The University of Malaya was honoured to host the 46th Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference in Kuala Lumpur from October 16th to 19th, 2014. Centered on the theme “Evolution of Public Health in the Asia Pacific Region,” this event showcased the university’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary research culture. The conference was generously supported by the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Key Objectives and Themes:

Aligned with APACPH’s goals, the conference addressed critical public health challenges in the face of demographic and epidemiological transitions, aiming to:

Share successful strategies for tackling public health issues.
Provide a platform for regional collaborations to improve public health competencies.
Reiterate the importance of access to adequate healthcare as a fundamental human right.

The conference covered a diverse range of topics, including:

Ageing
Infectious Diseases
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Global Health
Occupational and Environmental Health
Universal Health Coverage
Women’s Health, Adolescent Health & Violence
Injury Prevention
Health Education and Promotion
Health Policy & Financing
Mental Health
Public Health Law & Ethics

Conference Highlights:

Welcoming Messages: Key figures, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya, the Organizing Chair (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maznah Dahlui), and the President of APACPH (Dr. Phitaya Charupoonphol), emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing public health challenges.
Pre-Conference Workshops: A series of workshops focused on skill-building in areas such as scientific writing, grant writing, statistical evidence in public health research, and biological monitoring in occupational health practice. These workshops aimed to enhance the capacity of public health professionals and researchers in the region.
Plenary Sessions: Renowned experts delivered keynote addresses on topics such as NCD prevention, population ageing, trade and health, and research priorities for public health in the Asia-Pacific region. Keynote speakers included Professor Dr. Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita, Professor Dr. Robert Cumming, Professor Dr. Sharon Friel, Professor Dr. Byung Yool Jun and Professor Dr. Colin Binns.
Symposia and Oral Presentations: Participants engaged in symposia and oral presentations covering a wide array of public health issues, sharing research findings and best practices. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge dissemination.
APACPH Awards: Recognition was given to individuals who have made significant contributions to public health, including Dato’ Dr Narimah Awin, Tan Sri Dr. Salma Binti Ismail (posthumous), and Professor Dr. Walter Patrick (posthumous).
Networking Opportunities: The conference provided numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration, including welcome receptions, poster viewing sessions, and editorial board meetings.

Outcomes and Impact:

The 46th APACPH Conference, hosted by the University of Malaya, served as a vital platform for:

Knowledge sharing and dissemination of research findings.
Strengthening collaborations among public health professionals in the Asia Pacific region.
Identifying key priorities and strategies for addressing evolving public health challenges.
Promoting the importance of evidence-based policies and practices in improving population health.

Key Message: The conference underscored the necessity for continuous evolution in public health practices within the Asia Pacific region, emphasizing collaborative, evidence-based strategies to address emerging challenges and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.

Organiser’s Message Summary: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maznah Dahlui, the Organizing Chair from the University of Malaya, extended a warm welcome and highlighted the conference as a platform for public health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, academics, and students to discuss and explore national, global, and international trends in public health. She emphasized the importance of sharing and learning from one another to address public health issues and shape better healthcare practices for the future.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of better health for all in the Asia Pacific region. The University of Malaya’s ability to quickly step in as host demonstrated the institution’s commitment to public health leadership in the region. We look forward to continuing our support of APACPH and contributing to the advancement of public health in the Asia Pacific region.