Research
Top causes of death and disability hound ASEAN’s public health crisis – study
Mental illness, cardiovascular disease, tobacco use, and injuries are now among the leading causes of death and disability in Southeast Asia, according to newly released research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the National University of […]
Global health leaders call for urgent reform in women’s health research
A new report from global consultancy Kearney and the World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Women’s Health—supported by the Gates Foundation—calls for sweeping policy changes to address the chronic underinvestment in women’s health. Despite representing half of the world’s population, […]
Agilent and Ubix partner to advance targeted cancer therapies in South Korea
Agilent Technologies and Ubix Therapeutics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate research and development of targeted cancer therapies in South Korea over the next five years. Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct joint research on […]
Health consequences of childhood divorce may surface in old age – Study
Children of divorced parents may carry more than emotional scars into adulthood—new research shows they could also face a higher risk of stroke later in life. A recent study from The University of Texas at Arlington reveals that the health […]
Lab-grown teeth for alternative natural, self-repairing dental treatment
Scientists at King’s College London (KCL) are developing a groundbreaking method to regenerate human teeth using a patient’s own cells. Unlike traditional restorations, which are artificial and often degrade over time, lab-grown teeth have the potential to integrate with the […]
Technology & Devices
WHO member states finalize draft for global pandemic agreement
After three years of tough negotiations, WHO Member States have wrapped up talks on a draft pandemic agreement aimed at improving how the world handles future health crises. The final proposal will head to the World Health Assembly this May, […]
China’s diabetes device market projected to double by 2032 – report
A new report from Renub Research forecasts that the diabetes device market in China will grow from US$6.22 billion in 2023 to US$12.74 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2024 and 2032. Urbanisation, […]
Lenovo unveils an AI-powered 3D avatar to support dementia care
Chinese-American multinational technology company, Lenovo, in collaboration with UK-based community interest company (CIC), Innovations in Dementia, has launched Alzheimer’s Intelligence, an innovative proof-of-concept project featuring a photorealistic 3D avatar designed to assist individuals diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The AI-based […]
Innovative Wheelchair Design Developed for Ease, Energy Efficiency and User Comfort
Navigating manual wheelchairs on uneven pavements can be an exhausting and joint-straining task. However, two researchers from ETH Zurich , Reto Togni and Stefan Villiger, have come up with an innovative solution that could make steering manual wheelchairs much easier […]
Panasonic tackles Southeast Asia’s haze with innovative air quality solutions
Japanese-headquartered electronics company Panasonic, through Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd , a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand , is taking a proactive approach to combat Southeast Asia’s recurring haze problem with innovative indoor air quality solutions. In […]
Pharmaceutical
India approves first-of-its-kind pediatric eyedrop as myopia rates surge
In a significant development for paediatric eye care, India has become the first country to approve a new formulation of eye drops specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. The approval, granted by the Central Drugs Standard […]
Microparticle technology brings new Hope for vitamin A deficiency
MIT researchers have developed a new method to fortify foods with vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat deficiency-related blindness and health issues affecting millions worldwide. The innovation involves encapsulating vitamin A in a polymer, protecting it from degradation […]
Queensland pill testing detects dangerous synthetic drugs
CheQpoint, an Australian pill testing service, has identified multiple cases of dangerous synthetic opioids and novel benzodiazepines disguised as pharmaceutical medicines. Experts warn these findings may indicate a broader issue, as financial pressures drive more people to seek unregulated drugs […]
Alpro Foundation initiates safe medication disposal campaign in Malaysia
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and expired medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, contaminates water sources, according to the Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy—Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy […]
Japanese pharma firm denounces “defamatory” vaxx claims; Launches Taiwan subsidiary
Tokyo-headquartered pharmaceutical company, Meiji Seika Pharma has filed a lawsuit against Kazuhiro Haraguchi, a Lower House member of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party, for reportedly spreading unsubstantiated claims about its mRNA-based Covid-19 replicon vaccine. The company is seeking 10 million yen […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
Malaysia’s digital lifestyle is wrecking posture—Here’s how
Text-neck syndrome: bad posture from tech habits From classroom to office, the everyday habit of looking down at screens are making Malaysians suffering from text neck syndrome, a preventable condition causing long-term neck and shoulder pain, and threatening the neurological […]
Knee pain: When to worry and what comes next
By Dr Abdul Razak Hussin, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon, Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) Who is at risk? Knee injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you run, play sports on weekends, or hike, a sudden twist or […]
Take charge of your health to fight diabesity
By Dr Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Diabetes is on the rise 1 in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the region is expected to become the largest contributor to the global economic burden of diabetes by […]
Balancing Emotions: TCM Approaches to Emotional Health & Wellbeing
By Dr Ong Siew Siew, Senior Lecturer , Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, IMU University Health has rhythm and rhyme Ever wondered about the subtle dance of your mood and energy? While most days unfold with steadiness, when the […]
Is Coaching in Palliative Care Necessary?
