From 4 to 6 July 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya hosted PULSE 2025: Promoting Unity and Learning through Student Exchange—a flagship student exchange programme led by the University of Malaya Medical Society (UM MedSoc). With participation from leading medical institutions across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, the event fostered regional collaboration through academic exchange, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding.
A highlight of PULSE 2025 was the Professional ScrubChat session held on 6 July 2025 at Dewan Jemerlang, Faculty of Pharmacy. This session brought together medical students and academic experts for a robust discussion of real-world regional health issues through three case presentations. Students worked in cross-national teams to analyse and propose solutions to complex public health challenges in the ASEAN context.
Academic Contributions from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, played a central academic role in this session. Faculty members were invited to review and provide expert commentary on the students’ presentations, ensuring alignment with current policy and public health frameworks.
Prof Dr Victor Hoe provided initial consultation on the conceptual framing of all three cases and was invited to attend the final presentations. His early engagement helped shape the case narratives and public health focus areas.
Reviewed Case Presentations
Case 1: Bridging the Financial Gaps in ASEAN Healthcare:
Reviewed by Assoc Prof Dr Tharani Loganathan
This case explored the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Dr Tharani offered a comprehensive critique of each country’s financing model and policy trajectory, emphasising the need for equitable health access and sustainable financing frameworks informed by Malaysia’s Health White Paper 2023.
Case 2: Managing the HIV Epidemic in Southeast Asia
Reviewed by Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh
Focusing on HIV strategies across the region, this case examined prevention, harm reduction, and the role of community-led services. Dr Nur Afiqah highlighted best practices in Malaysia’s digital outreach and the strategic deployment of self-testing and PrEP among high-risk populations, while also addressing gaps in stigma reduction and access equity.
Case 3: Tackling Youth Tobacco and Vaping Epidemics in ASEAN
Reviewed by Dr Siti Idayu Hasan
This case analysed youth nicotine use and the legal landscape in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Dr Siti Idayu provided key insights into the effectiveness of Malaysia’s Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, and advocated for stronger policy alignment, enforcement, and regional collaboration to counteract tobacco industry influence.
Advancing Public Health Education Through Student Initiatives
The ScrubChat session exemplified the strength of student-led academic inquiry when paired with expert mentorship. It provided a rare and valuable opportunity for students to engage in policy-level thinking and receive constructive feedback from public health professionals.
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine commends the initiative by UM MedSoc in organising a programme that not only promoted academic excellence and cultural exchange, but also deepened student understanding of public health leadership and governance in ASEAN.
Acknowledgement
The Department extends its appreciation to UM MedSoc and all participating institutions for facilitating such an enriching academic environment. Congratulations to the student presenters for their rigorous work and critical engagement with regional health challenges.
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