Steering Committee
We proudly present the distinguished members of the Steering Committee:
Professor Dr Rosmawati Mohamed
Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) Master, Consultant Hepatologist, University Malaya Medical Centre
Professor Dr. Rosmawati Mohamed, serving as a Consultant Hepatologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre, holds significant roles in global and regional hepatitis initiatives. She is the Founding Co-chairperson of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Committee for Viral Hepatitis, contributing to global efforts in combating the disease.
Locally, she assumes the role of Master at the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, overseeing various medical specialties across the country. Actively involved in the Malaysian Medical Council, she influences policies regarding medical specialists’ recognition, training, and professional development. Additionally, she champions hepatitis and cancer advocacy as the President of Hepatitis Free Malaysia, reflecting her commitment to public health. Her multifaceted roles underscore her dedication to advancing healthcare both locally and globally.
Dr Noraryana Binti Hassan
Deputy Director (NCD), Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Dr Noraryana is a Public Health practitioner with a Master of Public Health (MPH), specialising in Health Promotion from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (2008). She has extensive experience in the field of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
She has collaborated with a wide range of groups, both large and small, to advocate for healthier lifestyles. Her vast experience in addressing public health issues and promoting community awareness positions her to support the advancement of public health in the country.
Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali
Dean of School of Medical and Life Sciences
Sunway University
Professor Raja Affendi Raja Ali earned his honours degree in medicine from the National University of Ireland (NUI) in 2000 (M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.), followed by internships, senior house officer, and registrar training at University Hospital Galway and affiliated teaching hospitals. He obtained Membership of RCP Ireland and RCP Edinburgh in 2004 and completed a Masters in Medical Science (M Med.Sc) from NUI in 2005. Between 2005 and 2010, he underwent specialist registrar training in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine at various Irish teaching hospitals, culminating in the award of a certificate of completion of specialist training (CCST) by the RCP Ireland.
Additionally, he pursued further qualifications including a higher diploma in clinical teaching at NUI and a doctorate of Medicine (MD) for his research on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer at the department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, NUI. Subsequently, he served as a consultant physician and gastroenterologist at University Hospital Galway before returning to the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, where he now holds a position as a consultant physician and gastroenterologist, as well as associate professor in Medicine. Dr. Raja Affendi has received research grants from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and various industries, focusing his research on areas such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and the gut microbiome.
Prof Dr Elil Renganathan
Professor, Public Health and Policy, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia
Professor Elil is a senior international expert possessing significant leadership acumen and proficiency across various domains including public health, global health, evaluation, organisational learning, strategic planning, and governance. Throughout his extensive career spanning three decades, he has occupied numerous roles in public health, carrying diverse strategic and managerial duties. Notably, he spent over 24 years serving in leadership and global capacities within the World Health Organization (WHO).
His most recent role involved serving as a Special Advisor to the high-level Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to shaping global health policies and initiatives. Throughout his career, Professor Elil has collaborated closely with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions, contributing significantly to advancing public health agendas on a global scale.
Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram
President, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), Co-chairperson, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Malaysia
Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, with over two decades of experience in cancer control, is a leading advocate for cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and survivorship, primarily through the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). During the Covid-19 pandemic, NCSM’s efforts were recognised with the Overall Outstanding Vaccination Contribution by Healthcare Non-Governmental Organisation (Malaysia) Award. Dr. Saunthari’s work extends to international Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) control, contributing to global solutions and local sustainable initiatives, including her advisory role for the Malaysian Ministry of Health and uniting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in health sectors. Her international influence includes serving as a Board Member of UICC and contributing to the cancer control agenda regionally and globally.
Locally, Dr. Saunthari has been instrumental in championing the NCD agenda since 2010, establishing the NCD Alliance Malaysia in 2018 and contributing to tobacco control efforts through MyWatch. She is deeply involved in initiatives like the City Cancer Challenge, Greater Petaling, and works directly with cancer patients, providing support and medical counseling. Her diverse skills and extensive experience offer a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in NCD and cancer control in the ASEAN region. In acknowledgment of her significant contributions, she was conferred the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak award in November 2020 by His Royal Highness The Sultan of Perak.
Professor Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam
Provost, Professor of Genetics, Sunway University
Professor Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam’s career is built on a tripartite mission that focuses on building scientific education, research and service excellence in Malaysia and the ASEAN region. His research work in cancer genetics has been published in various high-impact peer-reviewed publications. In recognition of his achievements, he has won multiple awards and has been appointed to many national and international policy and strategic committees. For example, he is currently Chair of the International Network for Government Science Advice Asia Steering Committee and Chair of the Malaysian Science Outlook RDCI Committee.
Professor Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam also chairs the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) that represents the top young Malaysian scientists across all scientific disciplines who contribute towards nation-building by making an impact through scientific excellence, promoting research integrity and improving public engagement in STEM. He was crowned the Best Science Communicator at the 2016 International Famelab Finals in the UK.