Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing public health concern, driven by complex interactions between lifestyle, environment, and systemic factors The symposium, “Sustainable Solutions to NCD Prevention,” convenes leading experts to share evidence-based strategies and innovative approaches for addressing this pressing issue. One key focus is the exploration of human–environment interactions in shaping NCD risk. This includes examining how urbanisation, pollution, and food systems contribute to the growing burden of NCDs, underscoring the need for integrated policies and active community engagement. Another session highlights the application of behavioural insights to promote healthier choices at both individual and population levels, demonstrating how strategic changes in policy and the built environment can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes.
Speakers
Professor Dr Goh Hong Ching (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia) is an interdisciplinary social scientist and Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. Her research explores human–environment interactions, focusing on sustainability, inclusion, and governance across urban, coastal, and protected areas. A registered town planner, she leads the Humanities and Social Sciences Group of the Malaysia National Antarctic Research Centre and serves as Malaysia’s DAAD Research Ambassador. Her work on coastal resilience and environmental governance has been internationally recognised, earning her the Top Research Scientists Malaysia Award (2024). Professor Goh is also a member of the Global Young Academy and country coordinator for ForUm, a DAAD-funded network on Urban Futures in Southeast Asia
Dr Saiful Adli Suhaimi (Ministry of Health, Malaysia) is the Head of the Behavioural Insights Unit at the Institute for Health Behavioural Research (IPTK), National Institute of Health (NIH), Malaysia. A Health Education Officer with 18 years of experience, he has contributed extensively to national healthy lifestyle initiatives, including the 10,000 Steps Campaign, the Malaysian Physical Activity Guidelines, and the National Strategic Plan for Active Living. He earned his PhD in Health and Fitness from the University of Malaya, focusing on behaviour change communication to reduce sedentary behaviour. His current work applies behavioural science—particularly nudges, choice architecture, and cognitive bias—to promote healthier lifestyles.
Dr Say Yee How (Sunway University, Malaysia) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Sunway University. He holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (First Class Honours) from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where he received the Royal Education Award. His research spans nutrigenetics, neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and genetic epidemiology. He has held research positions at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), and the National University of Singapore. Dr Say also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Physiological Anthropology
Moderator
Professor Dr Noran Naqiah Hairi (Universiti Malaya, Malaysia) is a public health expert and epidemiologist specialising in ageing, disability, and frailty. She leads the Prevent Elder Abuse and Neglect Initiative (PEACE), which has informed national policy and WHO collaborations on elder abuse prevention and assessment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she spearheaded the development of over 500 science communication materials to improve health literacy and combat misinformation. Her work reflects a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and advancing healthy ageing in Malaysia and beyond.
Through interdisciplinary dialogue and practice-based insights, this session will explore nature-based solutions, policy mechanisms, and community-centred innovations that integrate mitigation and adaptation in support of a healthier, more equitable future.