On 5th January 2024, the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine collaborated with the Medical Humanities and Ethics Unit (MedHEU) and the Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) to organise an insightful ArtScience seminar titled "Introduction to Music Therapy Practice and Music in Medicine."
The seminar commenced with a lecture delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Low Ming Yuan, an accomplished Music Therapist from the Berklee College of Music, United States. With a robust 15 years of experience as a practising music therapist, Dr. Low enlightened the audience about the pivotal role of music therapists in enhancing patients' well-being and facilitating healing.
This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Julia Patrick Engkasan. Dr. Low Ming Yuan was joined by other panellists, including Associate Professor Dr. Shireen Nah, a paediatric surgeon, and two experienced music therapists, Ms. Sandra Cheah and Ms. Kuek Ser Sheen Tse. The panel discussion was an interactive forum, where each panellist shared their perspectives and expertise, and responded to questions posed by the audience.
A total of 54 participants attended the seminar, representing a diverse array of professions and backgrounds. We express our heartfelt appreciation to all speakers and participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions.
The Lunch Talk, titled "Why the World Needs Bioethics and Why Bioethics Needs the World," held on 10th January 2024, served as a significant academic discourse event. Professor Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, Director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, delivered a thought-provoking address during this one-hour hybrid session. The in-person segment took place at the Auditorium TJ Danaraj, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. This distinguished event was honoured by the presence of Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman and Prof. Dr. Jeremy Sugarman, both Co-Principal Investigators for the NIH Grant (IF053-2018), a collaborative project between Universiti Malaya (UM) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
Professor Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, renowned in the field of bioethics, shared his insights, enriching the audience's understanding of the critical relationship between bioethics and global challenges. The talk not only captivated the distinguished attendees but also led to an engaging and intellectually stimulating discussion. The event successfully provided participants with a comprehensive perspective on the role of bioethics in addressing contemporary global issues.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Professor Dr. Jeffrey Kahn for his invaluable contribution and express gratitude to Prof. Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman and Prof. Dr. Jeremy Sugarman for gracing the occasion with their distinguished presence. This Lunch Talk marks the commencement of a series of intellectually stimulating events designed to advance knowledge and research within our academic community for this year.
The Faculty of Medicine, in partnership with the Fulbright Specialist Programme, organised a workshop titled “Introduction to Narrative Medicine Workshop – Health Humanities Approach to Improving Healthcare” on 16th-17th January 2024 at the Cube, FOM.
This workshop provided participants with an introduction to the field as well as an immersive introductory experience to the methods and skills used in Narrative Medicine. During this course, participants learned effective techniques for attentive listening, adopting others’ perspectives, accurate representation and reflective reasoning. The method of close reading, an integral part of Narrative Medicine, as well as deep listening and concentrated witnessing of works of art attuned participants towards a healthcare that recognizes and affiliates with patients, assuring justice and promoting health for all. The workshop also included interactive presentations, small group discussions and transformative group work. The goals of this workshop is to enable participants to build upon skills and practices related to narrative competence in clinical and non-clinical settings.
On 24th January 2024, the Global Forum on Bioethics in Research (GFBR) in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Bioethics Network (SEABioN) and the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya (UM) organised a pivotal public forum titled, ‘Ethics in AI Healthcare Research’. This significant event took place at the Tun Mohamed Suffian Auditorium, within the Faculty of Law and was supported by the Master of Health Research Ethics (MOHRE) and the Medical Humanities and Ethics Unit (MedHEU) at the Faculty of Medicine, UM. The forum provided a platform for a profound exploration of the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare research.
Expertly moderated by Dr. Dan O'Conner, Head of Research Environment at the Wellcome Trust, the forum featured four distinguished experts. Professor Effy Vayena, Assistant Dean and Professor of Bioethics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich led the opening discussion. With her background as a technical officer at the World Health Organization and her role in co-chairing the expert advisory group on AI in health ethics and governance. Professor Vayena shared her invaluable insights, setting a high standard for the dialogue that followed. Dr. Mohd Adli Bin MD Ali, Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at International Islamic University Malaysia, then took the stage, bringing his seven years of experience as a certified machine learning developer to the discussion.
