Faculty of Medicine

Research Interest Group
(Name of Group & Brief Description)

Sports Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Psychological Wellbeing (SEDIP)

Current Convenors / Head

Name: Dr. Choong Wai Kwong, Alston
Institution: Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UM Expertise/ research interest: sports & exercise medicine, sports sociology, athlete well-being, antidoping, sports rights (equality, equity, diversity and inclusion for all)
Link to UMExpert: UMExpert:https://umexpert.um.edu.my/alston.html

RIG Members

1.	Name: Dr. Phang Kean Chang, Alex Department: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, UM Expertise/research interest: Digital, molecular pathology, cancer biology, research ethics (key populations, emerging science) Expertise/research interest: Exosome and nano-drug delivery; Nanobiologics Link to UMExpert: https://umexpert.um.edu.my/drphang.html
2.	Name: Prof. Elsie Yan Institution: Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR China Expertise/research interest: Elder abuse, Resident aggression in residential care facilities, Fear of crime, elder sexuality, Family caregiving, Aging experience of LGBT, Health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic Link to UMExpert: Prof. Elsie YAN \| Department of Applied Social Sciences (polyu.edu.hk)
3.	Name: Dr. Alex Siu Wing Chan Institution: Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR China Expertise/research interest: homosexuality, psychological well-being, LGBTQ social integration and clinical mental health studies. Link to UMExpert: https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/1229627/overview
4.	Name: Ms. Florence Kwai Ching Wong Institution: Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto Expertise/research interest: positive education training protocols for social workers, children, and parenting, clinical research studies related to COVID-19, and online supervision Link to UMExpert: https://linkedin.com/in/florencewongkc

Group Strength

This RIG is a diverse, multidisciplinary, international coalition of researchers from various specializations. This RIG seek to explore the link between sport, social justice, human rights advocacy and mental health through the lens of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religion, nationality and ability. The members of this RIG range from experts in sports sociology, psychology, research ethics and medicine. This diversity allows for greater understanding of the complexities involved in promoting sports equality, diversity, inclusion and psychological well-being as well as identifying gaps in existing research that need to be addressed. This collaboration of members from different disciplines also brings about innovative approaches to ensuring equitable opportunities for all individuals interested in participating in sports regardless of their background.

Collaborators

Academician from other institutions with the same research interest, policy makers such as Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, and representatives from non-govermental organisations such as Seksualiti Merdeka, PT Foundation in Malaysia, Hong Kong Ten Percent Club, Rainbow of Hong Kong, Pink Alliance in Hong Kong. Until right, there is no NGO or national coalition that protect athletes’ right in sexuality in Malaysia.

Activities / Projects
(Completed/ ongoing/ prospective projects)

Inequality and Mental Health Among Transgender Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – completed and submitted for publication
Sports and the LGBTQ Community in Malaysia and Hong Kong – drafting proposal for submission of etnic approval
Socioeconomic inequalities in sport participation – prospective project

Calls for

Expertise/ collaboration:

Experts in the field of conducting research in marginalised athletes in various sports in term of equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

Vacancies:

nil, however, we are currently actively searching for grants and funding from various sources for our studies so that we can start hired research assistant and develop more human talent in conducting research.

Contact Us

Dr. Choong Wai Kwong, Alston
Department of Sports Medicine
https://umexpert.um.edu.my/alston.html
03-79496649
alston@um.edu.my

RIG - Sports Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Psychological Wellbeing (SEDIP)