Noor Hisham Abdullah

Born as Yew Ming Seong (姚明祥) on 21 April 1963 in Sepang, Selangor to a poor Chinese family of Fuzhounese descent,{{cite web|url=https://myc.com.my/articles/view/2074|title=Did You Know about the Life of: Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.|website=Malaysian Youth Community (MYC)|date=21 April 2020|access-date=29 April 2020|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805060552/https://myc.com.my/articles/view/2074|url-status=dead}} and is the second child out of three children. He spent his childhood in a kampung at Sungai Pelek.{{cite web|url=https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2243551.html|title=生于雪邦华裔家庭 · 诺希山从小立志当医生 |trans-title=Born in a Chinese family, Noor Hisham wishes to become a doctor since early childhood|website=Sin Chew Daily|date=29 March 2020|access-date=21 April 2020|language=zh}} He was raised by his single mother after his parents separated since birth and had lived in the off Jalan Loke Yew's San Peng Flats, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.{{cite web|url=http://mbsskl.edu.my/ouroldboys/2019/04/23/datuk-dr-noor-hisham-bin-abdullah/|title=Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Bin Abdullah - Our Boy Is Now A Globally Recognised Breast Endocrine Surgeon!|author=Gan Swit Peng|work=Catching Up With Our Old Boys|publisher=Methodist Boys' Secondary School Kuala Lumpur|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427061932/http://mbsskl.edu.my/ouroldboys/2019/04/23/datuk-dr-noor-hisham-bin-abdullah/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://malaysiagazette.com/en/2020/04/21/humble-man-noor-hisham/|title=A humble man, that's Noor Hisham|publisher=Malaysia Gazette|date=21 April 2020|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613060511/https://malaysiagazette.com/en/2020/04/21/humble-man-noor-hisham/|url-status=dead}} He attended the Methodist Boys' School, Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Davidson.{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2020/08/613338/reluctant-hero-candid-conversation-health-director-general|title=The reluctant hero: A candid conversation with Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah|author=Elena Koshy |publisher=New Straits Times|date=2 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}}

Due to his family's poverty, Yew was adopted by an Ustaz who was the principal of the Kolej Islam Klang (KIK) where he continued his upper secondary studies. He wanted to go into islamic studies in upper secondary school, but was convinced by the principal to pursue science due to his grades. He continued his pre-university education at Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah (SAS), Cheras.{{cite web|url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/77386/PROFIL-DI-SEBALIK-BERITA/Manusia-paling-popular-di-Malaysia|title=Manusia paling popular di Malaysia|trans-title=The most popular man in Malaysia|first=Nurul Riduan|last=Nor Ashaha|website=Sinar Harian|date=5 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020|language=ms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115748/https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/77386/PROFIL-DI-SEBALIK-BERITA/Manusia-paling-popular-di-Malaysia|archive-date=6 April 2020}} Later he married his adoptive father's daughter.

He obtained his primary medical degree in 1988, and Master in Surgery in 1994, both from National University of Malaysia (UKM).{{Cite web|url=https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/|title=Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah – DNDi|date=11 November 2013 |website=www.dndi.org|language=en-GB|access-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115710/https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/|archive-date=6 April 2020}} He went on to sub-specialise in breast and endocrine surgery through fellowship training in various universities in Adelaide and Sydney, Australia.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/18/dr-noor-hisham---the-man-of-the-hour|title=Dr Noor Hisham – the man of the hour|work=The Star|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020}}

Hisham Abdullah started his medical career as a houseman at the Kuala Lumpur University Hospital in 1988, and later in the Accident and Emergency Department in 1989.

Upon receiving Master of Surgery, he was appointed as a general surgeon in Kuala Terengganu Hospital in 1994. After three years as a general surgeon, Hisham went on endocrinology fellowship training at various institutes in Australia.

Once returning from his fellowship in Australia, Hisham Abdullah was appointed as the head of the Breast and Endocrine Surgery Unit at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital in 1999. Three years later, in 2002, he took on the role of Head and Senior Consultant of Breast and Endocrine Surgery at Putrajaya Hospital, a position that he held until his retirement. Noor Hisham Abdullah was also the royal physician to the King of Malaysia during his clinical years.

As one of the pioneer in breast and endocrine surgery in Malaysia, Hisham Abdullah led the development of the service in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Through his leadership, an Endocrine Institute was built in Putrajaya Hospital. The new complex was officiated by then Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin in April 2022.{{Cite news |last=Mat Ruzki |first=Rafidah |date=April 22, 2022 |title=Institut Endokrin Fasiliti Terbaharu KKM |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2022/04/948548/institut-endokrin-fasiliti-terbaharu-kkm}}

He is an expert in performing thyroidectomy under local anaesthesia, and incorporated acupuncture-assisted anaesthesia (AAA) in his technique. Hisham performed the first thyroidectomy with AAA at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ipoh with fellow consultant surgeon, Dr Yang Yang Wai, and Head of Anaesthesia Department, Dr Kavita M. Bhojwani in August 2015.{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20150828/281659663796106 |access-date=2024-08-06 |via=PressReader}}