Dr. Barry Solaiman, Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar, contributed his regulatory expertise on AI in healthcare, specifically in advising the Qatar Ministry of Public Health. Dr. Mohammad Firdaus Abdul Aziz, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean of Research, Value Creation and Enterprise at the Faculty of Law, UM, added depth to the conversation with his experience in bioethics and efforts to advance the field in Southeast Asia. The audience was diverse, including UM undergraduate and postgraduate students, bioethicists, and members of various ethics committees, scientists, health researchers, and health practitioners. This mix of participants ensured a rich exchange of ideas, addressing complex questions arising in the field of AI healthcare research.
In addition to the main discussion, Mr. Gurmit Sandhu, a former PhD student and an AI Practitioner for Digital Health Technologies, presented a session titled "A Dashboard to Support the Value Assessment of Digital Health Technologies”. This presentation offered practical tools that can be used in evaluating digital health technology, further stimulating discussion on AI's role in healthcare implementation and assessment. The forum stood as a crucial platform for exploring the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, while meticulously addressing ethical considerations and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
The discussion highlighted the vital need for continued collaboration, as well as the establishment of stringent ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks. This is essential to ensure the responsible and equitable integration of AI in both healthcare practices and research endeavours. Through this conversation, we are able to set the stage for meaningful future dialogue and collaboration. The Public Forum on Ethics and AI Health Research has laid a solid foundation for leveraging the advantages of AI while upholding ethical integrity and protecting patient welfare.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a rising threat towards public health all around the world. It occurs when microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobial medications such as antibiotics. When this happens, it becomes more challenging to treat infections and can result in longer hospital stay and even death. It is predicted that 10 million lives could be lost due to AMR by the year 2050.
The Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) co-organised a gathering of minds focused on addressing the significant challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). On the 4th and 5th of December 2023, the 3rd Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Symposium: Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together brought together a diverse assembly of local and international experts, researchers, and professionals. The symposium was held at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre @ Nexus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and attended by 160 participants.
The symposium commenced with the launch of The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Diary*, a compilation of stories from patients, family members and healthcare workers who have experienced the adversity of AMR. The launch was officiated by Prof. Dr. Umah Rani a/p Kuppusamy, Chairman of the Health and Well-Being Cluster, under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Universiti Malaya (UM). The event was also graced by the presence of the courageous patients who shared their stories in the diary. While the AMR Diary initiative has been undertaken in other countries, this launch marks a historic milestone as we launch the first-ever AMR Diary in Malaysia. This collective effort is a testament to our commitment to addressing AMR at the grassroots level.
Across the 2 days, renowned speakers from around the world joined the stage to share their thoughts and cutting-edge research, laying the groundwork for an event that would delve into the fundamental fabric of AMR, from its molecular complexities to its societal consequences. What set the 3rd AMR Symposium apart was its commitment to embracing multidisciplinary perspectives. Presentations and discussions went beyond the confines of a single field, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Beyond the sessions and presentations, the symposium provided a unique platform for attendees to present the projects they are working on.
This symposium was initiated by the AMRWISE research group, a group awarded with the Transdisciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) of the Ministry of Education. To know more about the AMRWISE group and the 3rd Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Symposium (speakers, abstracts, pictures etc.), you may assess the link attached: https://sites.google.com/um.edu.my/amrwise360/home?authuser=0
*"The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Diary" is poised to be a transformative tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. For more inquiries on "The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Diary," please contact mmbbacte1@um.edu.my.
Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) is an international non-profit organisation comprising many of the largest and most influential schools of Public Health in the Asia-Pacific region and dedicated to improving professional education for public health. Launched in 1984 with just five members, APACPH now has over 81 member institutions in 23 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region with Regional Offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Colombo, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Taipei, and Tokyo. Through its activities, the members aim to tackle the unique public health challenges of the Asia-Pacific region, for example, specific health issues of workers within the growing economies of the region.
1st Nov 2023 with the theme: ‘Transcending the new normal: Strengthening public health through education, research and collaboration’. The purpose of this conference was to provide a platform for global thought leaders, academicians, public health practitioners, and organisations to address public health concerns, share knowledge and strategies, and plan and implement strategies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health.
APACPH is governed by a General Assembly comprised of one representative from each member institution. Annual General Assembly meetings, hosted by member institutions are held concurrently with public health conferences. In the last APACPH Conference, Prof. Dr. April Camilla Roslani attended the General Assembly Meeting virtually on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. The meeting, which was chaired by the APACPH President, Prof. Dr. Augustin Kusumayati (Universitas Indonesia) presented APACPH’s progress in the past year and had election for the next office bearers.
