Kuala Lumpur, 11 July 2026 – The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya successfully organised the SPM Family Day 2026 at Centrepoint, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Embracing the theme “Stronger and Happier Together”, the SPM Family Day brought together postgraduate students, alumni, academic and administrative staff with their families for a morning of fun-filled activities.
Crafted around the celebratory and vibrant essence of a “Karnival Kampung”, the programme featured a variety of traditional Malaysian games, interactive family activities, performances, a lucky draw, and children’s attractions, creating a lively atmosphere encouraging participation across all age groups. This event provided an opportunity for participants to step away from their daily academic and professional commitments, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and create lasting memories with their loved ones.
Starting off the programme was participant registration, which included a Wau stamping activity inspired by one of Malaysia’s iconic traditional crafts. Attendees had the opportunity to place their palm print on a blank Wau, adding a cultural touch to the event. At this point, participants and their families were also divided into four houses, which were Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow, to foster teamwork and friendly competition throughout the event.
Opening Remarks
The event was officially launched by the Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Professor Dr Victor Hoe Chee Wai Bin Abdullah, who welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of strengthening relationships beyond the academic and workplace environment. In his opening address, he encouraged lecturers, staff, postgraduate students, alumni, and their families to embrace the spirit of togetherness, actively participate in the day’s activities, and create meaningful memories through shared experiences.
The opening ceremony featured a symbolic Wau hand-stamping by Professor Dr Victor Hoe, signifying the official launch of SPM Family Day 2026. This was followed by a vibrant Wau Bulan dance performance by postgraduate students dressed in colourful batik and tanjak traditional attire, beautifully reflecting the event’s Karnival Kampung theme while celebrating Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Professor Dr Victor enthusiastically joined the performance, much to the delight of participants, setting a warm and cheerful tone for the rest of the programme.
A cake-cutting ceremony followed to celebrate the birthdays of staff and students born in July, while also paying tribute to Mr Kamar, Office Assistant of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, who will retire after 33 years of dedicated service. The ceremony served as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the department over more than three decades. The opening ceremony concluded with a group photography session involving staff, postgraduate students, alumni, and their families, capturing the joy, unity, and strong sense of community that defined the spirit of SPM Family Day 2026.
Warming-up Session
Following the opening ceremony, participants gathered for an energetic warm-up session planned to promote physical activity and encourage interaction. This set the lively tone for the day’s programme. The session began with a vibrant poco-poco dance led by students, with participants enthusiastically following the simple and rhythmic movements. Suitable for all age groups, this activity enabled everyone to join in regardless of their fitness level or prior experience, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. The atmosphere became even more spirited as lecturers joined the students on stage, dancing together in a display of enthusiasm and camaraderie. Their active participation reflected the department’s close-knit culture and demonstrated that Family Day was not only an opportunity for recreation but also a platform to strengthen relationships beyond the academic and professional setting. The shared laughter and encouragement among participants helped to break down traditional hierarchical boundaries, fostering a sense of equality, openness, and mutual respect.
Games Session
Before the start of the actual games, each team gathered according to their teams and participated in an interactive ice-breaking session, during which members introduced themselves, selected a team leader, and created a unique team slogan. This activity encouraged communication, collaboration, and also served as a get-to-know session among participants who were from diverse backgrounds.
The games session comprised a series of fun and interactive activities that fostered teamwork, camaraderie, and active participation among attendees. Adult participants enthusiastically competed in games such as the Duck Walk Challenge, Three-legged Sponge Race, Blind Caterpillar, Tunnel Vision Game, Ping Pong Rush, and the ever-popular Musical Chairs. Laughter, encouragement, and friendly rivalry filled the venue as teams worked together to complete each challenge, reinforcing the values of trust, communication, and mutual support.
Concurrently, children enjoyed their own fun-filled activities tailored to their age groups. They participated enthusiastically in games such as Balloon Stomping, Ping Pong Ball Transfer and Bubble Play. There was also a colouring contest. These different activities provided opportunities for the children to develop creativity, coordination, and confidence in a playful environment. A bouncy castle was also available throughout the event, offering endless excitement for the younger participants.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a clown entertained the children with interactive performances, balloon sculpting, and engaging games, delighting both children and parents alike.
The cheerful entertainment, combined with the variety of family-friendly activities, ensured that participants of all ages remained actively engaged throughout the morning. The diverse range of activities promoted cooperation, mutual support and sportsmanship while providing opportunities for staff, students and their families to interact beyond the workplace and academic environment. The enthusiastic participation demonstrated the strong sense of unity and camaraderie within the SPM community.
of SPM Family Day 2026.
Lucky Draw Sessions
To maintain the momentum and recognise participants’ enthusiastic support, three lucky draw sessions, featuring a total of 27 attractive prizes, were held at various intervals throughout the programme. The lucky draws sustained participants’ enthusiasm and added an element of surprise and anticipation to the day’s festivities.
Participants had the opportunity to win a wide range of practical and exciting prizes, including an oven, gas stove, air fryer, pressure cooker, juice blender, memory pillow, and dumbbells, among others. Each lucky draw generated enthusiastic cheers and applause as winners were announced, creating moments of joy and celebration that further enlivened the event.
Prize-Giving Ceremony
The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony to recognise the enthusiasm, teamwork, and outstanding performances demonstrated by participants throughout the day’s activities. Awards were presented to the winners of the children’s, men’s, women’s, and mixed-team games, as well as the highly anticipated Tug of War competition, which proved to be one of the highlights of the Family Day.
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the coveted Challenge Trophy to Yellow House, which emerged as the overall champion of SPM Family Day 2026. Their victory reflected exceptional teamwork, determination, sportsmanship, and consistent performance across the day’s competitions.
Conclusion
SPM Family Day 2026 reflected the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine’s ongoing dedication in promoting the well-being of its academic community through initiatives that strengthen social connectedness, encourage work-life balance, and foster a positive organisational culture. While the classroom serves as the primary environment for teaching and learning, the Family Day provided a meaningful opportunity for lecturers, staff, postgraduate students, alumni, and their families to connect beyond academic and professional responsibilities. The relaxed and family-oriented atmosphere encouraged genuine interactions, strengthened interpersonal relationships, and reinforced the close-knit spirit that defines the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
The SPM Family Day 2026 Organising Committee extends its sincere appreciation to staff from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine for their invaluable guidance, continuous support, and unwavering commitment throughout the planning and implementation of the programme. The committee also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, participants, and family members whose enthusiasm, cooperation, and teamwork were instrumental in making the event a memorable success.
The continued success of SPM Family Day reflects the Department’s aspiration to nurture an inclusive, supportive, and resilient academic community where meaningful relationships extend beyond the classroom and workplace. By fostering stronger connections among staff, students, alumni, and their families, the programme reinforces the Department’s commitment to excellence in public health education and research, while truly embodying its theme, “Stronger and Happier Together.”
This write-up was prepared by Dr Abigail Ooi Zhi Ning, Event Manager, SPM Family Day 2026.
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