Hisham Abdullah has published in local and international journals, with a chapter entitled “Multinodular Goiter” in the Textbook of Endocrine Surgery, 2009 (Hubbard and C Y Lo, New York), and a chapter entitled “External Laryngeal Nerve” in the Textbook of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery 2010 (Randolph G). He has been on the editorial review board for several journals such as the Asian Journal of Surgery, Malaysian Medical Journal, and World Journal of Surgery.{{Cite web |title=Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) |url=https://www.acadmed.org.my/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=3&action=view&retrieveid=37 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=www.acadmed.org.my}}

Hisham had several special appointments such as the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons foundation visitor in Hong Kong in 2008 and Goatcher Surgeon in Residence for the Royal Perth Hospital in 2013.{{Cite web |title=Ini Permintaan Dr Noor Hisham Sempena Ulang Tahun Kelahirannya Ke-57 Hari Ini |url=https://era.syok.my/interaktif/trending/ulang-tahun-kelahiran-kp-kesihatan-malaysia |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=era.syok.my}}{{Cite web| title=Dymm yang di-pertuan besar negeri sembilan darul khusus | language=ms | trans-title=Dymm, the Di-Pertuan Besar of the Nine Darul Negri, is special | url=https://www.ns.gov.my/images/contents/ydpn9/Buku-Penerima-Pingat-2021.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227154549/https://www.ns.gov.my/images/contents/ydpn9/Buku-Penerima-Pingat-2021.pdf | archive-date=2021-02-27}}

For his work in advancing technique in difficult and complex endocrine surgery, Hisham was frequently invited to present at the international surgical conferences.{{Cite web |last=Othman |first=Zaharah |date=2018-02-03 |title=Health DG awarded prestigious Royal College Surgeons fellowship {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/02/331435/health-dg-awarded-prestigious-royal-college-surgeons-fellowship |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=NST Online |language=en}} The most notable lecture was given at the 48th World Congress of Surgery in Krakow, Poland when he delivered the Martin Allgöwer opening lecture in 2019,{{Cite web |title=Health director-general recognised for lecture on thyroid surgery |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/09/25/health-director-general-recognised-for-lecture-on-thyroid-surgery |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The Star |date=25 September 2019 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Health DG delivers prestigious lecture in Poland |url=https://thesun.my/local-news/health-dg-delivers-prestigious-lecture-in-poland-IC1253813 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=thesun.my |language=en-MY}} and the British Journal of Surgery Lecture, entitled “Investigation and Management of Retrosternal Goitre” in the 2010 Annual Meeting of the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS) in Birmingham.

In the recognition of his service to the breast and endocrine surgery, Hisham Abdullah was elected chair of the Global Surgery Committee of the International Society of Surgery (ISS) in 2017. Hisham was also elected as the President of the Asian Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AsianAES).{{Cite web |title=AsianAES: About Us |url=http://www.asianaes.org/about.html |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=www.asianaes.org}}

Hisham Abdullah received the Excellence Service Award in 2000 and 2004 for the recognition of his service in Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) and Putrajaya Hospital respectively.{{cite news |title=5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About National Hero Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah |url=https://says.com/my/news/here-are-things-you-didn-t-know-about-malaysia-s-hero-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah|author=Arisha Rozaidee|publisher=Says.com |date=|access-date=8 March 2021}} For his contributions in improving the nation’s health through various reforms and innovations coupled with the advancement of endocrine surgery, surgical training and research in Malaysia, Hisham was awarded the Fellowship Ad Hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in February 2018.{{Cite web |title=Fellowship Ad Hominem {{!}} RCSEd |url=https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/membership-information/member-search/fellowship-ad-hominem#panel1 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=www.rcsed.ac.uk}} Three years later, he was awarded an international medal by the RCSEd to recognise his contribution for the surgery in Malaysia.{{Cite web |last=Othman |first=Zaharah |date=2022-09-24 |title=Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh honours health D-G for contributions to surgery {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/833985/royal-college-surgeons-edinburgh-honours-health-d-g-contributions-surgery |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=NST Online |language=en}}

Hisham Abdullah was the Deputy Director-General of Health (Medical) for five years from February 2008 before being promoted as the Director-General of Health in March 2013.{{cite news|date=5 April 2020|title=Who is Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the man now lauded as a "national hero"|website=Cilisos.my|url=https://cilisos.my/who-is-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah-the-man-now-lauded-as-a-national-hero/|access-date=6 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406121139/https://cilisos.my/who-is-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah-the-man-now-lauded-as-a-national-hero/|archive-date=6 April 2020}} He is one of the youngest Director-General of Health ever appointed by the Ministry of Health.

Hisham Abdullah was the Director-General of Health in charge during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. In the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) formed by the Ministry of Health, the Director-General of Health chairs the Executive Committee for Disaster Management, which forms the central decision-making committee related to technical issues, with subsequent flow of command to a national technical committee, the National CPRC, and operations rooms at state as well as district levels.{{Cite web| title=Knowledge Generation and Exchange Related to Preparedness and Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak | url=https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/87b5ed4c9067a8838e783c9ad68a4829-0070012023/original/Malaysia-case-study.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204040600/https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/87b5ed4c9067a8838e783c9ad68a4829-0070012023/original/Malaysia-case-study.pdf | archive-date=2023-12-04}} Hisham Abdullah was acknowledged for his role as a competent leader; effective manager, and diligent personnel in tackling the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite journal |last1=Aznan |first1=Shuhardi TR |last2=Mohd Noor |first2=Arba’iyah |last3=Nordin |first3=Mardiana |last4=Abdul Rahman |first4=Aris |date=2024-03-18 |title=COVID-19: A Historic Tribute to the Frontliners and Its Impact on Malaysia's Political Security and Communication Strategy |url=http://www.ijepc.com/PDF/IJEPC-2024-53-03-28.pdf |journal=International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling |volume=9 |issue=53 |pages=358–376 |doi=10.35631/IJEPC.953028}}

