The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, is proud to congratulate Professor John T. Arokiasamy for being honoured with the APAME Presidential Award 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates his outstanding leadership, vision, and lasting contributions to medical journal editing and public health scholarship across the Asia-Pacific region.
Professor Arokiasamy’s journey with the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME) has been nothing short of transformative. As the second President of APAME from 2010 to 2012, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s mission from its earliest days. Under his leadership, APAME achieved several milestones, including hosting the 2011 Congress in Seoul alongside the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and organising the 2012 APAME Conference in Kuala Lumpur. That same conference marked the launch of the landmark Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Promotion of Scholarly Writing Skills and Standards in the Asia-Pacific Region, a lasting framework that continues to strengthen editorial standards and academic writing in the region.
Prof. Arokiasamy is a Master of Public Health alumnus from the 1975/1976 batch and has been an integral part of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine for many years, leaving a lasting imprint on its growth and direction. As Head of Department, he championed initiatives that strengthened academic programmes, expanded research excellence, and deepened partnerships with communities to address real-world health challenges. His body of work spans a remarkable range, from tackling communicable diseases and improving childhood nutrition to examining the health impacts of industrialisation, reducing injury risks, and promoting cardiovascular health. These contributions have not only advanced academic knowledge but have also shaped national public health policies and guided practical interventions across Malaysia. Equally significant is his role as a mentor, inspiring and nurturing generations of public health professionals with his unwavering commitment to scientific rigour, ethical practice, and service to society.
The APAME Presidential Award not only acknowledges Prof. Arokiasamy’s exceptional editorial leadership but also reflects the deep connection between knowledge creation, academic integrity, and public health progress. His work exemplifies the power of bridging rigorous research with effective communication, a combination essential for tackling today’s global health challenges. By setting high standards in both scholarship and mentorship, he has left an indelible mark on the academic community and the health of populations across the Asia-Pacific region.
We join APAME in celebrating this well-deserved honour and thank Prof. Arokiasamy for his enduring contributions to SPM, Universiti Malaya, and the broader public health field. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that impactful leadership is built on dedication, vision, and a commitment to the greater good.
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