Forum 2 – Advancing Global Health through Scientific and Technological Innovation

Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (Monash University, Malaysia) is Chief Executive Officer of Monash University Malaysia and Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia) of Monash University Australia. A visionary academic leader and infectious disease specialist, she is internationally recognised for her contributions to HIV/AIDS research, harm reduction, and health equity. Formerly Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) at Universiti Malaya, she has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers and advised on national and global health policy. Professor Adeeba is an inaugural member of the WHO Science Council, Chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, and former President of the International AIDS Society—the first woman of Asian descent to hold this role

Professor Dr Ong Teng Aik (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia) is a senior urologist and Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. A Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the Academy of Medicine Malaysia, he has contributed extensively to urologic oncology, particularly in prostate and bladder cancer. He has held key administrative roles, including Deputy Dean and Head of Department, and currently chairs the Robotic Surgery Committee and the newly established Digital Health Unit of the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. Prof. Ong has served on international boards such as the Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU) & Urological Association of Asia (UAA) and led national efforts as President of the Malaysian Urological Association. A prolific academic, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and received multiple awards for service excellence and academic contribution. His work spans clinical leadership, education, and strategic development in urology and digital health, making him a respected voice in the regional and global urological community.

Professor Dr Andrew Sixsmith (University of California, Davis, USA) is Professor in the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University and Director of the Science and Technology for Ageing Research (STAR) Institute. He was the Founding Scientific Director of the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (2015–2020) and currently serves as its Network Advisor. His research focuses on technology for independent living, innovation in ageing, and bridging the digital divide among older adults. With a PhD from King’s College London, he has held leadership roles in major international research collaborations and previously lectured at the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Human Ageing and Department of Primary Care

Professor Dr Christian Gonzalez-Billault (Universidad de Chile, Chile)​ is a Professor at the Universidad de Chile and Director of the Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO). He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing. Holding a PhD in Cell Molecular Biology from the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa in Spain, he established his research group in Chile in 2003. A former President of the Chilean Society for Biology, he has held leadership roles within the International Society for Neurochemistry and serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Neurochemistry. His research advances understanding of neurobiology and ageing, fostering international scientific collaboration across South America.

Associate Professor Dr Anand Sanmugam (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia) is a Consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, specialising in minimally invasive surgery for children. He co-directs the Master of Paediatric Surgery Programme and has played a key role in developing Malaysia’s National Postgraduate Medical Curriculum for Paediatric Surgery. Dr Anand serves on several national committees, including the Malaysian Medical Council’s Specialist Programme Evaluation Panel and the Paediatric Surgery Specialty Conjoined Board, and contributes to faculty development through MERDU. Internationally, he chairs the Education Working Group of the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery. His research focuses on paediatric surgical conditions, medical education, patient-reported outcomes, and translational research in tissue engineering.