Rubrica - Issue 29

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:

1. Launching of Viva Room: Located at Wing B of the library, the room was the idea of former neurosurgeon, Associate Prof Dr Nor Faizal Ahmad Bahuri and was inspired from the Viva Room at the University of Oxford.
2. Vendors: Various vendors from different databases, including Maybank Etiqa, Karger, Access Dunia, EBSCO, Areesh, UM Expert, Research Repository, Open Science, and UM Press, actively promoted their products
3. Food Stalls: Strategically positioned at the library entrance, an array of food stalls offered a diverse range of products, spanning from food items to beauty products and household items. 
4. Game Stations: Spread across both library wings, five engaging game stations were set up for visitors. Games such as “Oh My Organ,” “Info Hunt,” “Book Stacking,” “Pull a Quiz,” and “You Talk, I Guess” provided interactive entertainment. Prizes, sponsored by both the library and staff, added an element of excitement and competition to the Open Day.
5. Stamp n Go: An innovative initiative, “Stamp n Go” encouraged visitors to maximise their Open Day experience. Stamps were available at all game stations and three additional booths to redeem a free ice cream.
6. Human Library Sharing Session to complement the ongoing exhibition titled ‘Miles and Medicine: Traveling Doctor’ by Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed. 
7. Advanced Search for Systematic Review Workshop: Dr. Ranita Hisham, a librarian at the TJ Danaraj Medical Library, organised an insightful workshop focused on “Advanced Search for Systematic Review.” 

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:

1. Mysterious Living under the Microscope
2. Discover Your Blood Type
3. Pipette Your Rainbow Fireworks 
4. I Spy Human Body – Weird but True
5. Setting Up My Lab 
6. SOAP the GERMS away!!

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.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day organised by the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and Hospital Orang Asli, Gombak, unfolded on 9th March 2024. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among the Orang Asli community about the critical importance of colorectal cancer screening. Partnering with Hospital Orang Asli Gombak and JOKOA, the event extended its reach to provide other essential health screenings.

The opening ceremony, led by Dato Dr. Azman Yacob, Director of the Medical Development Division at the Ministry of Health, set the tone for the day's proceedings. Following this, talks were given by Dr. Tah Jin Wei, a clinical colorectal fellow in the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, and the event chair, Prof. Dr. April Camilla Roslani, Dean of FOM.

With an attendance of 200 participants, the event featured health screenings, exhibitions, and informative talks on cancer screening methods. Activities included ceremonial speeches, lucky draws, a football match, and a children's coloring contest. Basic CPR training was also provided, with the event concluding with an award ceremony and lunch.

A dedicated team, including Associate Prof Dr. Retnagowri Rajandram, Dr. Kumaresh, Dr. Kumutha Malar Vellasamy, Dr. Anis Rageh Al-Maleki, Dr. Gopinath Venkatraman, Dr. Nora Abdul Aziz, Prof Yvonne Lim, Dr. Mohamed Rezal Abdul Aziz, Dr. Kar Lye, Ms. Tan Bee Ting, and Dr. Izandis Mohamad Sayed, played pivotal roles in various aspects of the event, ensuring its success and contributing significantly to its impact on the Orang Asli community.

Overall, the event served as a beacon of health education and community empowerment, fostering a proactive culture of healthcare management among the Orang Asli community.

MEDSURG SYMPOSIUM 2024, the first-ever surgical symposium, was organised in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya on 9th March 2024. The symposium represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the Surgery Interest Group of the Universiti Malaya Medical Society and the Chapter of Women Surgeons, College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia.

MEDSURG SYMPOSIUM 2024 successfully gathered a total of 210 medical students and 40 prestigious surgeons from different specialties all across Malaysia. This symposium serves as a guiding light for aspiring medical students intending to specialize in surgery at the master's degree level. Beyond being an academic gathering, the event served as a platform for medical students to navigate the myths surrounding the surgical environment, offering insights into career pathways, professional operations, and the day-to-day life of a surgeon.

In the morning, three forum sessions were conducted to provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of surgery. The sessions commenced with an overview of surgical career pathways presented by Prof. Dr. April Camilla Roslani, Prof. Dr. Ong Teng Aik, and Emeritus Prof. Dato Dr. Yip Cheng Har. As we celebrate International Women's Day on 8th March, the MEDSURG SYMPOSIUM 2024 program was also aligned with the global movement for women's rights, delving into challenges faced by women in surgery, from gender equality to reproductive rights and workplace discrimination.

Consequently, an interactive myth-busting forum was hosted by Prof. Dr. Shireen Anne Nah Han Yien, Assoc. Prof. Dr. N. Vairavan a/l N.V.V.E. Narayanan, and Dr. Hew Chee Chin. Additionally, topics beyond surgery, such as community welfare, advocacy, and public awareness, were addressed by Prof. Dr. See Mee Hoong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farrah Hani Imran, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeyanthi Kulasegarah.

