malaysia's landscape from three cardiac surgeons in 1984 to 57 today.​

Yahya is set to launch his memoirs Heart to Heart with Tun Mahathir as guest of honour—a fitting tribute to the surgeon who literally kept the nation's most powerful heart beating. His legacy endures through the Malaysian Cardiac Surgical Society, which ensures quality standards nationwide, and his continued service as pro-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.​