Steering Committee
We are excited to unveil the formation of the Steering Committee for the highly anticipated National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2024. This distinguished group, carefully chosen for their expertise and dedication to combating cancer, brings a wealth of experience to the table, with members hailing from diverse backgrounds in the healthcare industry. Renowned figures within cancer care and public health, they wear many hats, serving as researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and leaders in their respective domains. Their collective knowledge and multifaceted perspectives promise to enrich the planning process and guarantee the event’s success. Within the conference realm, the Steering Committee plays a crucial role in providing strategic direction and guidance, ensuring every aspect of the event is meticulously executed. Furthermore, their vigilant monitoring of progress and adept handling of challenges highlight their commitment to excellence and ensure the conference remains aligned with its objectives.
We proudly present the distinguished members of the Steering Committee:
Professor of Public Health & Policy
School of Medical and Life Sciences
Sunway University
President, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM)
Co-chairperson, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Malaysia
Master, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM)
Consultant Hepatologist,
University Malaya Medical Centre
With their collective efforts, we will shape the National Cancer Congress Malaysia into a resounding success. Their dedication to advancing cancer care, research, and public awareness will undoubtedly inspire and drive progress in our fight against this formidable disease. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of the Steering Committee for their willingness to serve in this capacity. Together, we are poised to make a lasting impact on the landscape of cancer care in Malaysia and beyond. Mark your calendars and join us for this transformative event dedicated to “Bridging Gaps, Building Hopes, Empowering Lives”. Let’s collectively work to fight against cancer.
Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali
Dean of School of Medical and Life Sciences
Sunway University
Professor Raja Affendi Raja Ali earned his honours degree in medicine from the National University of Ireland (NUI) in 2000 (M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.), followed by internships, senior house officer, and registrar training at University Hospital Galway and affiliated teaching hospitals. He obtained Membership of RCP Ireland and RCP Edinburgh in 2004 and completed a Masters in Medical Science (M Med.Sc) from NUI in 2005. Between 2005 and 2010, he underwent specialist registrar training in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine at various Irish teaching hospitals, culminating in the award of a certificate of completion of specialist training (CCST) by the RCP Ireland. Additionally, he pursued further qualifications including a higher diploma in clinical teaching at NUI and a doctorate of Medicine (MD) for his research on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer at the department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, NUI. Subsequently, he served as a consultant physician and gastroenterologist at University Hospital Galway before returning to the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, where he now holds a position as a consultant physician and gastroenterologist, as well as associate professor in Medicine. Dr. Raja Affendi has received research grants from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and various industries, focusing his research on areas such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and the gut microbiome.
Prof Dr Elil Renganathan
Professor of Public Health & Policy
School of Medical and Life Sciences
Sunway University
Professor Elil is a senior international expert possessing significant leadership acumen and proficiency across various domains including public health, global health, evaluation, organizational learning, strategic planning, and governance. Throughout his extensive career spanning three decades, he has occupied numerous roles in public health, carrying diverse strategic and managerial duties. Notably, he spent over 24 years serving in leadership and global capacities within the World Health Organization (WHO). His most recent role involved serving as a Special Advisor to the high-level Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to shaping global health policies and initiatives. Throughout his career, Professor Elil has collaborated closely with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions, contributing significantly to advancing public health agendas on a global scale.
Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram
President, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM)
Co-chairperson, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Malaysia
Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, with over two decades of experience in cancer control, is a leading advocate for cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and survivorship, primarily through the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). During the Covid-19 pandemic, NCSM’s efforts were recognised with the Overall Outstanding Vaccination Contribution by Healthcare Non-Governmental Organisation (Malaysia) Award. Dr. Saunthari’s work extends to international Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) control, contributing to global solutions and local sustainable initiatives, including her advisory role for the Malaysian Ministry of Health and uniting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in health sectors. Her international influence includes serving as a Board Member of UICC and contributing to the cancer control agenda regionally and globally. Locally, Dr. Saunthari has been instrumental in championing the NCD agenda since 2010, establishing the NCD Alliance Malaysia in 2018 and contributing to tobacco control efforts through MyWatch. She is deeply involved in initiatives like the City Cancer Challenge, Greater Petaling, and works directly with cancer patients, providing support and medical counseling. Her diverse skills and extensive experience offer a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in NCD and cancer control in the ASEAN region. In acknowledgment of her significant contributions, she was conferred the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak award in November 2020 by His Royal Highness The Sultan of Perak.
Dr Noraryana Binti Hassan
Deputy Director (NCD)
Disease Control Division
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Dr. Noraryana Binti Hassan disciplined and confident Public Health practitioner with Master of Public Health (MPH) Specialist in Health Promotion from Faculty of Medicine, University Malaysia Sarawak (2008) with extensive experience in the field concerned with the health of large populations in particular Non Communicable Disease. Worked with many different groups, families and communities as a whole, in advocating healthy lifestyle programs, for example helping individuals and groups to stop smoking and take more exercise. The vast exposures in examining public health issues and promote community awareness of them, will allow me to achieve remarkable gains and could make similar critical contributions to your esteemed organization and the health in this country as a whole.
Prof Dr Rosmawati Mohamed
Master, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM)
Consultant Hepatologist,
University Malaya Medical Centre
Professor Dr. Rosmawati Mohamed, serving as a Consultant Hepatologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre, holds significant roles in global and regional hepatitis initiatives. She is the Founding Co-chairperson of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Committee for Viral Hepatitis, contributing to global efforts in combating the disease. Locally, she assumes the role of Master at the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, overseeing various medical specialties across the country. Actively involved in the Malaysian Medical Council, she influences policies regarding medical specialists’ recognition, training, and professional development. Additionally, she champions hepatitis and cancer advocacy as the President of Hepatitis Free Malaysia, reflecting her commitment to public health. Her multifaceted roles underscore her dedication to advancing healthcare both locally and globally.