Recent advances in drug discovery leverage omics-based approaches to identify molecular signatures and therapeutic targets, enabling precision interventions for complex diseases such as diabetes. Metabolomic analyses have revealed dysregulated lipid metabolism as a critical driver of diabetic cardiomyopathy, underscoring metabolic vulnerabilities as key drug targets. Malaysia recorded the highest diabetes prevalence in Southeast Asia for the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for precision therapies to reduce cardiovascular mortality in its genetically diverse population. This talk highlights how pharmacogenetic profiling can guide SGLT-2 inhibitor use, with a focus on their lipid-modulating effects—positioning SGLT2 transporter as a precision medicine target for cardioprotection in this high-risk population.

Integrating multi-omics data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other layers can redefine risk prediction for a comprehensive view of individual and population health. Unlike traditional models, multi-omics captures complex biological interactions underlying disease risk, enabling earlier and more accurate prediction of health outcomes. This systems-level approach refines risk stratification, uncovers novel biomarkers, and informs personalized prevention and therapeutic strategies. By combining multi-omics with clinical and lifestyle data, healthcare is transitioning toward more precise, dynamic, and proactive models of care.

The increasing patient volume presents challenges for clinical triage in anaesthesiology, which has long relied on subjective, labour-intensive evaluations. LLMs offer promising solutions by automating complex clinical tasks, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and strengthening decision-support. This lecture introduces a dynamic, multi-agent triage system powered by LLMs to automate perioperative anaesthesia risk assessment and streamline workflows.

CRISPR and gene-editing technologies are revolutionizing research and therapeutics, offering precise tools to modify DNA and tackle genetic defects. Future directions include expanding beyond monogenic diseases to complex conditions such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Innovations in delivery systems, base and prime editing promise greater accuracy and fewer off-target effects. Ethical, regulatory and equity considerations are crucial as clinical applications grow.

The integration of engineering materials and healthcare technologies enables next-generation diagnostics. This lecture explores the design and application of functional materials—especially nanostructured composites and hybrids—for non-invasive health diagnostics. Emphasis is placed on metal oxide/polymer materials such as ZnO/Polyaniline (PANI), with strategies like surface modification, nanostructuring, and interface tuning for enhanced biosensing, and potential applications in early detection, wearables, and clinical translation.

Ensuring diversity, representation, and the mitigation of bias in research and clinical application is critical to avoid reinforcing health disparities. Ethical frameworks must guide data governance, informed consent, and community engagement so the benefits of precision health are accessible and effective for all populations.

A robust regulatory framework is essential for safe, ethical, and effective precision health. Malaysia’s regulations must evolve for privacy, consent, equity, and emerging technologies. A coordinated nationwide approach and alignment with global standards can accelerate innovation while safeguarding public interest.

Nurturing clinician-scientists bridges discovery and clinical care. Supportive pathways, protected time, mentorship, and interdisciplinary training (genomics, data science, systems medicine) help translate precision health into everyday practice for diverse populations.

How data can transform diabetes care—from early detection to personalised management and population-level interventions—bridging the gap between innovation and implementation through curated data, modelling and system-level actions.

Shifting care from one-size-fits-all to personalised, data-driven strategies at scale by integrating genomics, environmental and digital health data—improving outcomes, policy, and equitable resource allocation.

Part of a wider AI project to transliterate Jawi to Rumi Malay, this talk explores Singapore’s pivotal role through the history of Utusan Melayu, highlighting a shared heritage and cosmopolitan worldview shaping the region.

From the founding of King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College to the shared roots of UM and NUS, including the long-standing UM–NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament that celebrates enduring ties.