Public Health Universiti Malaya, marked a significant milestone with the 50 Years Public Health Excellence Celebration Dinner 2024 on 30th November 2024 at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre, Nexus Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. Hosted by the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, the event brought together faculty members, alumni, students, and distinguished guests to celebrate five decades of contributions to public health in education, research, community and nation.

The evening began at 6.30 pm with a warm welcome reception, where guests were greeted with light refreshments and a captivating. There was a photo booth placed for capturing memorable portraits for guests, and a memory lane showcasing a visual journey of the department over the years.

The formal proceedings opened at 7.30 pm with a doa recitation led by Dr Ahmad Ikhwan Shah bin Akhtar Ali, followed by vibrant cultural performances by the Sky Dance Panorama, featuring traditional Malaysian dances Kurik Kundi and Joget Kelabang. The welcome remarks by Professor Dr Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, and Professor Dato’ Dr Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, set the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection.

A video montage, titled Journey Through the Decades, highlighted the department’s milestones, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony led by prominent figures, including Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud. This was followed by the launch of a time capsule project, where guests were invited to write messages envisioning the future of public health, the department, and themselves. Guests enjoyed a delicious plated dinner accompanied by live instrumental music by DrPH candidate Dr Fadhil and his band. A showcase video, featuring a recent health promotion outreach initiative with the Orang Asli community, underscored the department’s ongoing commitment to impactful community engagement.

Throughout the evening, several lucky draw sessions kept the atmosphere lively, with exciting prizes awarded to attendees. The event also featured Fun Awards, including the Best Dressed categories, adding a playful and engaging element to the celebration.

The event concluded with a heartfelt closing speech by Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, reflecting on the department’s remarkable journey and aspirations for the future. The time capsule sealing ceremony, symbolising a legacy of excellence and hope, marked the culmination of the celebration. A final toast was raised to honour the department’s past achievements and its bright future.

The 50 Years Public Health Excellence Celebration Dinner 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the public health community to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision a promising future. As the time capsule waits to be opened at the department’s 75th anniversary, the evening left a lasting impression on all attendees, reminding them of the department’s profound impact on public health locally and globally.

Watch our highlight video on YouTube: