The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FVM USK), Dr. Teuku Reza Ferasyi, MSc., PhD, was invited as one of the keynote speakers at the 2nd Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) International Veterinary Conference (UVIC) 2024. This scientific event took place in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, from September 10-11, 2024.

At the scientific forum, Teuku Reza Ferasyi presented a topic on “Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness Through Multidisciplinary One Health Education and Training.” His presentation specifically addressed several challenges that still need solutions in preparing pandemic-ready human resources in Southeast Asia.

One approach is to strengthen the role of universities in ASEAN in preparing the “One Health workforce.”

“This can be achieved by integrating One Health education into the curriculum or through specialized training programs conducted continuously for students from various disciplines,” said Reza Ferasyi.

In his presentation, the Dean of FKH USK also shared his experiences and successes with the One Health Student Club (OHSC) initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in collaboration with the Indonesia One Health University Network (INDOHUN). This initiative is carried out through the Center for Tropical Veterinary Studies-One Health Collaboration Center (CENTROVETS-OHCC) at USK.

Other invited speakers alongside the Dean of FKH USK came from renowned universities in ASEAN and Europe. Among them were Dr. Akma binti Ngah Hamid (Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia), Prof. Alun Williams (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan (Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan), Prof. Goh Yong Meng (Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia), Dr. Melvin Terry Gumal (Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Malaysia), and Dr. Chan Kok Kiong (Vally Animal Clinic, Malaysia). The participants of this event were from various universities in Malaysia and ASEAN countries.