The Master of Health Research Ethics (MOHRE) program organized a Faculty Development Workshop (FDW) on 6 January 2026 as part of its continued commitment to strengthening research ethics capacity and enhancing the program’s quality in line with international standards. The workshop was designed to deepen the competency of those teaching in both the theoretical and applied dimensions of research ethics, with particular focus on the philosophical foundations that inform ethical decision-making. Rather than treating ethics as a set of procedural requirements, the workshop re-centred philosophy as an intellectual core of ethical reasoning in research. It also aimed to support curriculum enhancement, promote alignment with global benchmarks in research ethics education, and reinforce academic collaboration with international partners to warrant the academic robustness of the program.
A total of 18 participants attended the workshop, comprising MOHRE’s interdisciplinary academic team, together with three international experts; Professor Dr Jeremy Sugarman from Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Assistant Professor Dr Owen Schaffer from National University of Singapore (NUS), and Professor Dr Cheah Phaik Yeong from University of Oxford (Oxford). The workshop featured sessions on “The Place of Philosophy in Bioethics Today”, “Critical Appraisal Techniques for Philosophical Papers in Research Ethics”. These sessions challenged participants to move beyond compliance-driven ethics and engage with deeper normative questions; ‘What makes a research practice justifiable? How do competing moral frameworks shape policy decisions? When should principle yield to context?’
Interactive components such as case-based discussions, small-group deliberations, and reflective exercises encouraged critical engagement with complex ethical dilemmas and fostered robust intellectual exchange. The presence of international experts enriched comparative discussions and further strengthened institutional ties between UM, JHU, NUS, and Oxford. Participant feedback described the workshop as informative, well-organized, and valuable, with many noting that sustained philosophical engagement sharpened their analytical clarity and teaching confidence. Overall satisfaction was rated positively with participants expressing general satisfaction with the workshop.
As a whole, the workshop contributed to advancing the expertise of those teaching in the MOHRE program, enhancing pedagogical quality, and fostering sustained international collaboration. More importantly, it reaffirmed that philosophy is not peripheral to research ethics education. It is essential to cultivating reflective, critically grounded, and intellectually rigorous scholars. This initiative was supported by the United States (US), National Institutes of Health (NIH) International Grant, IF032-2023.
The Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, successfully conducted the 44th Silent Mentor Workshop from 6 to 11 January 2026, involving a total of 160 participants, comprising postgraduate trainees, undergraduate medical students, faculty members, and the families of Silent Mentors. The workshop included 27 faculty members and trainers, 75 postgraduate trainees, and 58 undergraduate medical students. Held at the Clinical Auditorium and the Anatomy Dissection Hall, the workshop aimed to cultivate ethical, compassionate, and professionally grounded medical practitioners by integrating technical training with respect for human dignity and altruism.
The program commenced on 6 January 2026 with a Silent Mentor interaction and sharing session conducted virtually, which sought to deepen participants’ understanding of the philosophy and values underpinning the Silent Mentor Program. This was followed by an initiation ceremony at the Anatomy Dissection Hall, incorporating multi-faith chanting by Buddhist and Christian reverends, a final viewing by family members, and a silent prayer. These elements symbolised gratitude and respect toward the Silent Mentors while formally initiating the hands-on training sessions.
From 7 to 10 January 2026, the workshop featured discipline-specific training sessions in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Anaesthesiology, alongside evening sessions for undergraduate medical students. All sessions were conducted with the objective of enhancing clinical competence while instilling professionalism, humility, and empathy, with each session initiated by an introduction to the Silent Mentor Program and a moment of silent prayer. The practical component concluded with the suturing, dressing, and coffining of the Silent Mentors, reinforcing ethical responsibility and respectful conduct in clinical practice.
The workshop culminated on 11 January 2026 with the Ceremony of Gratitude and Sending-Off for Cremation, during which representatives from each discipline expressed appreciation and family members paid their final respects. Overall, the 44th Silent Mentor Workshop successfully fulfilled its objectives of fostering technical excellence, ethical awareness, and humanistic values among future healthcare professionals, reaffirming the Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to holistic and values-based medical education.
