KUCHING, 19 August 2025 – The Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pulau Pinang Branch, Bertam Campus, successfully hosted the inaugural International Conference, Exhibition & Innovation on Public Health & International Community Services (ICEPH-CS) 2025 from 19 to 22 August in Kuching, Sarawak. The event brought together 420 participants, including 180 international delegates from 11 countries, and featured 156 oral presentations, 56 poster presentations, 65 innovation entries, and 7 exhibition booths. A total of 180 participants also took part in community service activities across days three and four.
The conference was spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Ismahanisa Binti Ismail, who secured RM125,000 in funding from the Sarawak Convention Bureau. Organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Bertam Campus, the event was co-hosted with international partners including Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, and Universitas Airlangga Surabaya, Indonesia. Additional collaborators included UiTM Puncak Alam Campus, UiTM’s Risk Management Unit, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Malaya.
Held under the theme “Building Resilient Public Health Through Community Service,” ICEPH-CS 2025 aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Day one featured keynote and plenary sessions by 11 distinguished speakers from global institutions, including Prof. Dr. Mounim A. El Yacoubi (Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France), Prof. Dr. Santi Martini (Universitas Airlangga), Prof. Dr. Parveen Ali (University of Sheffield, UK), and Prof. Dr. Philip Robert Arthur Baker (Queensland University of Technology, Australia). The keynote address focused on leveraging AI to assess neurodegenerative diseases through behavioural data. A collaborative meeting involving representatives from 28 universities across 11 countries was held in the evening to explore future initiatives and strengthen academic ties.
Day two saw the presentation of research papers, posters, and innovations at the Waterfront Hotel, Kuching. The innovation segment showcased transformative ideas in public health and community service. The Gala Night Dinner and closing ceremony were officiated by UiTM Sarawak Rector, Prof. Dr. Firdaus Abdullah, who presented awards for Best Innovation (school, university, and professional categories), Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster Presentation, and Best Social Media Campaign. In his address, Prof. Dr. Firdaus highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in public health, likening the unity of diverse expertise to the convergence of Sarawak’s rivers.
Community service activities on day three were held at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Rumah Seri Kenangan, and Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah. Participants engaged in tree planting, area cleaning, painting, grooming, massage, games, and book donation activities—demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and social care.
On day four, international delegates continued their outreach at three schools: Sekolah Menengah Al-Amin, Sekolah Rendah Tahfiz Hikmah, and Maahad Tahfiz Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub. Health talks on physical activity and vaping awareness were delivered, alongside fitness screenings and interactive group activities.
The organising committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors, including Business Events Sarawak, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Kek Lapis Warisan, Maths Proofread, and others. ICEPH-CS 2025 stands as a testament to UiTM’s commitment to global engagement, innovation, and community impact—supporting the university’s 2025 theme of becoming a Globally Renowned University.