The Dr. Liew Su-May Research Award was established by the Department of Primary Care Medicine (RUKA) in 2023 in honour of the esteemed clinician-researcher, Prof. Dr. Liew Su-May. Prof. Su-May was a dedicated advocate for advancing primary care and research. She was passionate about empowering patients and the public to play an active role in research. She emphasised the vital significance of incorporating, attentively listening to, and acting based on the voices of patients and community members.
The Dr. Liew Su-May Research Award seeks to urge fellow primary care physicians to pursue excellence in their research endeavours, following in the distinguished footsteps of Prof. Liew. This Award is intended to give recognition to candidates in the final year of the Master of Family Medicine program for the best research project. The winner of this inaugural award was Dr. Nur Syarafina binti Abdul Aziz with her study title, ‘Exploring the needs and experiences of primary care doctors on prenatal genetic test and counselling: A qualitative study in public health clinics in Klang Valley’. She was given a cash prize of RM 1,000.00 and an official certificate from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
The award ceremony was held on 19th December 2023 at the Dewan Pulasari, RUKA. The event was graced by Prof. Su-May’s beloved family, colleagues, and students. The event was chaired by Dr. Tong Wen Ting, while HOD A/P Dr. Adina Abdullah, Dr. Saini Jeffery, Dr. Ranita Hisham, and A/P Dr. Norita Hussein shared lovely words of and memories with the late Prof. Su-May. The award ceremony was officiated by the Dean of FOM, Prof. Dr. April Camilla Roslaini.
Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed is a respected medical lecturer in the Department of Primary Care Medicine (RUKA) with a special interest in travel medicine. Dr Mohazmi has not been apart from travelling even being busy as a medical doctor. He had been travelling for almost 15 years and still counting. He is an ambitious explorer, an active hiker, avid photographer, and a passionate advocate for community participation outside of his lecture hall. His travels complement his works as his nature of work involves in Haj Medical Team, humanitarian mission war zone, community engagement programs, mobile vaccine team and many more.
The exhibition titled “Miles and Medicine: Travelling Doctor” is a dedication to the incredible travels that Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed have taken, depicting journeys in which the fields of medicine, community service, and the natural marvels of the globe all merged intricately in a seamless manner.
Photobooks and the collection of photographs capturing special moments and artistically attractive serve as a portal to the many facets of Dr. Mohazmi’s travels. Hiking essentials were telling their own stories—bags, shoes, hats, sticks, identification cards, and permission passes. Dr. Mohazmi’s journey is detailed on a board, featuring his biodata, travel stories, skills, and chronicles.
In addition to the exhibition that was held from Nov 2023 – Jan 2024 in the Wing A TJ Danaraj Medical Library, a dedicated human library sharing session on Dr. Mohazmi’s travels and medical life was held in conjunction with the Library’s Open Day on November 23rd, 2023. Dr. Mohazmi’s human library is a public sharing session in which he shares stories from his travels as well as anecdotes from his years of travel. The Human Library event unfolds on a well-prepared stage with two chairs—one for the moderator, Ms. Ulyaa Binti Sujak, and another for the speaker, Dr Mohazmi Mohamed. The emcee for the occasion is a dedicated volunteer student named Tan Sing Yee. The session began with an opening speech from Puan Zanaria, Head of the T.J. Danaraj Medical Library, followed by an officiating speech by Associate Prof. Adina, the Head of the Department of Primary Care Medicine. The event proceeded with a special video montage. Subsequently, the human library sharing session, led by Dr. Mohazmi, wrapped up with a few insightful Q&A sessions. Participants in the Q&A are gifted to souvenirs from Dr. Mohazmi, including keychains from his past travel destinations and photographs from his exhibition.
A Library Open Day, also known as Library User Day, is an annual event typically organised at the main library of Universiti Malaya. The primary objective of this event is to encourage and promote library services among users, including students, faculty, and the wider community. The Library Open Day serves as a platform to showcase the extensive and specialised resources, services, and facilities available across the university’s library network, fostering greater awareness and engagement among its diverse user bases.
The T.J. Danaraj Medical Library successfully hosted its inaugural Open Day on 23rd November 2023, with the theme “Nurturing Health: Reading for Wellness”. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the Open Day was organised directly within the branch library. The primary objective was to foster interaction with library users and create a positive and lasting impression on this special occasion. The Dean, Prof Dr April Camilla Roslani officiated the opening ceremony held at Wing A on 23rd November 2023 at 9 am.
The TJ Danaraj Medical Library Open Day featured a range of exciting highlights to engage and captivate visitors such as:
The 23rd Thai Medical Education Conference (TMEC) unfolded its impactful discourse from 4th – 7th February 2024, in partnership with the ASEAN Medical School Network (AMSN). With the theme, "Personalizing Medical Education for a Healthier World," the conference aimed at the profound empowerment of students, envisioning a transformative future for medical education.
Representing the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya were Mr. Muhammad Azad Iman bin Mohd Pauzi and Mr. Joel Imbert Nesan A/L Danny Nesan from MBBS Stage 3.2. Their presence and contributions were marked by insightful poster presentations on topics such as "UM MEDSOC Pioneering Initiatives: Fostering Student Engagement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Medical Education" and "Student Engagement in Medical Education".
The conference extended to a student sharing session, where Azad and Joel delved into their research topics from Stage 3.1 which were the "Single-centre Experience with the Silk Vista Baby Low-Profile Flow Diverter for Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms" and "Efficacy and Safety of Cyclophosphamide vs Mycophenolate Mofetil as Induction Therapy for Lupus Nephritis," respectively.
As the conference curtains drew to a close, the hope is that this transformative experience will sow the seeds for a future generation of educators committed to advancing medical education for the betterment of global health.
The Master of Health Research Ethics (MOHRE) Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Malaya and the Berman Institute of Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University, organised a webinar titled "Research Ethics During War" by Prof. Dr. Emily E. Anderson from Loyola University Chicago on 13th February 2024.
The webinar centred on insights into the ethical complexities faced by researchers in conflict zones. Prof. Dr. Anderson discussed the delicate balance between the pursuit of knowledge and ethical responsibilities during wartime research, offering attendees a concise yet thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dimensions shaping scholarly endeavours in challenging environments.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and attendees of the event. The webinar recording is available on the webpage of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. For further details or inquiries about our program, please feel free to contact us via email at mohre@um.edu.my.
The Forum on Amendment to the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR 2005) was recently held on 27th February 2024. Organised by the College of Public Health Medicine (CPHM) in collaboration with the Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, this esteemed event aimed to bring together a diverse range of experts and stakeholders to discuss crucial amendments to the international health regulations. Led by Prof. Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, the forum addressed pressing issues and proposed innovative solutions to strengthen global health governance.
A highlight of the forum was a panel discussion featuring seven public health experts from various universities, including UKM, UM, UPM, UMS, UNIMAS, USM, and UiTM. These participants, such as Dr. Thinakaran Kandayah, Dr. Nadhir Bin Adi Azahar, Dr. Fatin Binti Ismail, Dr. Nelson Lean Boon Leong, Dr. Zulaikha Binti Abdul Razak, Dr. Mohammad Fazrul Bin Mohammad Basir, and Dr. Rifhan Bin Rasuli, brought a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the table. Guiding the discussions with finesse was the esteemed moderator, Datuk Dr. Sha'ari Ngadiman. The forum left a significant impact on the landscape of global health management, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for all.
In the vibrant halls of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, the spirit of Chinese New Year filled the air. Guests were greeted by the mesmerising sights and sounds of the traditional lion dance, symbolising good luck and prosperity.
The event began with the announcement of the arrival of Professor Dr. April Camilla Roslani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, accompanied by the Dean's Management team. A dragon dance troupe then made their grand entrance, with their vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements captivating the audience.
Following the dragon dance, Professor Dr. April Camilla Roslani delivered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing her joy at celebrating the Year of the Dragon with the faculty. She highlighted the importance of embracing cultural diversity and unity, especially in a medical community as diverse as theirs.
The festivities continued with a sumptuous Chinese banquet, featuring traditional dishes symbolising prosperity and abundance. As guests indulged in the delicious spread, they were serenaded by the melodious tunes of traditional Chinese music performed by the Faculty's talented medical students.
The highlight of the celebration was the Yee Sang tossing ceremony, a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the new year. Led by Professor Dr. April Camilla Roslani, guests enthusiastically participated in the ritual, tossing the ingredients high into the air while shouting auspicious phrases.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the organisers thanked everyone for their participation and support. They expressed gratitude to the Dean's Office, all departments, the Organizing Committee, and the performers for making the event a success. They also thanked the Kongzi Institute for lending the decorations, adding a touch of authenticity to the celebration.