The IMPRINTS (Interventional Multidisciplinary Pain & Regional Techniques Symposium) Workshop 2026 was successfully conducted from the 9th - 10th January 2026, bringing together clinicians, trainees, and faculty members from all over Asia with a shared interest in advancing contemporary pain management practices.
Organised as an intensive hands-on educational programme, the workshop focused on evidence-based interventional pain techniques, with particular emphasis on ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided procedures. The programme was designed to bridge theory and practice, equipping participants with practical skills that are directly transferable to clinical settings.
The workshop featured a structured blend of live demonstration master class featuring world renowned Professor Philip Peng (University of Toronto, Canada), together with supervised hands-on stations and cadaveric sessions. This allowed participants to consolidate their anatomical knowledge, refine procedural techniques, and gain confidence in image-guided interventions. Key topics included commonly performed musculoskeletal pain procedures, spine-related interventions, and the integration of interventional pain techniques into multimodal pain management strategies.
One of the highlights of IMPRINTS was the strong faculty–participant interaction, fostering an open learning environment where clinical challenges, real-world scenarios, and management of complications were actively discussed. The multidisciplinary nature of the workshop also encouraged cross-specialty dialogue, reinforcing the importance of collaborative care in pain medicine.
The successful execution of the workshop reflects the Faculty of Medicine’s continued commitment to high-quality medical education, skills-based training, and professional development. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of the hands-on components, faculty mentorship, and the relevance of the content to daily clinical practice.
IMPRINTS 2026 marks another important step in strengthening training pathways in interventional pain management and underscores the Faculty’s role in supporting lifelong learning and clinical excellence. The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to the faculty members, facilitators, sponsors, and participants whose contributions made the workshop a meaningful and impactful learning experience.
The morning of January 10th, 2026, began as a testament to the vision of the Nursing Society (NURSOC), as the UM Arena transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and environmental purpose. Guided by the theme, "Embrace the Nature, Shine for the Future, Stride to Sustainability," the event was designed to prove that personal wellness and ecological stewardship are inseparable journeys. From the very first moments of the gathering, the atmosphere was defined by the tagline "Run in Harmony, Live in Sustainability," fostering a shared sense of responsibility toward both physical health and the health of the planet. This initiative served as a powerful platform for nursing students to demonstrate their professional pride, utilizing the run to promote healthy lifestyles while showcasing sustainable event practices like waste reduction and eco-friendly logistics.
The operational flow of the day was a seamless narrative of community engagement that began at 0630H with the arrival of participants for registration and a shared breakfast. As the sun rose, the program transitioned into a period of spiritual and physical preparation, featuring a doa recitation and a detailed briefing on the 5KM route. To ignite the energy of the crowd, a spirited aerobics session was held before runners gathered at the starting line led by Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Nahar Azmi bin Mohamed, Consultant Sports Physician, for about 20 minutes.
At 0740H, the run was officially flagged off by Dr. Lee Wan Ling, the Head of the Department of Nursing, together with the Director of the 5KM Nature’s Fun Run, Alia Izzati. The fun run took participants through a scenic route that wound past the Faculty of Science and several residential colleges, completing a total distance of 5 km around Universiti Malaya and allowing participants to experience nature in harmony. During the run, two water stations were provided, serving 100 Plus and mineral water to ensure that participants remained adequately hydrated. By 0930H, the participants finished their journey at the UM Arena, where they gathered to rest and allowed them to truly experience nature as they strode toward the finish line.