Following the 2020 Malaysian political crisis, Hisham Abdullah stepped into COVID-19 press briefing during the political power vacuum period. In order to provide a clear risk communication and cultivate confidence from the nation during global health crisis,{{Cite book |last=Rahman |first=Serina |date=January 2022 |title=Communicating COVID-19 Effectively in Malaysia: Challenges and Recommendations |url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TRS3_22.pdf |publisher=ISEAS Publishing |isbn=9789815011326}} the cabinet agreed that Hisham should continue the national COVID-19 daily press briefing despite the appointment of the new Health Minister, Dr. Adham Baba, who was widely criticised when he falsely claimed that drinking warm water can protect from COVID-19.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-21 |title=Health minister gets roasted for misinformation over warm water tip |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/515839 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Malaysiakini}}{{Cite news |last=Teoh|first=Shannon |date=2020-03-31 |title=A shining light emerges in Malaysia in the man commanding its war on the Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/a-shining-light-emerges-in-malaysia-in-the-man-commanding-its-war-on-the-covid-19 |access-date=2024-08-05 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

Hisham's daily COVID-19 briefings were praised for his calm and clarity during the global health crisis.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-17 |title=Klareco Communications: Insights on Malaysia's tragedy of power politics |url=https://www.klarecocomms.com/covid-19-a-test-to-leadership/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=H/Advisors Klareco |language=en-US}} He was acknowledged for effective crisis communication which has reassured most Malaysians by delivering facts since the beginning of the Movement Control Order (MCO).{{Cite web| title=Covid-19 pandemic: Leadership skills fit for the future | url=https://jossr.com/PDF/JOSSR-2021-10-03-02.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506090134/http://www.jossr.com/PDF/JOSSR-2021-10-03-02.pdf | archive-date=2021-05-06}}{{Cite web |date=2020-05-20 |title='Quarantime' COVID-19 |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/thoughts/news.php?id=1843393 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Bernama |language=en}} Daily press conference at 1700 hours followed by press dialogues clearly enhanced the chain of information from the Ministry of Health to the nation. Through this regular press conference, the Malaysian government was able to deploy a consistent risk communication approach, with Hisham Abdullah emerged as a familiar, apolitical leader in the midst of political calamity, representing united health system frontline health care workers and a trusted conveyor of new data and evidence.{{Cite journal |last1=Amul |first1=Gianna Gayle |last2=Ang |first2=Michael |last3=Kraybill |first3=Diya |last4=Ong |first4=Suan Ee |last5=Yoong |first5=Joanne |date=January 2022 |title=Responses to COVID -19 in Southeast Asia: Diverse Paths and Ongoing Challenges |journal=Asian Economic Policy Review |language=en |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=90–110 |doi=10.1111/aepr.12362 |issn=1832-8105 |pmc=8441835}}

On 6 April 2020, Hisham Abdullah announced that Malaysia had started the worldwide Solidarity Trial by the WHO to collect reliable data and compare the safety and effectiveness of four COVID-19 treatment protocols using different combinations of Remdesivir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Interferon beta, Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. {{Cite web |title=Malaysia starts global "Solidarity Trial" - a research effort to test possible treatments for COVID-19 |url=https://www.who.int/malaysia/news/detail/05-04-2020-malaysia-starts-global-solidarity-trial---a-research-effort-to-test-possible-treatments-for-covid-19 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}

In the same month of April 2020, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) announced that Hisham had joined the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition to accelerate research into the pandemic in often neglected resource-poor settings.{{cite news|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/health-dg-dr-noor-hisham-joins-global-scientists-to-fight-covid-19-YI2208166|title=Health DG DR Noor Hisham joins global scientists to fight Covid-19|publisher=Bernama|work=The Sun|date=3 April 2020|access-date=20 April 2021}}{{cite web|url= http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/noor-hisham-terpilih-sertai-saintis-dunia-lakukan-kajian-perangi-covid-19-236642?amp=1 |title=Noor Hisham terpilih sertai saintis dunia lakukan kajian perangi COVID-19|trans-title=Noor Hisham chosen to join scientists on researches to combat COVID-19|website=Astro Awani|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020|language=ms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115856/http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/noor-hisham-terpilih-sertai-saintis-dunia-lakukan-kajian-perangi-covid-19-236642?amp=1|archive-date=6 April 2020}}

