Newly launched in December 2024, GREEN@UMHealth continues to be a leading advocate for sustainable healthcare in Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region through a series of groundbreaking events held at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Across four impactful days, the initiative brought together key thought leaders, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore and implement greener healthcare practices.
The sustainability agenda kicked off with the SEA Regional Meeting of the Alliance of Academic Health Centers International (AAHCI) on ‘Future Proofing Healthcare in ASEAN’ where experts shared their experiences in building a culture of sustainability in healthcare. Moderating the session on ‘Voices of SEA: Building a Culture of Sustainability in Healthcare’, Professor Shireen Anne Nah, Head of GREEN@UMHealth, facilitated discussions with distinguished panellists, including Professor Chia-Chin Lin, Professor Carlo Irwin Panelo, Assoc Prof Eugene Liu, and Professor Diantha Soemantri. The session underscored the importance of long-term thinking in healthcare sustainability, encouraging participants to envision a future shaped by today’s decisions.
The momentum continued with the ‘Greening the Future of Healthcare in ASEAN’ research symposium, supported by the ASEAN Medical Schools Network via the ASEAN Research Collaborative Fund. In collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National University of Singapore, and Universitas Indonesia, the symposium featured an interactive workshop covering critical topics such as carbon analytics, life cycle assessments, the circular economy, and practical applications in primary care, anaesthesia, surgery, and dietetics. The topical issue of enculturation via education and quality improvement initiatives was also addressed. The event brought together a diverse audience of academics, clinicians, and healthcare personnel, fostering a rich exchange of ideas that are both feasible and actionable. Notable attendees included Dr Phisith Vouch from International University Cambodia and representatives from various ASEAN countries and Malaysian institutions.
The three-day programme concluded with ‘WasteWise: Clinical Waste Management for Greener Healthcare’, a workshop organised by the UMMC Department of Pharmacy in collaboration with sustainability leaders from B Braun Malaysia. Designed to address the environmental impact of clinical waste, the workshop featured interactive ‘Cafés’ where participants explored effective waste management, life cycle assessments, carbon footprint calculations, and sustainable procurement strategies. A hands-on walkthrough of key hospital areas, including operating theatres, surgical inpatient wards, and laboratories, allowed participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, identifying tangible opportunities for sustainability improvements in their clinical environments.
These events reaffirm Green@UMHealth’s commitment to driving sustainable practices in healthcare. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, the initiative is paving the way for a greener, more responsible healthcare system in Malaysia and beyond. The enthusiasm and engagement from attendees highlight the growing momentum for sustainability in the region, setting a promising precedent for future initiatives.
This article was written by Prof. Dr. Shireen Anne Nah Han Yien from Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine (shireen.nah@um.edu.my)
About GREEN@UMHealth for Sustainability in Healthcare
GREEN@UMHealth is an initiative based at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, dedicated to advancing sustainability in healthcare. Through education, research, and collaboration, GREEN@UMHealth promotes environmentally responsible medical practices to reduce the ecological footprint of healthcare institutions across Malaysia and ASEAN.