EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS

The discussions at the summit also emphasised the importance of equitable growth and the need to empower vulnerable groups, particularly youth and women. Anwar ' s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected East Asia resonated throughout the proceedings, as leaders recognised that health and economic resilience are intrinsically linked.

In addition to establishing the APTRMS, the summit addressed broader strategies for medical emergency preparedness and cross-border resilience. This comprehensive approach aimed to ensure that the lessons learned from the Covid-19 experience would not be forgotten but would instead be integrated into future planning

RESILIENCE BUILDING: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of enhancing health resilience and empowering future generations

and collaboration among APT nations.

The 28th APT Summit not only reaffirmed member States ' commitment to strengthening their health systems but also highlighted the importance of solidarity

and sustained collaboration in the face of emerging challenges.

As the APT continues to evolve, its focus on health resilience will be crucial to shaping a future in which East Asia can respond effectively to public health emergencies, ensuring that all citizens benefit from shared prosperity and stability.

The establishment of the APTRMS stands as a testament to the region ' s commitment to proactive health measures. As APT nations look to the future, integrating health preparedness into their broader cooperation framework will be essential for navigating the uncertainties ahead.

With a renewed focus on collaboration and inclusivity, the APT is poised to enhance its role as a cornerstone of stability and resilience in East Asia.

THE 1st ASEAN Conference on Shariah- Compliant Healthcare 2025( ASCOCH 2025) officially commenced on Oct 27, 2025, at Zenith Hotel Kuantan.

The event brought together international leaders and scholars from various ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, to delve into the theme“ Dimension of Diversity in Shariah-Compliant Healthcare.”

The conference was honoured by the presence of International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM) Rector Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, who represented Minister of Higher Education Malaysia Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

Prof. Emeritus Datuk delivered the keynote address, titled“ Tawhidic Epistemology in Healthcare.” In his address, he emphasised that true excellence in healthcare must reflect compassion, moral accountability, and the pursuit of holistic well-being in alignment with

Islamic principles.

ASCOCH 2025 Chairman, Assistant Professor Dr Mohamad Shahrir Abdul Rahim, welcomed delegates and highlighted the conference ' s aim to create a platform for ASEAN nations to exchange knowledge, best practices, and research findings in Shariah-compliant healthcare.

The morning plenary sessions featured contributions from Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamed Saufi Awang, who presented“ The Journey Toward Shariah Compliance: SASMEC @ IIUM Experience,” and Dr Ishak Mas’ ud, who discussed the“ History of Ibadah Friendly Hospital in Malaysia.”

Another engaging session led by Dr Shaharom Md. Shariff explored the“ Sustainability of Healthcare Development through Islamic Philanthropy.”

In the afternoon, participants participated in two parallel sessions that addressed key themes, including the Direction of Shariah-Compliant

FIRST STEPS: The first ASCOCH 2025 summit highlights the commitment of ASEAN nations to Shariah health integration

Healthcare and Human Milk Banking in Muslim Communities. These sessions offered multidisciplinary perspectives from clinicians and academics across the region.

The day concluded with an ASEAN Forum titled“ Integration of Islamic Practices in Hospitals: Sharing Experience and Challenges.” This forum featured panellists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, highlighting the increasing collaboration among ASEAN countries in implementing Islamic-friendly hospital practices and policies.

Held from Oct 27-29, 2025, ASCOCH 2025 successfully showcased a variety of insightful sessions delivered by renowned local and international certified speakers.- The HEALTH

public health, food safety, and quality officers, highlighting the ministry ' s comprehensive approach to health readiness.

Dr Muhammad Yunus Tauhid Ahmad served as the Chief Coordinator, while Dr Hafiz Syarbaini Mansor acted as the Chief Medical Officer for the summit operations.

The personnel were strategically stationed at key locations, including the Bunga Raya Complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which served as the main arrival point for heads of state. Two fully equipped medical rooms were established at the

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the main venue for the summit.

These facilities functioned as mini-hospitals, each equipped with eight beds, patient monitoring equipment, defibrillators, and emergency medications. One medical room was designated specifically for heads of state and government, while the other catered to delegates and summit staff.

In preparation for the summit, the MoH strengthened public health control measures by inspecting accommodation hotels two weeks prior to the event. Daily food sampling was

conducted, and the summit area was declared a smoke-free zone, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.

Dr Dzulkefly praised the health frontliners for their tireless, responsive, and professional service in ensuring the safety of the summit.

The successful execution of these measures highlighted MoH ' s dedication to guaranteeing the health and safety of all participants at the ASEAN Summit, underscoring Malaysia ' s commitment to hosting international events with the utmost professionalism and care.

SUMMIT SECURED: Health Ministry personnel prepare to ensure safe medical operations during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur