Meet Dr Hiew, A Medical Officer at Sunway Medical Centre
15 January 2025
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Dr Hiew Zhen Xiang’s story is one of love, loss, and determination. As one of the leading ICU doctors at Sunway Medical Centre, his journey has been shaped by personal challenges and a strong desire to help others.
Becoming a Medical Doctor at Sunway Medical Centre
Growing up, he shared an unbreakable bond with his grandmother, who was more than just a caregiver–she was his source of comfort, his biggest supporter.
With both his parents working long hours to support their family of six, his grandmother stepped in to raise him and his siblings. Her love and wisdom shaped his childhood in ways words can hardly express. “I was very close to my grandma,” he recalls.
However, when he was in Form Five, the unthinkable happened. His grandmother, the woman who had been his constant, fell gravely ill with a lung infection. Despite all the medical care she received, she passed away. The loss was overwhelming, and the pain of her absence left a void in his heart.
“Losing her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through,” he shares. “It made me realise how fragile life is and how much I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others who are going through similar situations. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to become a doctor, to help people heal, to bring comfort in their darkest moments, just as my grandmother had done for me.”
Life Beyond Being a Doctor in Malaysia
Outside of his busy career in the intensive care unit, Dr Hiew has found ways to stay active and healthy. In 2024, his wife encouraged him to start jogging and cycling, which quickly became a regular routine for them. With regular exercise and healthier eating, he lost 10kg in just one year. “It’s been a journey of discipline and support,” he says.
When asked about his routine, Dr Hiew shares, “I usually jog for 30 minutes to an hour with my wife at the field behind our house. It’s a nice way to spend time together and stay active,” He’s also been hitting the gym more often since joining Anytime Fitness. “It’s not always easy after a long day in the hospital, but it’s definitely worth it,” he admits.
After shifts, you can often find him in the pickleball court with his friends. “Pickleball is the in thing right now and it’s not as intense. So a bunch of us switched from playing badminton to pickleball,” he explains.
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Staying active is important, but losing 10kg in a year also requires dietary changes, and Dr Hiew is a huge advocate for that. “I used to love cham, it was my favourite drink, but since I’m on my healthy journey, I’ve had to commit to changes,” he says. These days, black coffee has become his go-to. “It’s a small adjustment, but I feel so much better for it.”
Dr Hiew also enjoys reading. He likes medical books to improve his knowledge but also loves comics like Slam Dunk and Doraemon. “Reading helps me see things from different perspectives,” he explains.
Music is another important part of his life. He and his wife share a love for IU, the Korean pop-sensation. Their favourite song of hers? Blueming. They often unwind by listening to her music, and last year, he had the joy of taking her to IU’s concert here in KL, a dream come true for her.
Looking Ahead to 2025 Working in the Critical Care Unit
This year, Dr Hiew has set a personal goal to overcome his fear of swimming, a fear that started from a near-drowning incident during his childhood. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but I never found the time or courage,” he says. With his wife’s support, he’s determined to push past this obstacle.
“I’m also planning to bring my wife to Australia this year,” he shares. “We both love traveling. Last year, I had the privilege of being invited to present a case in Seoul. I extended the trip so my wife and I could spend some time exploring the city together.”
He adds that he enjoys nature and often seeks out beaches or non-urban areas when he travels. “I grew up in the city, so I prefer a slower pace of life when I’m on vacation.”
Advice for Future Doctors
For anyone thinking about becoming a doctor, Dr Hiew has some advice: “Being a doctor is rewarding, but it’s not easy. It takes time, effort, and sacrifices.”
However, he believes the hard work is worth it. “You get to make a real difference in people’s lives. Stay determined, and you can achieve your dreams. Good luck and all the best!”
Thank you, Dr Hiew, for all you do at Sunway Medical Centre’s Intensive Care Unit.
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