Catalysing research to elevate national healthcare
JOHOR Research Day was hosted for the first time by Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) in collaboration with the Johor State Health Department and the Clinical Research Centre network of Johor.

Themed “Transforming Healthcare through Digitalisation”, the event aimed to promote knowledge and the culture of research, increase awareness of the importance of scientific research and evidence-based knowledge as well as improve the quality of research.

Present at the event were Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad, Johor Health deputy director (medical division) Dr Khairul Rizal Othman and NUMed provost and chief executive officer Prof Vishna Devi V. Nadarajah.

“This programme serves as an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and valuable insights on the latest research,” said Ling in his speech.

“Advances in technology have allowed the use of digital records, which are important for efficient data access and sharing across facilities, as well as reducing patient wait times. Ling says technology advances have led to the use of digital records which are vital for efficient data access and sharing across facilities. — Filepic

“An integrated Malaysian healthcare system is hoped to soon be established to bring public and private healthcare systems together as part of efforts to build a sustainable and resilient health system,” he said.

“Another shift is the emergence of teleconsultation services that take advantage of the advances in remote medicine,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof Vishna said her team is committed to advancing health and higher education in Johor.

“Despite Newcastle University being based in the UK, we have established a 15-year presence here.

“While we bring ideas and perspectives from the UK, our initiatives are locally focused,” she said.

“I am proud to be the first Malaysian CEO and provost, following a line of UK national predecessors.

“This marks our transition from the UK to Malaysia,” she added.

The event incorporated physical and virtual sessions that were attended by 160 participants comprising pharmacists, doctors, dentists, other allied health professionals, as well as medical students.

The day’s activity lineup included presentations, symposiums, Q&A sessions, oral and poster competitions.

Over 120 submissions of scientific abstracts were received, with 91 being accepted for exhibition.

Clinical Research Centre Johor head and organising chairperson Dr Marina Abd Rahman Sabri shared, “It is my hope that the insights and knowledge we gain today can be shared widely, enhancing our excellence and productivity in delivering better health services across all regions.”

Dr Mohtar said, “My hope is that many will gain benefit and inspiration that will aid them in their own pursuits of knowledge and research, and be able to catapult the fate of the nation’s healthcare into a promising future, especially in the field of digitalisation.”

The Johor Baru Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society is also part of the biennial Johor Research Day.

This year’s event was sponsored by Clinical Research Malaysia, Novartis Malaysia, the Centre of Excellence for Extended Reality Technology, and Malaysia Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Society.
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia,NUMed
JOHOR Research Day was hosted for the first time by Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) in collaboration with the Johor State Health Depart­ment and the Clinical Research Centre network of Johor.