On 3 July 2025, the 3rd Forum on China–ASEAN Cooperation in Public Health convened at Peking University, uniting public health leaders, researchers, and policy experts across the region. Themed around technological innovation and health systems resilience, the forum aimed to strengthen collaboration between China and ASEAN countries in addressing shared public health challenges.
The event began with welcome remarks by Professor Xu Ming and Vice President Xiao Yuan of Peking University Health Science Center, followed by opening statements from representatives of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, ASEAN-China Centre, and the World Health Organization (WHO). A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to reaffirm regional cooperation in health development.
Keynote presentations focused on global health innovation, including advances in RNA vaccine technology (Prof. Kiat Ruxrungtham, Chulalongkorn University), the role of AI in health policy (Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata, UGM), and AI applications in tuberculosis control and health education (Prof. Du Jian and Prof. Su Li, China).
Parallel Forum D: AI Empowering Climate Change and Health Research
A central highlight was the sub-forum “AI Empowering Climate Change and Health Research,” where experts explored how digital tools can improve climate adaptation and public health outcomes. Discussions addressed a wide spectrum of AI applications, from early warning systems and vector surveillance to chronic disease forecasting and environmental policy support.
Key Highlights:
- Li Tiantian (China CDC): Discussed the global trends of extreme weather and proposed health risk early warning systems for heatwaves using AI models.
- Dr. Enkhtsetseg Shinee (WHO WPRO): Emphasised system-level climate resilience and intersectoral collaboration in health and climate strategies.
- Prof. Steve Hung-Lam Yim (NTU Singapore): Showcased AI models for identifying the spatial-temporal health impacts of air pollution.
- Prof. Victor Hoe Chee Wai (UM): Presented on AI applications in environmental health, including predictive health risk systems, smart regulation, and public education using ChatGPT.
- Prof. Emmanuel Baja (UP Manila): Demonstrated AI and wearable tech for lead exposure studies and cardiovascular risk prediction.
- Prof. Liu Qiyong (China CDC): Addressed climate-driven spread of vector-borne diseases and the need for improved surveillance and border control.
- Prof. Zhang Zhenyu (Peking University): Used machine learning to support climate adaptation policy design.
The forum concluded with a panel discussion exploring regional AI-health strategies and mechanisms to foster China–ASEAN knowledge exchange.
A Collective Step Forward
The forum underscored the value of multilateral collaboration in leveraging AI to enhance public health preparedness and climate resilience. Participation by Universiti Malaya contributed to a broader conversation on innovation in environmental health and the collective commitment to sustainable health development in Southeast Asia.
Epilogue: Foundations from the 2nd Forum
The 2nd Forum on China–ASEAN Cooperation in Public Health, held in June 2024, laid the groundwork for this year’s discussions. With over 200 delegates and key support from Mahidol University, the forum produced the Beijing Declaration, which called for a regional innovation ecosystem and harmonised health regulations. Universiti Malaya, represented by Prof. Hoe, advocated for climate-health resilience and policy collaboration, setting the stage for continued Malaysian engagement in the 3rd Forum and beyond.
Acknowledgements
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, thanks Peking University and all participating institutions for their leadership in promoting regional health innovation.
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