On 17 July 2025, the MASEAN Group of Journals (MASEAN GoJ) International Seminar for Authors of Medical Journals convened at the Amari Bangsaen Chonburi, Thailand, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, editors, and clinicians from across Southeast Asia. The hybrid seminar attracted around 200 participants, 50 onsite and 150 online, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the integrity and quality of medical publishing in the region.

A Ceremonial Opening: Leadership in Focus

The event commenced with a formal opening ceremony that set a collegial and purposeful tone for the day. Prof. Dr. Prakitpunthu Tomtitchong, President of the Medical Association of Thailand (MAT), delivered the welcome address alongside members of the organising committee, highlighting the importance of scholarly communication in strengthening health systems.

This was followed by an address from Prof. Mahesh Choolani, Chair of the MASEAN Group of Journals, who outlined the vision of the seminar in light of emerging technologies and the need for robust editorial standards. The ceremony concluded with remarks by Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, President of MASEAN, who emphasised regional collaboration in advancing medical research and integrity.

Spotlight Session: AI in Medical Writing – Friend or Foe?

The highlight of the seminar was the keynote lecture, “AI in Medical Writing: Friend or Foe?”, delivered by Prof Mahesh Choolani, Chair of the MASEAN Group of Journals. This thought-provoking session explored the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence in scientific communication.

Prof Choolani examined how AI tools can streamline manuscript preparation, enhance clarity, and assist non-native English speakers, while also cautioning against over-reliance and ethical lapses. He underscored the necessity for editorial policies and institutional frameworks to guide responsible AI use, ensuring that technology supports, rather than undermines, scientific integrity. The session sparked lively discussion, reflecting its relevance to all facets of medical publishing.

The other topic discussed during the workshop included Common Pitfalls in Scientific Publishing: Ethics, Retractions, and Predatory Journals by Prof Datuk Dr Lekhraj Rampal; Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses: From Protocol to Publication by Prof. Maria Minerva P. Calimag; Preprint Issues, Open Access, and the Future of Scientific Publishing and Cracking the Code: How to Get Your Research Published in Top-Tier Journals by Assoc. Prof. Sakda Arj-Ong Vallibhakara; and Peer Review Excellence: How to Evaluate and Improve Scientific Manuscripts, and Best Practices in Peer Review: How to Be a High-Quality Reviewer & Standard by Assoc. Prof. Maria Christina Ventura.

Malaysian Contribution: Prof Victor Hoe emphasised the need for editorial policies and institutional frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI

Professor Dr Victor Hoe, Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at Universiti Malaya and Editor-in-Chief of Medical Journal of Malaysia, also contributed to the seminar as a speaker. His brief yet impactful commentary echoed the need for vigilance and accountability in using AI, reinforcing the seminar’s core message of aligning innovation with ethical publishing standards.

Relevance for Public Health

As AI continues to reshape research and publishing, events like the MASEAN GoJ seminar are vital for fostering a culture of responsible scholarship. They ensure that technological advances are leveraged to support transparent, credible, and accessible health research, principles essential to both public and occupational health.