In conclusion, the organisers wished everyone a Happy Dragon Year, filled with happiness, prosperity, and good health. As the guests bid farewell, the spirit of unity and joy lingered on, setting the tone for a year of success and harmony in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Young science enthusiasts were once again treated to an enthralling and enriching KIDScience Labs program hosted by the Central Research Laboratories. The KIDScience Labs program, which aims to cultivate an interest in scientific exploration and stimulate curiosity, welcomed 25 children on 14th-15th February 2024 as they participated in an interactive scientific voyage encompassing diverse domains. The program provided abundant experiential learning opportunities, ranging from investigating the human body's complexities to unraveling mysteries under the microscope.
6 captivating sessions were organised this year to captivate the young minds:
The half-day program provides the participants with the opportunities to learn about blood types and conduct simple experiments on how to determine blood type, explore the principles of chromatography by creating colourful fireworks using pipettes and various solvents, learn about the proper procedures for handling equipment and the significance of maintaining cleanliness in a scientific environment, instilling valuable habits that will serve them well in their future scientific endeavours.
The exploration of the human body was one of the favourite themes, with station dedicated to understanding its intricacies and functions. From identifying different organs to learning about the circulatory and digestive systems, children were captivated by the fascinating complexity of the human body and its inner workings. These interactive activities not only provided valuable insight into the human body but also encouraged critical thinking and experimentation among young scientists.
The feedback from both participants and parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement and gratitude for the enriching experience provided by the KIDScience Labs program. Children left the event with a newfound sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them, eager to continue exploring the realms of science and discovery.
Parent Feedbacks:
Thanks for capturing the moments for the experiential learning in the lab. It was priceless! Kudos to the organizing team for putting this together to educate and engage the kids. To our future scientists ~ Madam Charmaine Chan
Great job, team! My girl is already asking whether she can go again ~ Madam Su Mei
My girls had so much fun and they are now started to lecture me on science.... Isabelle bragged about she could complete all the tasks very fast and love it! ~ Madam Sue Yee
Thanks for such a wonderful programme. Amina didn’t want to take off the lab coat ~ Madam Senom
The Department of Parasitology Journal Club recently organised a talk by Dr. Liew Kok Jun on 24th February 2024 titled ‘Bioinformatics for Microbial Genome Exploration’. Dr. Liew started his presentation with describing the type of omics studies with genomics, transformics and metagenomics being the widely studied field. He then proceeded with some basic introduction of NGS and some criteria on choosing NGS to analyse the data. Illumina sequencing, a cornerstone of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, has revolutionised genomic research, clinical diagnostics, and various other fields. Illumina sequencing platforms utilise a reversible terminator-based sequencing-by-synthesis method, enabling highly accurate, high-throughput sequencing of DNA and RNA molecules. Then, Dr. Liew emphasised on the availability of grant funding, types of software used, and as well the aid of a certified bioinformatician in the team. Then , Dr Liew introduced genomic research to study antimicrobial resistance where Illumina sequencing has facilitated large-scale genomic studies, including whole-genome sequencing projects, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and population genetics studies, leading to insights into genetic variation, evolutionary relationships, and disease mechanisms He followed his presentation with some crucial usage of genomics in the clinical field such as identification of novel bacteria,virulence factor and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. In addition, he also discussed usage of genomics on the isolation of new MRSA strains and comparative genomics with other MRSA strains detected previously. Dr Liew then introduced some examples of softwares used in genomics for AMR such as DIAMOND, FastQC, SPAdes and more. Dr Liew then introduced some softwares for phylogenetic studies such as RAxML and MPBoot and IQ-TREE. In addition, Dr. Liew briefly touched upon transcriptomics, in particular the consideration and requirement to carry out the analysis and the current trend. He then explained the sample prep for transcriptomics analysis and some examples of softwares used for transcriptomics studies as well as some examples of studies that have successfully utilised the principle in the detection of resistant strains of Candida sp. Lastly, Dr, Liew talked upon 16s sequencing for the studies of bacterial diversity such as gut microbiome. He demonstrated the type of analysis that can be carried out to study the gut microbiome.
Illumina sequencing technologies have transformed genomic research, clinical diagnostics, and various other fields by offering high-throughput, accurate, and cost-effective solutions for analysing DNA and RNA molecules. Continued advancements in Illumina sequencing platforms, coupled with innovations in data analysis and interpretation, hold promise for furthering our understanding of complex biological processes, driving personalised medicine initiatives, and addressing key challenges in diverse areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.
Last Update: 01/04/2024