The China Global TV Network (CGTN), had recognised Dr. Noor Hisham as among the “top doctors” of the world alongside America's Dr. Anthony Fauci and New Zealand's Dr. Ashley Bloomfield for the handling of COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/15/china039s-cgtn-names-dr-noor-hisham-one-of-world039s-top-doctors|title=China's CGTN names Dr Noor Hisham one of world's top doctors|work=The Star|date=15 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513045735/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/15/china039s-cgtn-names-dr-noor-hisham-one-of-world039s-top-doctors|archive-date=13 May 2020}} He also was named again among the COVID-19 heroic trio by Singaporean news outlet, The Independent.{{cite news|url=https://theindependent.sg/drs-noor-hisham-bloomfield-and-fauci-covids-heroic-trio/|title=Drs Noor Hisham, Bloomfield and Fauci, COVID's heroic trio|author=Tan Bah Bah|work=The Independent|date=25 October 2020|access-date=26 October 2020}}

Malaysia as a developing country is often caught in a middle-income nation trap where some drugs are patented and access to new drugs is impossible due to exorbitant price despite the availability of generic drugs elsewhere. With the assistance of Third World Network (TWN), Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), and Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Hisham provided a leadership and direction to improve access and equity for the Hepatitis C treatment in Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia's compulsory license for sofosbuvir is a positive step for public health and innovation |url=https://www.msfaccess.org/malaysias-compulsory-license-sofosbuvir-positive-step-public-health-and-innovation|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2021-09-09 |title=Malaysia in the Middle: Tackling Hep C in an Unfair World |url=https://themedicinemaker.com/discovery-development/malaysia-in-the-middle-tackling-hep-c-in-an-unfair-world |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=The Medicine Maker |language=en}}

In 2017, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia initiated a negotiation with Gilead Sciences Inc for the voluntary license of a miracle drug for Hepatitis C, Sofosbuvir. Despite multiple efforts, negotiation broke down and forced Malaysia to issue compulsory license in an effort to increase accessibility of the drug which was previously priced at €43,000 for one person’s 12-week treatment of sofosbuvir.{{Cite web |title=MSF and groups call for end to Gilead's hepatitis C drug monopoly in Europe which blocks access {{!}} MSF |url=https://www.msf.org/msf-and-groups-call-end-gilead%E2%80%99s-hepatitis-c-drug-monopoly-europe-which-blocks-access |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.msf.org |language=en}} Due to the exorbitant price, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia then decided to trigger Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health (Doha Declaration) in 2001 by member nations of the World Trade Organisation, in order to bring down the cost of the treatment to USD300 per course thus sparking hostile legal backlash from Gilead Sciences Inc and the United States.

In response to Malaysia's action, Gilead then announced on Twitter that it had included Malaysia in the voluntary license for its wonder drug Sofosbuvir.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-24 |title=Malaysia Inclusion In Gilead Voluntary Licence – A Product Of Compulsory Licence Pressure - Health Policy Watch |url=https://healthpolicy-watch.news/malaysia-inclusion-gilead-voluntary-licence-product-compulsory-licence-pressure/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |language=en-US}} Hisham faced gruelling cross-examinations by the patent lawyers and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) committee in Geneva to defend the country's decision to issue a compulsory license for Sofosbuvir.

In his leadership as the Director-General of Health, Malaysia also started a new drug trial for Hepatitis C treatment with DNDi.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-17 |title=The story of a 'political drug' against hepatitis C {{!}} DNDi |url=https://dndi.org/viewpoints/2021/the-story-of-a-political-drug-against-hepatitis-c/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=dndi.org |language=en-GB}} This then lead to the improvement in the treatment of Hepatitis C with much greater success cure rate with the introduction of Ravisdavir. It is the first drug produced through south-south collaboration to improve access and equity for the treatment of Hepatitis C. In August 2023, World Health Organisation (WHO) included Ravidasvir in the list of essential medicine (EML).{{Cite web |last=Choudhury |first=Rittika |title=WHO recognises a Malaysian-developed hepatitis C medication as necessary drug |url=https://thesun.my/style-life/going-viral/who-recognises-a-malaysian-developed-hepatitis-c-medication-as-necessary-drug-IA11335904 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=thesun.my |language=en-MY}}

Through the Ministry of Health team, Hisham led Malaysia and WHO Western Pacific Region to develop the Action framework for Safe and Affordable Surgery in the WHO Western Pacific Region (2021-2030).{{Cite web |title=Action framework for safe and affordable surgery in the Western Pacific Region (2021-2030) |url=https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290619345 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}

In Malaysia, 94% of the population have access to basic surgery. Yet, this figure masks important differences within the country, with two million people in East Malaysia without access to timely surgery and waiting times for elective surgery more than six months. Hence, through the Global Surgery Initiative, Malaysia strategically targeting these and other areas of need based on an analysis of waiting times, geographical distribution of surgical facilities by level and other performance indicators.{{Cite journal |title=Action Framework on Safe and Affordable Surgery in Western Pacific Region |url=https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/340914/9789290619345-eng.pdf?sequence=1 |journal=Action Framework on Safe and Affordable Surgery in Western Pacific Region}}

As a breast and endocrine surgeon, Hisham regularly participated in teaching and training the difficult thyroidectomy procedure, most notably in Malaysia Field Hospital in Cox's Bazaar.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-05 |title=M'sian-sponsored field hospital in Bangladesh to open this year |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/400838 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Malaysiakini}}

