PKTAAB USM STRENGTHENS HEALTHCARE INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS AT BRAUN ASIA PACIFIC INNOVATION DAY 2026
PENANG, 5 June 2026 – Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) participated in the B. Braun Asia Pacific Innovation Day 2026 at Amari SPICE Penang, an event that brought together leaders from industry, academia, healthcare institutions and regulatory bodies to advance a sustainable MedTech ecosystem under the theme "Where Healthcare & Innovation Connect.”
Officiated by YB Dato' Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia, the event highlighted the importance of collaborative, patient-centred and sustainable healthcare innovations to address the challenges posed by ageing populations, chronic diseases and increasing healthcare demands. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to strengthening the healthcare system for quality healthcare services and continued efforts to position the country as a leading MedTech hub in Southeast Asia.
The PKTAAB USM delegation was led by Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Deputy Director (Research and Networks) and was joined by Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Rafidah Zainon, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Fatanah Mohamad Suhaimi, Associate Professor Dr. Ch'ng Ewe Seng, Dr. Nurulisa Zulkifle, and Ms. Naziroh Shafii.
As part of the exhibition showcase, Associate Professor Dr. Ch'ng Ewe Seng presented an innovation entitled “An Adaptor-Linker Functionalization System for Aptamer-Based Diagnostic Assays.” The universal adaptor kit enables rapid functionalisation of aptamers within 15 minutes without specialised equipment, enhancing signal detection while preserving assay specificity and sensitivity. The technology is compatible with multiple diagnostic platforms offering significant potential for advancing precision diagnostics.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, “Driving Impact by Advancing a Sustainable MedTech Innovation Ecosystem” which highighted the importance of strengthening collaborations among industry, academia, healthcare providers and regulators to accelerate innovation, nurture talent and translate research into impactful healthcare solutions.
PKTAAB USM's participation reflects its commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through healthcare innovation, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting medical technology development and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strategic collaborations that foster sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions for society.
News Writer: Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Rafidah Zainon Photographer: Naziroh Shafii
