SAFETYNET Hosts 2nd Scientific Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Strengthening Regional Collaboration

2nd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — September 22–26, 2025. SAFETYNET successfully convened its 2nd Scientific Conference at the Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre, gathering over 380 participants from across Asia and the Pacific to share research, strengthen partnerships, and chart future directions for field epidemiology with the theme Field Epidemiology in a Changing World: Advancing Health Amidst the Evolving Ecosystem and Technology.

The five-day event began with a Directors’ Meeting, where FETP leaders from multiple countries reviewed progress and aligned on regional priorities. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Tomimasa Sunagawa, Chair of the SAFETYNET Board of Trustees, followed by a review of strategic activities from Dr. Maria Consorcia Lim Quizon, Executive Director of SAFETYNET. Dr. Mallick Masum Billah from Nepal FETP and Dr. Yi Sengdourn of the Cambodia FETP outlined country-level strategic plans, while Dr. Masaya Kato from WHO SEARO and Dr. Manilay Phengxay from WHO WPRO presented core updates in the region. Dr. Carl Reddy from TEPHINET gave the operational and fiscal status of the organization highlighting the changing global health landscape.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive learning sessions covering topics such as collaborative intelligence for pandemic prevention, scientific writing, social determinants of health, digital innovations in field epidemiology, causal inference, gender-focused data collection, mass-gathering surveillance, and climate-related health risks.

The official opening took place on September 23, with welcome messages from Dr. Quizon and Dr. Harishah binti Talib, the Malaysia EIP director, alongside video presentations from Malaysia’s EIP and SAFETYNET. The day featured oral and poster presentations, culminating in a keynote address by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, who underscored the importance of regional cooperation and expressed gratitude to participants for advancing the epidemiology workforce.

On the third day, the spotlight turned to climate change and health, with Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, the head of WHO country office to Malaysia, delivering a plenary on the impacts of climate change. This was followed by symposiums led by Dr. Rohaida binti Ismail, head of the Environmental Health Research Center at the Ministry of Health - Malaysia on climate change and disease burden and Dr. Thahirahtul Asma’ binti Zakaria from the MOH - Malaysia on the technical, political, and social dimensions of response. Oral presentations continued throughout, showcasing the innovative work of FETP fellows and alumni across the region.

International Night

That evening, participants came together for the much-anticipated International Night, themed Cultural Weddings & FETP Performances. Delegates showcased their countries’ traditional wedding attire in a dazzling display of color and heritage. The night featured performances from different country programs, with Japan winning Best Performance, followed by Malaysia in second place and Indonesia in third. The event highlighted the region’s cultural richness and further strengthened bonds across the network.

The fourth day focused on technology and innovation in public health. Dr. Mohd Helmi bin Zakaria, CEO of HAYAT Technologies Sdn Bhd and partner to SAFETYNET delivered a plenary on the technology adoption landscape: innovation gaps and quick-win opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs Real Intelligence (RI) with panelists Dr. Dhesi Baha Raja, Dr. Badrul Hisham, and Dr. Kev Lim. Oral presentations concluded in the afternoon, after which participants joined optional field visits to the wound clinic, fall prevention clinic, adolescent clinic, smoking cessation clinic, and the iconic Kuala Lumpur Tower. Simultaneously, special sessions were held on Facilitating Adult Learning, the LAWA Model, and One Health.

On the final day, plenaries and symposiums highlighted pressing health challenges. Dato Indera Sha’ari Ngadiman from EIP Malaysia delivered Act Today, Shape Tomorrow, followed by Dr. Ganeshkumar Parasuraman from the National Institute of Epidemiology India, on From Data to Action: Field Epidemiology’s Role in Tackling the NCD Burden, and Dr. Norayana Binti Hassan, the director of Disease Control of the MOH – Malaysia, on the Dual Disease Burden in a Rapidly Evolving World: Malaysia’s Perspective. After the tea break, the closing ceremony began with announcements from Dr. Reddy followed by the awarding of winners of the photo contest, poster presentations, and oral presentations. Dr. Harishah delivered closing remarks, followed by the much-anticipated announcement of the 3rd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference in 2027.

The event closed on a high note, with participants expressing enthusiasm and commitment to build on this year’s success. With rich discussions, innovative ideas, and strengthened networks, the 2nd SAFETYNET Scientific Conference reaffirmed the importance of collective action to advance field epidemiology and health security across Asia and the Pacific.