Through this global surgery initiative, the Ministry of Health developed smart partnership with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and built the MAIWP Cataract Surgery Centre in Selayang that offers free cataract surgery for underprivileged patients as compared to RM3,000 in private hospital or eye clinic.{{Cite web |title=PM Najib visits MAIWP's Cataract Surgery Centre |url=https://thesun.my/archive/pm-najib-visits-maiwps-cataract-surgery-centre-NUARCH527183 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=thesun.my |language=en-MY}}{{Cite web |title=RM3mil grant for cataract centre |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/02/20/rm3mil-grant-for-cataract-centre-pm-impressed-with-quality-and-reasonably-priced-services |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=The Star |date=20 February 2018 |language=en}} Additionally, Hisham led the Ministry of Health to develop Klinik Katarak KKM to eliminate preventable blindness by delivering high-quality cataract surgery to underserved populations in Borneo.{{Cite journal |last=Mengji |first=Chen |date=2023 |title=Bringing high-impact, good-quality and low-cost eye care closer to home: a case study of Klinik Katarak-Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. |url=https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373377/9789290620303-eng.pdf |journal=Iris Who}}

To ensure good surgical outcome when delivering these services, the Ministry of Health partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) via E-Cusum initiative that managed to reduce post-cataract surgery complication to less than 0.2% in 2017. By contrast, up to 36% patient were unable to see 6/60 and 1.5% developed blindness following cataract surgery in certain countries.{{Cite web |title=Western Pacific Cataract Surgery Outcomes Meeting |url=https://www.iapb.org/news/western-pacific-cataract-surgery-outcomes-meeting/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness |language=en-GB}}

In expanding global surgery initiative, the WHO Executive Board (EB152/3) recommend that the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on “Integrated emergency, critical and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies” in April 2023. The emergency, critical and operative care services are an integral part of a comprehensive primary health-care approach and are essential to meet people’s health needs.{{Cite journal |last1=Tadesse |first1=Lia |last2=Hisham Abdullah |first2=Noor |last3=Ibrahim Awadalla |first3=Heitham Mohamed |last4=D’Amours |first4=Scott |last5=Davies |first5=Ffion |last6=Kissoon |first6=Niranjan |last7=Morriss |first7=Wayne |last8=Onajin-Obembe |first8=Bisola |last9=Reynolds |first9=Teri |date=2023-04-01 |title=A global mandate to strengthen emergency, critical and operative care |journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization |volume=101 |issue=4 |pages=231–231A |doi=10.2471/BLT.23.289916 |pmc=10042088 |pmid=37008261}}

Alongside the Health Minister, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Hisham Abdullah was appointed as the Executive Board Member representing the Western Pacific Region. Together, they drove the advocation for equity and access of healthcare service to all, without any discrimination.{{Cite web |title=Working together to ensure a future with Health For All |url=https://www.who.int/malaysia/news/detail/08-04-2023-working-together-to-ensure-a-future-with-health-for-all |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}

On 4 July 2020, Hisham was awarded the '2019 Most Notable Alumni' by his alma mater UKM's Medical Faculty.{{cite news |date=4 July 2020 |title=Dr Noor Hisham awarded UKM Medical Faculty 2019 Most Notable Alumni |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-ukm-medical-faculty-2019-most-notable-alumni-LY2670805#pk_campaign=MASwpn&pk_kwd=Dr+Noor+Hisham+awarded+UKM+Medical+Faculty+2019+Most+Notable+Alumni |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704035339/https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-ukm-medical-faculty-2019-most-notable-alumni-LY2670805 |archive-date=4 July 2020 |access-date=4 July 2020 |work=The Sun Daily}}

On 18 March 2021, a year since the first COVID-19 pandemic Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed, Hisham received the Ibn Khaldun Merit Award of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) from its chancellor Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.{{cite news |date=18 March 2021 |title=Dr Noor Hisham receives 'Ibn Khaldun Merit Award' on behalf of frontliners |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/03/18/dr-noor-hisham-receives-ibn-khaldun-merit-award-on-behalf-of-frontliners |access-date=4 April 2021 |work=The Star Online}}{{cite web |author=Danial Yusof |date=24 October 2020 |title=IIUM will present Ibn Khaldun Merit Award to front liners |url=https://www.iium.edu.my/news/iium-will-present-ibn-khaldun-merit-award-to-front-liners |access-date=4 April 2021 |publisher=International Islamic University Malaysia}}

Hisham Abdullah received the International Surgical Fellowship Award from the International Society of Surgery (ISS) during the 'Virtual Surgical Week' (VSW 2021) held from 30 August to 3 September.{{cite news |date=2 September 2021 |title=Dr Noor Hisham receives international surgical fellowship award |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/02/dr-noor-hisham-receives-international-surgical-fellowship-award |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Star Online}}

In 2021, Hisham was awarded an International Medal by the RCSEd to recognise his contribution for the surgery in Malaysia.