As the physical challenge concluded, the event moved into its formal celebratory phase with the arrival of the Guest of Honor, Dr. Lee Wan Ling, the Head of the Department of Nursing. The ceremony was steeped in university pride, marked by the singing of the national anthem "Negaraku" and the Universiti Malaya song, followed by an inspiring speech. After the speech, the ceremony proceeded with a gimmick led by the Head of the Nursing Science Department, Dr. Lee Wan Ling. The gimmick involved transferring a young plant from a poly bag into a pot, followed by watering the plant as an eco-friendly symbolic gesture. The final hour of the program was filled with excitement as the lucky draw and closing ceremony took place, officially concluding the event by 1030H. Throughout this execution, the small committee demonstrated remarkable resilience, with each member performing their role with excellence to ensure the event exceeded expectations. This success was made possible through early preparation beginning in August 2025, strategic coordination within the team, and their ability to navigate significant operational challenges.
Ultimately, the 5KM Nature’s Fun Run stood as a successful promotion of a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability. Despite facing limited manpower and financial hurdles, the program provided invaluable experience in event management and strengthened the teamwork of the Nursing Society. This celebration of wellness and nature has laid a solid foundation for the society to lead even more impactful and improved student events in the future.
The workshop “From Code to Expression: An Introduction to R for Transcriptomic Data Analysis” was successfully conducted from 12–16 January 2026 at The Cube, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. The programme was organised by the Department of Parasitology, with co-organisation from the University of Glasgow, UK; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK and the Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (MSMBB), Malaysia.
This workshop formed part of the collaborative activities under the Wellcome Discovery Award granted in 2023, involving Prof. Dr. Lau Yee Ling (Universiti Malaya), Prof. Dr. Andy Waters (University of Glasgow), and Prof. Dr. Robert Moon (LSHTM). It represents a meaningful initiative in technology transfer between the UK and Malaysia, bringing together international expertise to strengthen local capacity in transcriptomic data analysis.
Designed as an intensive five-day programme, the workshop aimed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of transcriptomics and R programming, while equipping them with the skills to interpret, analyse, and present transcriptomic data effectively. A strong emphasis was placed on hands-on training, reproducible research workflows, and best practices in transcriptomic analysis to support robust and impactful scientific research.
The programme commenced with an opening ceremony by Prof. Dr. Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi, the Deputy Dean of Research, Faculty of Medicine, UM, warmly welcoming participants and marking the start of an engaging and intellectually stimulating workshop. The workshop was led by the main trainer, Professor Dr. Thomas Otto from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Germany, with facilitators from the University of Glasgow and LSHTM, as well as seven local facilitators from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Their guidance has ensured that participants receive comprehensive support throughout the workshop.
A total of 31 participants were registered, comprising participants from Universiti Malaya, IMU University, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UiTM, UNIMAS, Nagasaki University (Japan), King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), and the private sector, highlighting the wide interest and relevance of this programme.
The workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics, including Introduction to R, Advanced R - DESeq2, enrichment analysis - visualisation in R, single-cell transcriptomics, day-to-day bioinformatics workflows, and spatial biology. To enhance learning outcomes, participants were divided into small groups for a group-based task, with each group presenting their findings on the final day.
As part of the programme, Professor Dr. Andy Waters and Professor Dr. Robert Moon delivered their invited talks. Their presentations highlighted molecular investigations of gametocytogenesis in malaria parasites and transmission blockade, as well as the use of zoonotic malaria to study erythrocyte invasion and inform vaccine development, offering participants broader perspectives beyond transcriptomic approaches.
The programme drew to a graceful conclusion with a closing ceremony by the Head of Department of Parasitology, Prof. Dr. Lau Yee Ling, who expressed her gratitude to the chairperson of the workshop, Dr. Cheong Fei Wen, and her team. Most of the participants experienced a significant improvement in their understanding of transcriptomic analysis and gained essential bioinformatics skills. The workshop content met participants’ expectations, and many expressed confidence in applying the skills acquired in their future research. Overall, participants reported a high level of satisfaction and expressed strong interest in attending future workshops in this series.
The Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr Reshma Mohamed Ansari, Assoc. Prof. Dr Foong Chan Choong, Assoc. Prof. Dr Hidayah Mohd Fadzil and Mr Nabil Noor on receiving the Most Accessed Article Award (2025) from the Asia-Pacific Scholar Journal (ESCI, Q4). The award was presented at the Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference (APMEC) 2026 held in Yiwu, China.
The award recognises their article titled “Analyses of Self-Care Agency and Mindset: A Pilot Study on Malaysian Undergraduate Medical Students,” which has attracted significant readership and interest within the regional medical education community.
This achievement reflects the Faculty’s continued commitment to advancing medical education research and strengthening scholarly impact in the Asia-Pacific region. Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved recognition.
The Faculty of Medicine successfully hosted the Silver Jubilee Reunion and Students–Alumni Engagement Forum on Saturday, 24 January 2026, at Dewan Kuliah 2 (DK2) and The Cube. The event brought together 100 participants, comprising alumni from the MBBS Class of 1996/2001 and current medical students, in a meaningful gathering that celebrated shared histories, professional growth, and enduring connections. With free registration offered, the forum reflected the faculty’s strong commitment to fostering inclusive alumni–student engagement.
The forum was structured to reconnect alumni with their alma mater while providing current students with valuable exposure to real-world medical careers beyond the formal curriculum. The program commenced with registration and welcoming remarks by alumni representatives, followed by a speech delivered by an alumnus, setting a reflective and inspirational tone for the morning. A group photograph session captured the spirit of reunion before participants moved into the main forum segment.
The academic highlight of the event was the forum discussion featuring two insightful topics. The session titled “What Medical Schools Do Not Teach You” was delivered by Dr Yeap Chee Loong, an upper gastrointestinal and obesity surgeon, who shared personal and professional lessons drawn from clinical practice, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning. This was followed by “The Versatile GP: Exploring Opportunities in Marine Medicine, Occupational Health, and Skincare” by Dr Tan Teck Oon, who highlighted the diverse and evolving roles of general practitioners in non-traditional and emerging medical fields. The session was moderated by Assoc Prof Dr Noorjahan Haneem Md Hashim, ensuring active engagement and a dynamic question-and-answer segment with students.
Following the forum, participants enjoyed refreshments and a guided tour of key Faculty facilities, including the examination hall, museum, clinical skills unit, TJ Danaraj Library, and the clinical students’ hostel. This segment provided alumni with a nostalgic opportunity to revisit familiar spaces while allowing students to gain a deeper appreciation of the faculty’s heritage and learning environment. As an added benefit, the first 100 students received a complimentary copy of the Sarawak Emergency Handbook, further enhancing the educational value of the event.
Overall, the Silver Jubilee Reunion and Students–Alumni Engagement Forum successfully achieved its objectives of rekindling lifelong bonds among alumni, honoring their contributions to healthcare and society, inspiring the next generation of medical practitioners, and strengthening collaboration between alumni and the Faculty of Medicine. The event served as a meaningful platform for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and partnership building, reinforcing a collective commitment to advancing medical education, research, and innovation.
The Faculty of Medicine marked the opening Inaugural Lecture of the year with a special session featuring two distinguished professors — Professor Dr. Tan Maw Pin and Professor Dr. Bee Ping Chong — making it a meaningful occasion for the academic community.
Professor Dr. Tan Maw Pin delivered her lecture titled “Not Just A Fall”, highlighting how falls in older adults should not be viewed as isolated accidents but as important clinical warning signs. Her lecture emphasised that falls can signal underlying health vulnerabilities and may predict future disability, hospitalisation, institutionalisation and loss of independence if not recognised and addressed early. Through this perspective, she underscored the importance of early assessment, prevention and holistic geriatric care.
Professor Dr Bee Ping Chong presented “The Journey Through the Myths: From the Genetic Evil to Targeted Bullets – The Evolution of Cancer Care”, guiding the audience through the remarkable transformation of cancer treatment. In his lecture, he explored how cancer care has evolved from non-specific cytotoxic therapies to molecularly targeted treatments and more personalised approaches that integrate precision medicine with holistic patient care.
