A Safe Space for Dialogue, Reflection, and Progress
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, held its annual PhD Townhall on 7 November 2025 at Wyndham Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The gathering brought together PhD candidates, academic staff, and programme coordinators for an open and constructive dialogue. Led by coordinators Dr Howie Lim Sin How, Dr Siti Idayu Hasan, and Dr Rumana Akhter Saifi, the Townhall moved beyond routine updates and created a genuine space for two-way communication, shared problem-solving, and candid reflection. It reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where students can express themselves freely and participate actively in shaping their academic journey.
A Student-Centred Conversation
The full-day programme featured a series of interactive sessions designed to strengthen both academic and personal aspects of the PhD experience. Discussions covered programme expectations, supervision practices, student wellbeing, administrative processes, and navigating research challenges. Supervisors shared insights from their perspectives, while several students spoke openly about their own journeys, including the realities of balancing research demands, mental health, and the long road towards completing a thesis. The session on career pathways provided valuable awareness of post-PhD opportunities, helping students think beyond graduation. Throughout the day, the atmosphere remained reflective, inclusive, and solution-oriented.
Key Outcome: Developing a PhD Programme Booklet
One of the main outcomes of the Townhall was the decision to produce a PhD Programme Booklet. This new resource will compile clearer milestones, structured timelines, guidance on supervision, administrative information, and academic and well-being support. Its goal is to provide both new and continuing students with a clearer roadmap and greater confidence as they plan and progress through their PhD journey.
Student Reflections
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the Townhall as empowering and reassuring, noting that it was one of the few spaces where they felt genuinely heard. Others appreciated the honest exchanges between supervisors and students, the focus on mental well-being, and the encouragement gained from listening to peers who have successfully completed their viva.
Looking Ahead
This town hall marked an important step in SPM’s ongoing effort to strengthen transparency, shared learning, and student-centred programme design. Moving forward, the department remains committed to providing regular platforms for dialogue between postgraduate students and academic leaders, ensuring that every PhD journey is supported, guided, and meaningful.
This report was prepared by Dr Siti Idayu Hasan and Dr Rumana Akhter Saifi, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
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