On 19 August, he was named as the recipient of the national level Maal Hijrah Figure Award 2020AD/1442AH.{{cite news|url= https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/08/19/dr-noor-hisham-named-national-2020-maal-hijrah-figure/1895411|title=Dr Noor Hisham named national 2020 Maal Hijrah figure|publisher=Malay Mail|date=19 August 2020|access-date=20 August 2020}} Hisham received the Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest honour given by them to individuals who have contributed to good causes, from the club Kuala Lumpur Chapter on 13 September.{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/13/health-dg-made-rotary-clubs-paul-harris-fellow/1902727|title=Health DG made Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellow|publisher=Malay Mail|date=13 September 2020|access-date=20 September 2020}}

On 17 July, he received the BrandLaureate Award 2020 for Outstanding Brand Leadership along with the 'Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation' for Ministry of Health by the World Brand Foundation.{{cite news |author=Hana Naz Harun |date=17 July 2020 |title=Dr Noor Hisham receives Outstanding Brand Leadership Award |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/609459/dr-noor-hisham-receives-outstanding-brand-leadership-award |access-date=18 July 2020 |publisher=New Straits Times}}{{cite news |author=Noor Atiqah Sulaiman |date=17 July 2020 |title=Dr Noor Hisham, KKM terima Anugerah BrandLaureate |trans-title=Dr Noor Hisham, KKM received the BrandLaureate Award |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/07/711942/dr-noor-hisham-kkm-terima-anugerah-brandlaureate |access-date=18 July 2020 |publisher=Berita Harian |language=ms}} On 18 December, women's magazine Nona honoured him with a special Nona Frontliner Award during the Nona Superwoman Award 2020 presentation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/malam-gala-nona-superwoman-2020-raikan-kejayaan-wanita-pencetus-inspirasi/|title=NONA SUPERWOMAN 2020 Raikan Kejayaan Wanita Pencetus Inspirasi|date=21 December 2020|website=Nona|author=Rosmah Idayu|language=ms|access-date=4 April 2021}} On 20 December, he was presented a special award during the Anugerah MeleTOP Era 2020 (AME 2020) jointly hosted by Astro's both MeleTOP television entertainment programme and ERA radio station.{{cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dr-noor-hisham-terima-anugerah-khas-ame-2020-274046|title=Dr Noor Hisham terima anugerah khas AME 2020|trans-title=Dr Noor Hisham receive special award AME 2020|website=Astro Awani|date=20 December 2020|language=ms|access-date=20 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/video-hiburan/tan-sri-noor-hisham-terima-anugerah-khas-ame-2020-1882460|title=Tan Sri Noor Hisham terima Anugerah Khas AME 2020|trans-title=Tan Sri Noor Hisham receive Special Award AME 2020|website=Astro Awani|date=21 December 2020 |language=ms|access-date=20 April 2021}}

On 15 December, the Nona magazine presented Hisham again, who had received 2020 Nona Superwoman Award a year earlier, for the main 2021 Nona Superhero Award this time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/video/nona-superhero-award-tan-sri-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah|title=Nona Superhero Award Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham|website=Nona|language=ms|access-date=16 January 2022}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nona.my/nona-superhero-award|title=Nona Superhero Award - Teaser Superhero: List Superhero Award: 2021|website=Nona|date=15 December 2021|language=ms|access-date=16 January 2022}} On 18 December, Hisham awarded 2021 Leadership Award by the Malaysia Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA) to recognises and honours his dedication in giving interviews to keep the public updated.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/12/18/health-dg-dr-noor-hisham-awarded-prca-malaysia-leadership-award/|title=Health DG Dr Noor Hisham awarded PRCA Malaysia Leadership Award|website=The Borneo Post|date=18 December 2021|access-date=16 January 2022}}

In October 2020, Noor Hisham appeared as an animated character along with characters from BoBoiBoy franchise in a one-minute public service announcement to remind Malaysians to take steps to prevent COVID-19.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/10/23/watch-dr-noor-hisham-as-an-animated-character-in-a-one-minute-psa-video|title=WATCH: Dr Noor Hisham as an animated character in a one minute PSA video|author=Mumtaj Begum|work=The Star Online|date=23 October 2020 |access-date=26 October 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2020/10/634580/showbiz-boboiboy-fighting-covid-19-dr-noor-hisham|title=#Showbiz: Boboiboy fighting Covid-19 with Dr Noor Hisham|author=Aref Omar|publisher=New Straits Times|date=23 October 2020|access-date=20 April 2021}}

On 10 April 2023, it was reported that Hisham would retire from his career after 35 years and being as Director-General of Health for slightly more than a decade on 21 April 2023, as he would reach 60 and the mandatory retirement age for civil servants.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/10/well-earned-rest-for-health-chief|title=Well-earned rest for health chief|website=The Star|date=10 April 2023|accessdate=10 April 2023}} Nine-days later on the 19th April 2023, Hisham clocked out for the last time at the Ministry of Health. He said that his post-retirement plan was to take a rest after his long work.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/19/health-dg-noor-hisham-retires|title=Health DG Noor Hisham retires|website=The Star|date=19 April 2023|accessdate=19 April 2023}}

Following retirement from public service, he was appointed as the Chairman of National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara),{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=IJN appoints Dr Noor Hisham as new chairman {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/989717/ijn-appoints-dr-noor-hisham-new-chairman |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=NST Online |language=en}} Chairman of UCSI Healthcare Group{{Cite web |last=Leong |first=Mandy |date=2023-09-27 |title=Ex-health DG Dr Noor Hisham appointed UCSI Healthcare Group chairperson |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/960218/ex-health-dg-dr-noor-hisham-appointed-ucsi-healthcare-group-chairperson |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=NST Online |language=en}} and Chancellor of Cyberjaya University.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=Chancellor {{!}} University of Cyberjaya |url=https://cyberjaya.edu.my/university/leadership/chancellors |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=cyberjaya.edu.my |language=en-GB}}

