COVID-19: The significance of healthcare system resilience and robustness

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1. First and foremost, on behalf of Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), I would like to wish a warm welcome and Selamat Datang to the Honorable Mr. Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud, Member of the State Executive Council Perak Darul Ridzuan & Chairman of the Committee Education, Higher Education and Human Resources to the Opening Ceremony. My highest appreciation to The Honorable for his presence to grace the conference despite his busy schedule.

2. I would also like to place on record my deepest gratitude to Yang Berbahagia Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan Perak Dato’ Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti, Fellow in Islamic Studies, University of Oxford, UK, and Chairman, UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak for being with us today. Dato’ Dr. Afifi shall be officiating the conference and has agreed to be the moderator for the keynote session by Professor Teresa Lambe shortly.

3. My warmest welcome also goes to all international and local speakers, presenters and participants to the "3rd International Conference of Pharmacy and Health Sciences" or in short known as ICPHS 2021.

4. This International Conference of Pharmacy and Health Sciences was first organised in 2016 and this is the third edition of the auspicious biennial event. This year’s conference is noteworthy as the entire event is being held on a digital platform, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world. I am indeed very excited and honoured to be part of this exciting virtual experience.

5. I believe the Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak has worked so hard in organising the conference despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am confident that this meeting of the minds will be an occasion to remember.

6. I am delighted to inform that this virtual conference is organised in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia and Adichunchanagiri University, India.

Thank you to both our university partners for the collaboration.

7. The severity of the COVID pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives. The impact of COVID-19 has demonstrated the necessity of investing in healthcare systems, improving equitable access to care, strengthening readiness to prevent and control outbreaks, and empowering communities to take a role in achieving improved health once again.

8. The pandemic has also brought attention to the significance of healthcare system resilience and robustness, and the power and importance of well- conducted medical and health-related research.

9. Hence, with the theme "Modern Research, Innovation and Practice: The Need of the Hour", this conference emphasises the importance of health sciences research and innovation in order to make us be better prepared in handling present and future dangers to health and well-being of humanity.

10. These could include diseases that are yet to be detected. We should very well know by now that the environment and the way humans live are very much related to communicable and non-communicable diseases. In order to better prepare for unknown future diseases, we must learn from Covid-19.

7. The key to success is working together throughout the entire research and innovation process, from scientists who discover ideas to innovators who bring

ideas into the economy and society, to individuals who use innovations in their daily lives.

8. Not to forget the contributions of healthcare professionals, the front liners, the doctors, pharmacists, and nurses who provide care, and administer as well as deliver new innovative drugs and medicines to patients and society.

9. Other professionals such as physiotherapists, diagnostic personnels and many others complete the patient care team. I encourage everyone to think about how we can make a difference in this world and how we can work together to help the health and well-being of future generations.

10. Universiti Kuala Lumpur, particularly Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak, will continue to play significant roles with active participation in health-related research and discoveries, and in producing healthcare professionals who are prepared to contribute to the society and the global community.

ICPHS 2021 HIGHLIGHT

11. For information, we have two (2) distinguished keynote speakers with us in this conference namely:

i. Yang Berbahagia Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak Rector, International Islamic University Malaysia

And,

ii. Professor Teresa Lambe OBE Principal Researcher (Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Development) Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, UK

12. It is indeed a great honour for Universiti Kuala Lumpur to have both renowned speakers with us today. I strongly believe that their presentations and ideas will give fascinating insight of the new discoveries and sustainability for a better future.

13. My best wishes to all speakers, presenters, and participants of ICPHS 2021.

14. This conference would not have been a reality today without the support from various distinguished individuals and our partners. With that note, on behalf of Universiti Kuala Lumpur, I would like to express my highest gratitude to;

i) the Honorable Mr. Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud, Member of the State Executive Council Perak Darul Ridzuan & Chairman of the Committee Education, Higher Education and Human Resources

ii) Yang Berbahagia Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan Perak Dato’ Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti,

To both our keynote speakers;

iii) Yang Berbahagia Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, and

iv) Professor Teresa Lambe

15. Our deepest appreciation also goes to the co-organisers namely Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia and Adichunchanagiri University, India, and to Astro Awani, as our official media partner of this momentous event as well as to all parties involved for their contribution to the success of this conference.

16. Personally, I would also like to congratulate the Yang Berbahagia Prof. Ahmad Fuad Shamsuddin, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak on his team in the faculty for their effort to organize the conference despite the obstacles during these difficult times.

17. I hope ICPHS 2021 will provide an enriching experience which in return will contribute towards the advancement of knowledge and research to promote sustainable development in pharmacy and health sciences and ultimately for humanity globally.

18. With that, I wish you all the best for a successful, safe and productive conference.