46th APACPH Conference in Kuala Lumpur: A Summary

The 46th APACPH Conference, hosted by the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur from October 16th to 19th, 2014, centered on the theme “Evolution of Public Health in the Asia Pacific Region”. This significant event brought together over 600 public health specialists, academics, researchers, and policymakers from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. This significant event brought together over 600 public health specialists, academics, researchers, and policymakers from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The conference was generously supported by organizations including the University of Malaya, the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Key Objectives and Themes:

The conference addressed critical public health challenges in the face of demographic and epidemiological transitions, aiming to:

• Share successful strategies for tackling public health issues.
• Provide a platform for regional collaborations to improve public health competencies.
• Reiterate the importance of access to adequate healthcare as a fundamental human right.

The conference covered a diverse range of topics, including:

• Ageing
• Infectious Diseases
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
• Global Health
• Occupational and Environmental Health
• Universal Health Coverage
• Women’s Health, Adolescent Health & Violence
• Injury Prevention
• Health Education and Promotion
• Health Policy & Financing
• Mental Health
• Public Health Law & Ethics

Conference Highlights:

• Welcoming Messages: Key figures, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya, the Organizing Chair (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maznah Dahlui), and the President of APACPH (Dr. Phitaya Charupoonphol), emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing public health challenges. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the conference’s reflection of the University of Malaya’s efforts to foster a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary research culture.
• Pre-Conference Workshops: A series of workshops focused on skill-building in areas such as scientific writing, grant writing, statistical evidence in public health research, and biological monitoring in occupational health practice. These workshops aimed to enhance the capacity of public health professionals and researchers in the region.
• Plenary Sessions: Renowned experts delivered keynote addresses on topics such as NCD prevention, population ageing, trade and health, and research priorities for public health in the Asia-Pacific region. Keynote speakers included Professor Dr. Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita, Professor Dr. Robert Cumming, Professor Dr. Sharon Friel, Professor Dr. Byung Yool Jun and Professor Dr. Colin Binns.
• Symposia and Oral Presentations: Participants engaged in symposia and oral presentations covering a wide array of public health issues, sharing research findings and best practices. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge dissemination.
• APACPH Awards: Recognition was given to individuals who have made significant contributions to public health, including Dato’ Dr Narimah Awin, Tan Sri Dr. Salma Binti Ismail (posthumous), and Professor Dr. Walter Patrick (posthumous).
• Networking Opportunities: The conference provided numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration, including welcome receptions, poster viewing sessions, and editorial board meetings.

Outcomes and Impact:

The 46th APACPH Conference served as a vital platform for:

• Knowledge sharing and dissemination of research findings.
• Strengthening collaborations among public health professionals in the Asia Pacific region.
• Identifying key priorities and strategies for addressing evolving public health challenges.
• Promoting the importance of evidence-based policies and practices in improving population health.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of better health for all in the Asia Pacific region.