In 2018, Noor Hisham was criticised for his politically inclined retweets. These tweets were viewed as pro-Barisan Nasional, who were the then-ruling coalition during the 2018 general election (GE14) campaign. One of his retweets was a message by former Prime Minister Najib Razak's, containing a photo announcing the ceremony of the Hospital Kajang women and children's complex with a verse of his{{Who|date=December 2022}} hopes for BN's return to the state power of Selangor. Prior to that, Noor Hisham had also retweeted another message from Najib that showed a picture of Najib on a visit to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, sending that BN would implement more for mothers and children if it continues to be given the mandate.{{cite news|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/04/20/health-chief-under-fire-for-disgraceful-pro-bn-retweets/|title=Health chief under fire for 'disgraceful' pro-BN retweets|author=Michael Murty|access-date=7 May 2020 |date=20 April 2018|website=Free Malaysia Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507050322/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/04/20/health-chief-under-fire-for-disgraceful-pro-bn-retweets/|archive-date=7 May 2020}}

Noor Farida Ariffin, a spokesperson for G25 (a group of eminent ex-civil servants of Malaysia), stated that Noor Hisham was abusing his position as public servants were not supposed to campaign for any political party. A founding member of G25 and former Treasury secretary-general, Mohd Sheriff Kassim said that the Ministry of Health should lodge a complaint against Noor Hisham to the Election Commission (EC).

The electoral reform group, Bersih 2.0, also gave criticism to Noor Hisham by stating that he was in breach of public service regulations. He was named in Bersih's 'Hall Of Shame' alongside Najib. Bersih has stated that they were appalled that the Ministry of Health allowed its Facebook page to promote BN's manifesto during the GE14 campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/420814|title=Najib named in Bersih's 'Hall of Shame'|access-date=7 May 2020|date=20 April 2018|website=Malaysiakini|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507050730/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/420814|archive-date=7 May 2020}}

On 21 March 2021, photos of Noor Hisham were circulated online showing him going against the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the ongoing conditional movement control order (MCO). The photos display Noor Hisham and other family members standing closely without any face masks for a photo-op during the wedding reception of his daughter. As a result, Noor Hisham has been criticised online for not setting a good example to the public.{{cite web|url=https://hype.my/2021/220942/did-dr-noor-hisham-flout-sops-during-daughters-recent-wedding/|title=Did Dr. Noor Hisham Flout SOPs During Daughter's Recent Wedding?|publisher=Hype|author=Syahrul|date=22 March 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/berita/dr-noor-hisham-nafi-langgar-sop-rai-majlis-kahwin-anak/ar-BB1eP8oE|title=Dr Noor Hisham Nafi langgar SOP rai majlis kahwin anak|author=Jamilah Kamarudin|publisher=MSN News|language=ms|date=22 March 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}

In July 2021, the former health DG Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Ismail Merican rebuked Noor Hisham as a "toothless tiger" for not being effective in leading the nation's COVID-19 pandemic management by failing to be firm with decisions, as well as being pressured by politicians.{{cite web |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/35055/ex-health-dg-slams-toothless-tiger-noor-hisham-for-not-putting-foot-down-in-govts-virus-handling |title=Ex-health DG slams 'toothless tiger' Noor Hisham for not putting a foot down in govt's virus handling |date=2 December 2013|publisher=The Vibes|accessdate=26 January 2022}} Dr Mohamed Ismail, who was the former position holder in charge of the 2003 SARS outbreak, opined that if politicians tried to interfere, they would be told to stay calm and stop meddling.{{cite web |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/327913 |title=Noor Hisham 'a toothless tiger', says former health D-G|author=Raevathi Supramaniam |date=17 July 2021|publisher=The Malaysian Insight|accessdate=26 January 2022}}

Noor Hisham is married to Nik Suwaida Nik Mohyideen and has six children; four sons and two daughters. He also has a son from a previous marriage.{{Cite web|url=https://worldofbuzz.com/here-are-7-things-you-should-know-about-our-health-dg-dr-noor-hisham/|title=Here Are 7 Things You Should Know About Our Health DG, Dr Noor Hisham|date=21 April 2020|website=World of Buzz|access-date=16 October 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nona.my/isteri-saya-adalah-orang-terpenting-di-rumah-tan-sri-dato-seri-dr-noor-hisham-abdullah/|title='Isteri Saya Adalah Orang Terpenting Di Rumah' Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah|date=17 July 2021|website=Nona|author=Norzalina|language=ms|access-date=4 April 2021}}

Noor Hisham has played sports since his younger days. He was a school athlete, played football during university days and enjoys scuba diving including underwater photography. His hidden singing talent was revealed after an old video clip of him rendering the Shanghai Beach or Seung Hoi Tan (上海灘), a famous 1980s Cantopop song, resurfaced on social media.{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2020/10/05/four-year-old-clip-showing-dr-noor-hisham-belting-out-chinese-classic-shang/1909670 |title=Four-year-old clip showing Dr Noor Hisham singing 'Shanghai Beach' resurfaces, wins praise from social media users (Video)|publisher=Malay Mail|date=5 October 2020|access-date=8 March 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/10/06/dr-noor-hisham-croons-cantonese-song-shanghai-bund-wins-hearts-all-over/|title=Dr Noor Hisham Croons Cantonese Song "Shanghai Bund", Wins Hearts All Over|publisher=The Rakyat Post|date=6 October 2020 |access-date=8 March 2021}}

In addition, he is also known as a polyglot medical practitioner, being able to communicate fluently in English, Malay, several Chinese dialects, including his native Foochow vernacular, Cantonese (the commonly spoken vernacular of the urban Klang Valley area) as well as Mandarin and is also a basic Tamil speaker.

