On 12 June 2025, the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine hosted a dynamic and thought-provoking seminar entitled “Commercial Determinants of Health: Defend, Disrupt, Defeat – Disarming the Big Four,” led by Group 3 of the Master of Public Health (MPH) cohort. This was part of the Global Health module (MQB7042), and the session aimed to unravel how powerful commercial interests—ranging from tobacco and alcohol to sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods—exert a silent yet significant influence on health systems, policy landscapes, and disease burdens worldwide.
The seminar opened with an engaging teaser video that challenged participants to reconsider the meaning of “choice” in today’s consumer landscape. Through the lens of commercial determinants, the audience was introduced to a more nuanced understanding of how profits, power, and policy intersect in shaping the health of populations.
The academic segment was divided into three sessions: Session 1, led by Dr Raja Noor Hazwani, laid the foundation by defining the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDOH) and exploring their historical development. The session unpacked key frameworks, including how marketing, lobbying, science subversion, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are strategically deployed by industries to promote products detrimental to public health.
Session 2, delivered by Dr Moohita Jazvini, asked a critical question: Why do CDOHs matter for public health? This segment highlighted how commercial interests contribute to the normalisation of unhealthy behaviours, exacerbate social inequities, and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. It powerfully reframed so-called “lifestyle diseases” as systemic outcomes, driven not merely by personal choices but by environments engineered for consumption.
Session 3, helmed by Mr Peter Chinedu Nwankwo and Dr Aiman Alias, shifted the focus from critique to solutions. The session explored real-world policy actions at both global and national levels, showcasing innovative responses such as the Commercial Accountability Levy System (CALS), front-of-pack labelling, and marketing bans targeted at protecting children and marginalised communities.
The afternoon continued by featuring an impactful expert panel session titled “From Policy to Practice: Navigating the Commercial Pressures on Health Systems”, which featured valuable insights from three expert panels: Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Director of the Perak State Health Department, offered an insider’s view on the challenges of implementing health policies in the face of commercial resistance, particularly addressing issues which may be beyond the capacities and expertise within the ministry.
Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia, underscored the importance of advocacy, evidence translation, and strategic partnerships in bridging community health needs with actionable policies. Dato’ Dr Hj Azman Abu Bakar, former Deputy Director-General of Public Health (MOH), brought a macro-level perspective on global policy coherence. He shared experiences on navigating conflicting interests and challenges, as well as the need for a unified, cross-sectoral front against harmful corporate practices.
The final forum segment, titled ‘Where Do We Go From Here?, was moderated by Dr Nur Balqis Zahirah Ali. Panellists reflected on the complex and evolving challenges of addressing the CDOH. One key theme was the delicate balance between fostering economic development and safeguarding public health, particularly in the face of regulatory gaps that may limit the effectiveness of health interventions. Dr Feisul highlighted that in certain communities, particularly those facing socioeconomic constraints, health may not always be the most immediate concern, and public health initiatives must be responsive to these contextual realities. Dato’ Dr Azman acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the importance of strategic thinking and evidence-based approaches among the next generation of public health professionals.
Offering an optimistic perspective, Prof Muralli referenced past global health successes and underscored the importance of sustained advocacy, innovative partnerships, and the use of digital platforms to support public health goals. The discussion also explored the emotional, behavioural, and systemic dimensions of addressing CDoH. Panellists noted that public health efforts may be more effective when they go beyond factual messaging to also consider cultural norms, emotions, and the broader social environment that influences health behaviours. The importance of innovation and adaptable thinking was highlighted, with youth-led initiatives cited as promising examples of grassroots advocacy. Participants also discussed the need for responsive policy approaches, particularly in areas such as regulating health-related consumer products and enhancing public health literacy. In addressing questions on research and data gaps, Professor Dr Victor Hoe, the Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, raised the potential value of incorporating anthropological perspectives into national surveys. Dr Feisul acknowledged the methodological challenges involved but supported further exploration of such approaches within academic and policy settings.
Throughout the day, the seminar maintained a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by interactive quizzes, brain teasers, and lively discussions. What made the session especially memorable was its clarity in distilling complex frameworks into digestible, relevant narratives, grounded in both academic rigour and lived realities.
This seminar was more than a class requirement—it was a call to action. By equipping future public health professionals with the knowledge and courage to “defend, disrupt, and defeat” exploitative commercial practices, Group 3 made a meaningful contribution to the global discourse on equity and health justice.
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