More than an academic milestone, the Inaugural Lecture served as an inspiring exchange of ideas, encouraging reflection and dialogue while highlighting the continued advancement of healthcare research, education and clinical practice.
The full lecture may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-SO3d3GFi8
The University of Glasgow Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H) Microscopy Training- Kuala Lumpur station was conducted on 28 January 2026 and 29 January 2026. This workshop was the 4th edition for the Kuala Lumpur station. The training was conducted at the Department of Parasitology and MD2 laboratories, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, covering basic light microscopy handling, inspection of parasite specimens from stools, blood, and tissues, as well as the identification of medically important arthropods and common venomous snake specimens from the tropics. A total of 19 participants from Malaysia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines attended the two-day workshop. The training was facilitated by Dr. Lee Wenn Chyau and Dr. Amirah Amir, assisted by Mr. Mohd Redzuan Ahmad Naziri, Mr. Mohd Khairul Roslan, Mdm. Sharifah Nor Akmar Syed Mohd, and Mdm. Aisah Samion.
Over the two days of training, the participants were presented with 105 specimens of endoparasites, ectoparasites and preserved snakes. Hands-on training of specimen preparation, fixing and staining was provided, followed by the microscopy-based diagnostic training. Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) application was included, for participants to compare the different methods of diagnosis available in the market for tropical infectious diseases. Each session ended with a quiz to assist the learning process.
The training concluded with a microscopy handling assessment, following the standards set by the University of Glasgow. All participants successfully met the required competency benchmarks. Universiti Malaya (the Kuala Lumpur station) continued to be the DTM&H microscopy training hub with the highest number of participants outside of the United Kingdom, reflecting its high popularity and reputation among the program’s students. This has positioned Universiti Malaya as a reliable and reputable training hub in the field of tropical medicine.
The Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, successfully organised the 4th Tropical Medicine Workshop on 31 January 2026 at Jemerlang Hall. The one-day workshop brought together clinicians, medical officers, postgraduate trainees, and healthcare professionals with a shared interest in tropical medicine and global health.
The workshop forms part of the ongoing academic collaboration between Universiti Malaya and the University of Glasgow Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTMH) programme, aiming to strengthen knowledge exchange and training opportunities in tropical infectious diseases. The programme welcomed approximately 80 participants, some of whom were medical officers and clinicians preparing for or pursuing training in tropical medicine.
The primary aim of the workshop was to provide participants with a practical and updated understanding of tropical medicine, covering key diseases, emerging global health challenges, and real-world clinical approaches relevant to both local and international settings. Through expert lectures, case-based discussions, and interactive sessions, the workshop aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in tropical medicine.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Dr. Gan Gin Gin, Head of the Department of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, and Dr. Christina Naula, Course Director of the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and MSc in One Health and Infectious Disease at the University of Glasgow. Their remarks highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the complex and evolving challenges of tropical diseases.
The programme featured an impressive lineup of international and regional experts, covering a wide range of topics across tropical medicine. Sessions explored key global health themes including One Health approaches, outbreak management, neglected tropical diseases, malaria elimination, helminthic infections, vaccine-preventable diseases, and travel-related infections. Participants particularly valued the breadth of topics presented across the five themed segments of the workshop: Global Health Challenges, Parasites That Kill, Worms That Linger, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and Tales of the Unfortunate Traveler. These sessions highlighted both the scientific complexity of tropical diseases and the importance of multidisciplinary strategies in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the relevance of the topics, the high quality of speakers, and the opportunity to engage with colleagues across different specialties. As tropical diseases continue to pose significant challenges globally, initiatives such as this workshop play an important role in equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address these issues. The continued partnership between Universiti Malaya and the University of Glasgow reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, research, and clinical excellence in tropical medicine.
Last Update: 07/04/2026