• {{Flag|Malaysia}} :
• 50px Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – Tan Sri (2020){{Cite web |date=2020-08-17 |title=Noor Hisham made Tan Sri in birthday honours |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/17/noor-hisham-made-tan-sri-in-birthday-honours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821170149/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/17/noor-hisham-made-tan-sri-in-birthday-honours/ |archive-date=21 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |work=Bernama |publisher=Free Malaysia Today |language=en-GB}}{{cite web |date=17 August 2020 |title=Dr Noor Hisham terima gelaran Tan Sri |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/08/722042/dr-noor-hisham-terima-gelaran-tan-sri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817142007/https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/08/722042/dr-noor-hisham-terima-gelaran-tan-sri |archive-date=17 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |website=Berita Harian |language=ms}}
• 50px Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – Datuk (2007){{cite news |date=2 June 2007 |title=Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's birthday honours list |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/06/02/yang-dipertuan-agongs-birthday-honours-list |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406115944/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/06/02/yang-dipertuan-agongs-birthday-honours-list |archive-date=6 April 2020 |access-date=2 April 2020 |website=The Star}}
• 50px Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) (2004)
• {{Flag|Negeri Sembilan}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (SSNS) – Dato' Seri (2021){{cite web|date=14 January 2021|title=Top officials head honours list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/14/top-officials-head-honours-list|access-date=14 January 2021|work=The Star}}{{cite web|date=14 January 2021|access-date=14 January 2021|work=Bernama|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=1921750|title=272 receive Negeri Sembilan state honours}}
• {{Flag|Pahang}} :
• 50px Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) – Dato' Sri (2013){{cite news|date=5 April 2014|title=199 Individu Terima Darjah Kebesaran Pahang|language=ms|work=Bernama|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2014/04/05/199-terima-darjah-kebesaran-sultan-pahang|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120615/https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2014/04/05/199-terima-darjah-kebesaran-sultan-pahang|archive-date=6 April 2020|via=mStar}}
• {{Flag|Penang}} :
• 50px Companion of the Order of the Defender of State (DMPN) – Dato' (2013){{cite news|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2013/08/26/pandikar-amin-dahului-senarai-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-tyt-pulau-pinang|title=Pandikar Amin Dahului Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran TYT Pulau Pinang|date=26 August 2013|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120120/https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2013/08/26/pandikar-amin-dahului-senarai-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-tyt-pulau-pinang|archive-date=6 April 2020|work=Bernama|via=mStar|language=ms}}
• {{Flag|Perlis}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Perlis (SPMP) – Dato' Seri (2013){{cite news|date=17 May 2013|title=Juanda antara 207 penerima pingat Perlis|language=ms|newspaper=Malaysiakini|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230393|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406120833/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230393|archive-date=6 April 2020}}
• 50px Knight Companion of Order of the Crown of Perlis (DPMP) – Dato' (2010){{cite news|url=https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Sultan+of+Johor+heads+Perlis%27+honours+list.pdf|title=Sultan of Johor heads Perlis' honours list|date=17 May 2010|newspaper=Borneo Post|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406121012/https://cms-th.s3.amazonaws.com/Sultan+of+Johor+heads+Perlis%27+honours+list.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2020}}
• {{Flag|Selangor}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) – Dato' Seri (2020){{cite web|date=11 December 2020|access-date=11 December 2020|website=Bernama|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=1911020|title=King heads Selangor Sultan's 75th birthday honours list}}{{cite web|access-date=11 December 2020|language=ms|website=Berita Harian|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/12/763830/agong-terima-darjah-kerabat-selangor|date=11 December 2020|title=Agong terima Darjah Kerabat Selangor}}

• {{Flag country|Brazil}}:
• 50px Grand Officer of the Order of Rio Branco (2023){{Cite web |title=Former Health DG honoured by Brazil for tireless work during pandemic |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/09/25/former-health-dg-honoured-by-brazil-for-tireless-work-during-pandemic |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The Star |date=25 September 2023 |language=en}}

• {{Flag|Malaysia}} :
• Honorary Ph.D. degree in Leadership in Public Health from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2021){{cite news |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/dr-noor-hisham-awarded-honorary-doctorate-in-leadership-in-public-health-by-ukm-DI7486342|title=Dr Noor Hisham awarded honorary doctorate in leadership in public health by UKM|publisher=Bernama|via=The Sun|date=4 April 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/43 Profile at Malaysian Health Ministry]
• [https://www.dndi.org/about-dndi/our-people/board-directors/noor-hisham-abdullah/ Biography]
• [https://www.facebook.com/DGHisham/ Noor Hisham Abdullah] at Facebook
• [https://twitter.com/DGHisham?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Noor Hisham Abdullah] at Twitter

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