On 15 October 2024, history was created in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. For the first time, the Faculty of Medicine hosted two Inaugural Lectures in the same event. This has never been done before as Inaugural Lectures are usually very personal and prestigious event to celebrate the academic excellence of a professor. It is a platform for the professor to showcase their expertise, research contributions, and future directions in their field.
The Decision to Share the Spotlight
Initially planned as separate events, Professors Hoe and Rampal made the innovative decision to combine their lectures. This choice was driven by several factors:
- Logistical efficiency for the department
- Minimized disruption to Master of Public Health classes
- Convenience for guests attending from the same professional circles
The combined event not only streamlined organizational efforts but also created a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Event Proceedings
The event started at 2 pm on 15 October 2024 with the Dr Bala Murali Sundram, the Master of Ceremony introducing the Professor Dato’ Dr Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz the Chair of the event and welcoming the guest to the event which includes family members of Prof Dr Victor Hoe and Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal.
The event started with the Inaugural Lecture of Prof Dr Victor Hoe, “A Journey of Discovery: the road less travelled” followed with the Inaugural Lecture of Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal Lekhraj Rampal, “Obesity and Public Health: Challenges and Opportunities for National Prosperity”.
A Journey of Discovery: the road less travelled
In his inaugural lecture, Prof Dr. Victor Hoe explored the theme of self-discovery and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. Drawing from his extensive experience in public and occupational health, Dr. Hoe shared insights from his unique career path, which has been characterised by a willingness to explore unconventional routes and embrace new challenges. The lecture delved into the significance of self-discovery in shaping one’s identity and career, emphasising how stepping off the beaten path can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Dr. Hoe discuss his journey from a physician to a leader in occupational health, highlighting key moments of introspection and decision-making that guided his career. He also reflected on the broader implications of self-discovery in the context of public health, stressing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in addressing complex health challenges. The lecture aims to inspire the audience to embark on their own journeys of discovery, encouraging them to question the status quo and pursue paths that align with their passions and values.
Obesity and Public Health: Challenges and Opportunities for National Prosperity
In his inaugural lecture Professor Sanjay Rampal a/l Lekhraj Rampal will lecture on the topic “Obesity and Public Health: Challenges and Opportunities for National Prosperity”.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been escalating dramatically over the past decades. This trend intricately linked to structural transformations within our society, characterised by socio-economic development, urbanisation, and on ageing population. These rapid changes have collectively intensified the burden of NCDs in Malaysia and globally. As our society increasingly adopts unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, the prevalence of obesity and its downstream complications, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver diseases and diabetes, has surged. Notably, the early 2000s marked a significant turning point in the rising obesity prevalence.
We require dynamic and competent health professionals to effectively address the challenges posed by the rising burden of NCDs. Public Health is critical to improving our nation’s health and economy. My academic work has and will continue to focus on leading efforts to develop our region’s next generation of public health workforce to empower and improve the health of our communities.
This lecture aims to encapsulate my research findings in this critical area while sharing key insights I have gained in my journey thus far.
Significance of the Event
This dual Inaugural Lecture not only honoured the individual achievements of Professors Hoe and Rampal but also symbolized the Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The success of this pioneering format may set a new precedent for academic celebrations.
Highlights from the Event
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