The 2nd Forum on China-ASEAN Cooperation in Public Health and the Annual Assembly of the China-ASEAN University Consortium on Medicine and Health were successfully held on June 26-28, 2024, at Peking University. The forum was co-hosted by Peking University Health Science Center and Mahidol University, and jointly organised by the Peking University School of Public Health, the China-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Public Health, and the Office of International Cooperation.

Under the theme “Innovations in Development Cooperation for Medical Devices and Technology Cooperation, and the Cooperation and Development among Members of the China-ASEAN University Consortium on Medicine and Health,” the event brought together over 200 delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attendees included government officials, university presidents, health experts, international organisation representatives (WHO, UNICEF), and business leaders.

A major outcome of the forum was the launch of the Beijing Declaration on China-ASEAN Medical Technology Innovation Cooperation, which emphasized creating an inclusive and accessible medical innovation ecosystem, strengthening regional regulatory collaboration, and promoting resilient health systems through joint efforts.

Prof Victor Hoe’s Keynote on Climate and Health

Among the distinguished speakers was Prof Victor Hoe from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. He was invited to deliver a keynote address in the Parallel Forum on Climate Change and Health, contributing vital perspectives on one of the region’s most pressing health challenges.

In his talk, titled “Climate Action to Promote and Protect Health in Asia and Oceania,” Prof Hoe presented a comprehensive overview of how climate change is impacting public health—through increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, mental health stressors, and displacement due to extreme weather events.

Drawing on his work at the Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice (CEBP), Prof Hoe emphasised the importance of implementing targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies to build climate-resilient health systems. He advocated for evidence-based policymaking and regional collaboration to safeguard communities most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change.

Advancing Malaysia’s Public Health Voice

Prof. Hoe’s participation in this high-level forum exemplifies Malaysia’s academic leadership in public and environmental health. His insights aligned closely with the forum’s broader objectives of fostering innovation, equity, and resilience across ASEAN and China. His contribution underscored the essential role of climate considerations in shaping sustainable and inclusive public health strategies.

Acknowledgement

The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine congratulates Prof Victor Hoe on his impactful engagement and extends appreciation to Peking University and the organising partners for facilitating this important platform for public health advancement.