Each participant also had the opportunity to meet and interact with surgeons from two different specialties of their interest during the 'Meet the Surgeon' session. In the surgical station sessions, participants were able to learn the importance of effective communication with patients and the close collaborations involved in a multidisciplinary team through role-playing and case simulation. To foster a research-oriented culture, experienced surgical researchers were invited to have an interactive session with the participants to guide them on how to start doing research and getting manuscripts published. Hands-on opportunities were given to all participants. They were guided by experienced surgeons in a basic surgical skills station consisting of suturing, knotting, and laparoscopic skills.

As director of MEDSURG SYMPOSIUM 2024, I would like to thank both my advisors, Prof. See Mee Hoong and Prof. Shireen Anne Nah, the Management Team of the Faculty of Medicine Universiti Malaya, guest speakers, sponsors, my beloved committees, and participants for making this event a success. I wish each of us a successful journey in sailing towards our goal and always equipped with the courage and perseverance to reach a higher height.

The Physiology Mastery Course for Clinicians: A Question-Based Approach, held on 14th March 2024 at The Cube, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, was an enriching experience for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of human physiology. Organised by the Department of Physiology, this workshop aimed to equip attendees with a thorough comprehension of human physiology through an interactive question-based approach.

With 50 participants in attendance, the event particularly benefited clinicians preparing for specialist program entrance exams (MedEx) or Part 1 examinations. The course comprised seven modules, focusing on core physiology topics and various physiological systems. Content delivery emphasized a question-centric approach, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills while facilitating active participant engagement.

Throughout the workshop, expert lecturers from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoe See Ziau, Dr. Raja Elina Afzan Raja Ahmad, Dr. Kumar Seluakumaran, and Dr. Kyaimon Myint, shared their knowledge and expertise, further enriching the learning experience. Through collaboration with expert lecturers and the implementation of innovative teaching methods, this workshop made a significant impact on participants' professional development and clinical practice.

The Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Academy of Malay Studies, hosted an Art Therapy Programme on 23rd March 2024 at Centrepoint FOM, involving students and staff from both Faculties. The art therapy session was a highly relaxing and enjoyable experience that significantly contributed to their mental health and emotional wellness. The act of creating art in a supportive environment allowed them to unwind, express their feelings, and connect with others on a deeper level.

The programme was expertly facilitated by the Dean of the Academy of Malay Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabzali Musa Kahn, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event. The Dean's engaging approach and expertise in art therapy captivated the participants, making the session both educational and therapeutic.

One of the highlights of the event was a hands-on activity where participants learned various drawing and colouring techniques on stone. This unique activity not only stimulated creativity but also provided a tangible medium through which participants could express their emotions and relieve stress.

The first session of the Wellness Programme is truly successful. It highlighted the importance of integrating creative activities into daily routines to support mental health. Looking forward to the next session!

On 24th February 2024, the MMB Bacte 1 team, led by the principal investigator, Associate Professor Dr. Cindy Teh Shuan Ju from Laboratory 1 (Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine) embarked on a 5-day enriching trip to Tokyo, Japan, delving into the realm of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research. The team was invited by collaborators Dr. Motoyuki Sugai, Director of the AMR Research Center, Japan and Dr. Yukihiro Akeda, Head of Laboratory 1 at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Japan.

Their journey commenced with an informative visit to the AMR Research Centre Japan, housed within a new architectural marvel. This center is a nexus for cutting-edge research and innovation in combatting AMR. The AMR Research Centre Japan has established many collaborations including the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) Malaysia, enhancing their research capabilities and outreach efforts.

As the educational trip unfolded, the team visited the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Japan. Guided tours and lab visits provided invaluable insights into diverse projects addressing AMR challenges in Japan. Researchers from both NIID and our Malaysian team seized the opportunity to showcase their pioneering work, boosting knowledge sharing and collaboration. A dedicated session on bioinformatics training provided the team with critical analytical abilities needed to advance their research.

One of the highlights of the trip was the next-generation sequencing training facilitated by Japanese experts at NIID. This experience empowered the Malaysian team with state-of-the-art techniques for genomic analysis, bolstering their capabilities in deciphering AMR mechanisms and trends.

Beyond the confines of the laboratory, the Japanese hosts graciously arranged a day trip to explore the bustling city of Tokyo. From renowned landmarks to a traditional Japanese dinner, the Malaysian team had the opportunity to experience the local culture.

The MMB Bacte 1 team's educational journey to Tokyo exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, discovery, and cultural exchange. Through immersive experiences and knowledge-sharing endeavors, the team emerges emboldened and inspired to tackle the complex challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, transcending borders for a healthier future.