September marked a dynamic and engaging start to the academic year as the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM) welcomed its new cohort of postgraduate students during the annual Orientation Week. The incoming candidates comprised students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Master of Medical Science, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.
The week commenced with an introductory session led by Sanjay Rampal, Head of Department, who provided an overview of the department’s vision, academic structure, and introduced faculty members and support staff. This session set the foundation for students to better understand the academic environment and expectations.
Subsequent activities were designed to familiarise students with the curriculum, course modules, and learning resources available within the department. These sessions aimed to support a smooth academic transition while encouraging early engagement with programme requirements.
A guided tour of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya and the University Malaya Medical Centre was also organised. Beyond academic facilities, the tour highlighted practical aspects of student life, including key locations for meals and refreshments—an often appreciated component for new students navigating a large campus.
This year’s orientation also introduced a creative element to the traditional ice-breaking session. Students participated in an art therapy activity, offering a relaxed and reflective platform to build connections, reduce initial anxieties, and foster a sense of community within the cohort.
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