UNIMAS’ DrPH Cohort 13 recently embarked on an exhilarating journey at the 8th Asia-Pacific Conference on Public Health (APCPH) in Kuching from July 9-11, 2024. Kuching, a vibrant city, served as the backdrop for this significant event, with the Pullman Hotel bustling as our central hub.
Our excitement and nervous anticipation grew when we received invitations to join the scientific committee, guided by our esteemed lecturers, Prof. Dr. Razitasham Safii and Prof. Dr. Anselm Su Ting. Organizing an international conference was a remarkable opportunity, allowing us to learn from the best. The conference theme, “Revitalising Public Health for a Resilient Future,” resonated deeply with all of us. It reminded us why we chose this field and inspired us to give our very best. The event attracted 725 delegates, including experts from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and even a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO). We received 84 oral presentations and reviewed 115 poster submissions, each showcasing groundbreaking work in public health, each worthy of praise and recognition.
For many of us, our first mission was to arrive at Pullman Hotel before 7.30am, which means an early 5.30am start if we are ever to beat the Samarahan traffic. Nevertheless, as we stepped into the conference venue, we sensed the intensity and the promise of a rewarding experience.
For Cohort 13, our roles were diverse and demanding. We were divided into 4 teams, each in-charge of the concurrent venues, namely Colosseum 1, Colosseum 2, Petra 1, and the 4th team was assisting full-time in the secretariat room. We set up breakout rooms, chaired oral sessions, hosted scientific talks, and adeptly handled technical glitches. Juggling these myriad tasks tested our skills and teamwork. Late evening de-briefing sessions turned into collaborative problem-solving sessions, and stress transformed into shared determination. We discovered that resilience isn’t just an individual trait; it’s a collective force. There was an incident that one of the plenary sessions that was held in the Coloseum 1 ballroom did not have enough chairs. Delegates were quickly starting to fill up the room with many of them standing at the back and along the side of the hall. The hotel’s team was quickly informed of the shortage but the speaker has already begun his talk. While waiting for the hotel’s team to take action, to prepare the trolley and staff to move the extra chairs, our team felt that it would not have been prepared in time. So our team members from the other breakout rooms answered the call, and started carrying and arranging the extra chairs for the delegates in the extra floor space we could find. Through mutual encouragement, adaptability, and a dash of humor, we navigated obstacle after obstacle to deliver the best experience we can to our delegates. The unexpected hurdles became opportunities for us to shine as a united front, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for each other.
Listening to speakers from across the Asia-Pacific was a definite highlight. Their topics spanned a diverse range of critical issues in public health. We were inspired by discussions on healthcare resilience, which provided insights into building robust health systems capable of withstanding crises. Sessions on community engagement offered innovative strategies to involve local populations in health initiatives, ensuring that solutions are both effective and sustainable. Climate change adaptation was another crucial topic, with experts sharing groundbreaking research on their work to mitigate climate change and its effects. Strategies for tackling emerging diseases were also a major focus, providing us with the latest approaches to prevent and manage outbreaks in a globalized world. We absorbed as much as we could, eager to apply these lessons in our own work.
Despite our packed schedules and responsibilities, we managed to reconnect with old friends, forge new connections, and explore the poster exhibits and booths. A particularly memorable moment was our conversation with Dr. Zulhizzam Hj Abdullah and Dr. Mohammad Nazarudin Bahari from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Their insights on professional development and public health responsibilities left us inspired and reassured.
The 8th APCPH was truly a rewarding exposure; it became an enriching experience that broadened our horizons and fortified our commitment to making a difference in public health. Truthfully, this experience has strengthened us into a more resilient Cohort 13. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the College of Public Health Medicine, Academy of Medicine Malaysia, for this invaluable opportunity. And now, we eagerly await the 9th APCPH in Johor in 2026.
Report by: Dr. Simon Channing Nub, Cohort 13 DrPH, UNIMAS
15 July 2024
Morning briefing to start the day with Prof Dr Razitasham and Dr Winnie Johnny.
Symposium session underway in one of the breakout rooms.
Attendance in the breakout rooms. Packed full of public health practitioners eager to listen to the symposium.
Photo session of Cohort 13 with College of Public Health Medicine (CPHM) Council Members and Persatuan Pakar Perubatan Kesihatan Awam Malaysia (PPPKAM) Council Members.
Group photo with Dr Zulhizzam and Dr Nazarudin from the Public Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia.
DrPH candidates managing the flow of the room from the side.
Breakout room secretariat taking photo with the oral presentation judges.
Arranging chairs for the delegates who were standing while waiting for reinforcements from the hotel side.