A launch was held to mark the selection of UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) as the UNESCO Bioethics Chair Malaysian Chapter in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Bioethics Programme. The highlight at the launch was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between UTAR and UNESCO Asia Pacific Bioethics Network, followed by a symposium on Bioethics in Health Care. The event was held at UTAR Sg Long Campus on 12 March 2015.

Attending the launch were Head of Asia Pacific Bioethics Network (APBN) of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics Prof. Dr. Russell D’Souza, UNESCO APBN Deputy Director Dr Low Theong Ho and UTAR management team comprising its President Ir. Prof. Academician Dato’ Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, Vice President (R&D and Commercialisation) Ir. Prof. Dr Lee Sze Wei, FMHS Dean Emeritus Prof. Dr. Cheong Soon Keng, and FMHS Prof. Dr. M. Parameshvara Deva who is the Chairman of the Bioethics Chair Malaysian Chapter Steering Committee. 

“The selection of FHMS UTAR as the UNESCO Bioethics Chair Malaysian Chapter is an excellent progression in its bioethics research continuum. It recognises our R&D strength and elevates UTAR research stature in the international arena. As the Chair, UTAR can play a prominent role in stimulating an International Network of Institutes for Medical Ethics Training and contributing to an up-to-date syllabus on medical ethics education. These aspects augur well with UTAR’s vision to be a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact,” said Prof. Chuah in his speech at the launch. He also added on the plans for a Multi-University Bioethics Seminar, electronic distribution of Bioethics materials to higher institutions of learning, and joint initiatives with other Asia Pacific Chapters of UNESCO Bioethics Chair.

“UTAR is a young and energetic university. With its dynamism and visions, we will lay a strong base here in our mission to spread awareness on bioethics to other educational institutions in Malaysia, and eventually to the other parts of the world. Here, we wish to bring bioethics out of the classroom and into practice by educating university students who will later become the professionals and front liners.” Said Prof Dr D’Souza while Prof Dr Cheong thanked UNESCO and emphasised on the importance of putting bioethics education into practice.

Following the launch, the Symposium on Bioethics in Health Care commenced with Prof Dr D’Souza, Prof Dr Mary Mathew, and Dr Low as speakers while Prof Dr M.P. Deva chaired the symposium.