On 14th August 2026, Dr Ng Yit Han served as an invited speaker for an intensive training workshop hosted by the Perlis State Department of Health (Pharmaceutical Services Division). The workshop, titled ‘Pemantapan Kemahiran Pembentangan Saintifik dan Teknik Menjawab Soalan Panel’ (Enhancing Scientific Presentation Skills and Panel Question-Answering Techniques), was organised to prepare the division participants who will be attending an upcoming conference in September 2026. The overarching objective was to ensure participants could articulate their research findings with clarity, rigour, and professional authority.
Workshop Content and Core Modules
The workshop provided comprehensive guidance on constructing high-impact scientific presentations and navigating formal panel defences. Dr Ng structured the core presentation curriculum around four foundational pillars:
- Structure: Establishing a logical narrative flow that guides the audience seamlessly from background context and research methodology to key findings and real-world implications.
- Visuals: Designing clear visual aids and data representations that enhance comprehension without overwhelming the audience with cluttered text.
- Delivery: Mastering vocal modulation, pacing, articulation, and timing to maintain audience focus throughout the session.
- Presence: Developing body language, stage confidence, and professional demeanour to convey expertise effectively.
Following the core modules, the workshop addressed techniques for handling panel question-and-answer sessions. Participants learned strategies to listen actively, process complex panel questions quickly, structure concise responses, and maintain composure under rigorous academic scrutiny.
Interactive Feedback and Project Coaching
Beyond theoretical instruction, the workshop featured dedicated sharing and coaching sessions to give participants actionable feedback. Dr Ng individually reviewed the participants’ draft presentation slides, offering tailored recommendations to optimise visual hierarchy, improve slide readability, and refine data visualisation.
To ensure practical readiness, Dr Ng analysed each delegate’s specific research project and generated realistic, potential panel questions. This customised approach allowed participants to anticipate challenging technical queries, pinpoint potential gaps in their arguments, and practice formulating clear, evidence-based responses prior to the actual conference.
Intersectoral Collaboration and Impact
Despite being organised as a short-session workshop, the event was a resounding success. It successfully bridged the educational and health sectors, demonstrating the value of intersectoral collaboration in refining scientific communication and research dissemination.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting substantial gains in presentation confidence, slide design, and defensive strategy. The event underscored the importance of joint capacity-building initiatives, creating a strong foundation for future collaborative programs between the governmental sectors.
This report was prepared by Dr Ng Yit Han from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
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