By Dr Jesrina Ann Xavier, member of the Active Ageing Impact Lab at Taylor’s University/ Dr Liew Kean Yew, Palliative Care specialist at Hospital Ampang Globally, the need for palliative care is on an upward trend due to the ageing […]
Community health
Largest-ever study of Indian Genomes reveals 50,000 years of generic history, disease risk
A new genomic study has provided the most detailed analysis yet of India’s genetic diversity, revealing complex ancestry patterns and previously unknown links to disease. The study analyzed the complete genomes of 2,762 individuals from across India, representing a wide […]
Japan sees rise in work-related mental illness, with power harassment as a leading cause
Japan has seen a record surge in work-related mental health cases, with 1,055 incidents officially recognized in fiscal 2024—an increase of 172 from the previous year and the first time the figure has crossed the 1,000 mark, according to data […]
Healthcare at the crosshairs of crisis in war zones
We have heard the news: Missile attacks in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran and Israel continue to damage major hospitals, disrupting access to essential medical services. The destruction of hospitals and care facilities forces thousands of people out […]
Thailand reviews cannabis law; boosts NCD fight
Rethinking weed policy amid rising health concerns Three years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand is reviewing its policy as experts warn of rising youth use, health complications, and lax regulation. At a recent forum, health and legal experts reported that cannabis […]
PH Health Department offers free mental health meds; monitors HIV cases in Caraga
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) announced on June 12 that patients in Metro Manila can now access free medications for mental health conditions at select hospitals and health centers. The initiative, unveiled during the country’s 127th Independence Day, allows […]
Health alert
Indonesia, Thailand tighten cooperation amid Covid-19 surge
Indonesia and Thailand have recently signed a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation as Covid-19 cases climb in Bangkok. President Prabowo Subianto formalized the agreement during an official visit to Bangkok, where he met Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at […]
Cambodian Health Ministry warns of rising Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 cases
Cambodia’s Ministry of Health is calling for increased public vigilance as the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 spreads rapidly worldwide. First detected in August 2023, JN.1 now accounts for over 15% of global cases and is labeled a variant of interest by […]
Health Ministry cautions Indonesian Hajj pilgrims over Mers-CoV risk
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has issued a reminder for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to remain vigilant against the risk of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Mers-CoV) during their time in Saudi Arabia. Between March 1 and April 21, 2025, Saudi Arabia […]
Health alert issued on Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Sydney
Australian health authorities are urging hundreds of thousands of people in Sydney to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease following an outbreak that has hospitalized at least six people. The cases are linked to Sydney’s city center, though the source […]
Cambodia cracks down on unregistered sexual enhancement products
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has taken action against two Phnom Penh-based businesses for advertising and selling unregistered sexual enhancement products online. The ministry warned that these substances pose serious heart health risks and could be life-threatening. In a February […]
Other health News
SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025: Pioneering the future of healthcare in the region
Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the organiser of SEACare 2025, is proud to announce the inaugural SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025, co-organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Five Pillar Venture Capital Sdn. Bhd. This event marks […]
Losing Asia’s young generation: A quiet crisis in the making
Vietnam ends 2-child policy It’s over. Vietnam abolished its long-running two-child policy in June 2025 after decades of strict enforcement, especially among Communist Party members. Originally introduced to curb rapid population growth, the policy succeeded in bringing fertility rates down […]
Cataract Carnival delivers community-driven eye care to Malaysians
In a joint initiative by the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital and Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, the country’s first Cataract Carnival provided free cataract surgeries to 60 B40 Malaysians over two days. The program aimed to reduce preventable blindness, […]
SEACare 2025 wraps up with RM 1.1 billion in potential sales; Sets stage for bigger return in 2026
As Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as Southeast Asia’s hub for healthcare and pharmaceuticals—with strategic alliances and high-level participation across medtech, biopharma, digital health, and more—the SEA Healthcare & Pharma Show (SEACare) 2025, the region’s premier healthcare, medical, and […]
Unseen and unspoken: Mental health among Asian mothers
Motherhood is often portrayed as a joyous and fulfilling experience, but for many women, it is shadowed by a range of mental health challenges. Globally, about 10-20% of women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year […]
Vietnam takes action on health supplements containing banned substance
Vietnam’s authorities have issued a recall for two health supplements, “Dáng xuân Phục linh Gold” and “Best Slim Collagen,” after both were found to contain Sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. Despite the recall, these products continue […]
Digital health passport helps India’s informal women workers access service
In India’s informal economy, where over 90% of the workforce resides, millions of women face a barrier that’s as invisible as it is consequential: the absence of valid, verifiable identity. For many, the inability to present consistent documentation, whether due […]
India, SCO nations boost health cooperation at ministerial meet in China
Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative health development at the Eighth Meeting of Health Ministers on April 28, 2025. Held in Xi’an, the gathering included health officials from China, India, Iran, Russia, and […]
Thailand battles heat stroke, related illnesses as temperatures soar
Thailand is facing an intensifying public health challenge as rising temperatures push parts of the country into extreme heat territory. Rather than simply warning about heatstroke, health officials are now highlighting a broader concern: a systemic climate and public health […]
Childhood autoimmune diseases and their impact in Malaysia
Resource person: Dr Lim Sern Chin, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Rheumatologist at ParkCity Medical Centre Children face lifelong conditions When most people think about arthritis or lupus, they picture adults. But for a small number of Malaysian children, these conditions […]
Why hot weather makes you tired — and how to stay energized
Ah, summer! Think beaches, food adventures, walking tours, road trips — all the fun activities imaginable under the sun. But wait — what about that overwhelming sleepiness, even during the day, especially when the heat hits its peak? How is […]
