IPOH, Perak: The 62nd Annual Conference of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM) concluded on a high note, marking a historic milestone with the appointment of the society’s first Iban woman president.
Held on March 30 to 31, the conference brought together researchers, scientists, public health professionals and practitioners from across Malaysia and the region to discuss pressing issues in infectious disease control.
The event was officiated by Datuk Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Director of the Perak State Health Department, and carried the theme ‘Bridging Science and Society: Community-based Research to Fight Against Infectious Diseases’.
Discussions throughout the conference highlighted the importance of aligning scientific advancements with community realities, stressing that effective disease control requires not only strong research but also meaningful public participation tailored to cultural and social contexts.
A key highlight was the appointment of Adela Ida Jiram as the 63rd President of MSPTM, making her the first Iban woman from Sarawak to helm the society.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, she is a Senior Science Officer at the Institute of Medical Research and is widely recognised for her contributions to malaria research across Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
Her appointment reflects growing inclusivity and representation within Malaysia’s scientific community.
The conference also honoured Emeritus Professor Balbir Singh with the prestigious Sandosham Award for his pioneering work on zoonotic malaria in Sarawak since joining Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in 1999.
His research on Plasmodium knowlesi has significantly influenced global malaria diagnosis and treatment, improving clinical outcomes and reducing mortality.
Internationally, he is listed among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2 Per Cent Scientists and has contributed to global health policy through his work with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
During the conference, Associate Professor Paul Cliff Simon Divis, Director of the Malaria Research Centre at UNIMAS, delivered an invited presentation focusing on community perspectives in tackling zoonotic malaria in high-risk areas such as Kapit, Sarawak.
He emphasised that understanding local knowledge, perceptions and practices is crucial before implementing awareness programmes, while calling for more proactive and participatory approaches that actively involve communities in prevention efforts.
The MSPTM 2026 reinforced the importance of bridging scientific knowledge with community engagement, reflecting a growing shift towards more inclusive and people-centred strategies in addressing infectious diseases in Malaysia and beyond.
