Delegate: MS. NAVAMANI A/P NAGAPPON, COUNSELLOR, UTAR
Affiliation: CENTRE FOR HEALTHY MINDS AND WELLBEING, DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN, SUNGAI LONG CAMPUS, MALAYSIA
Short Bio: As we mark World Sleep Day, let’s come together with fellow advocates and experts to advance initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access to quality sleep and mitigating the burdens of inadequate rest on public health.
In a bid to shed light on the importance of quality sleep and promote healthy sleep habits, the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing under the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus, Malaysia recently organized another two-day international webinar on 16 and 17 March 2024 via Zoom. Held in conjunction with World Sleep Day 2024, themed ‘Sleep Equity for Global Health,’ the event aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of sleep while addressing various sleep-related issues. The webinar featured a lineup of esteemed speakers comprising health professionals and advocates from around the globe. Over the course of two days, participants were treated to insightful discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics related to sleep health. In this year, the talks enlightened participants of all age ranges. Overall, 450 participants—UTAR students and staff, lecturers, professionals, senior citizens and etc. —benefited from this webinar worldwide included Malaysia, India, Indonesia, China, Gambia West Africa, Maldives, Bangladesh, Latvia Europe, Japan, Philippines, Hongkong and etc.
Activity: On the first day of the webinar, attendees had the privilege of hearing from distinguished speakers such as the Senior Professor of Neurophysiology and Dean of Basic Sciences at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Senior Professor Dr Bindu M. Kutty. Dr Kutty delved into the neurophysiology of sleep, offering valuable insights into the science behind our sleep patterns.
Other notable speakers included Ms.Ho Wing Yan, Infant and Child Sleep Consultant from Precious Sleep, who unraveled the mysteries of baby sleep, and Associate Professor Dr Lee Poh Foong from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, UTAR, who discussed sleeping brainwaves. Additionally, Certified Trainer Mr. Brien Lee shared the best practices for better sleep hygiene, rounding out the day’s lineup with practical tips for improving sleep quality.
The second day of the webinar continued with other enlightening discourses by M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (MK FMHS) Head of Program for Master of Medical Science (Public Health), UTAR Professor Dr Retneswari Masilamani, who presented on The Sleep-Stress Connection: Enhancing Mental Well-Being at Work, and Sunway Medical Centre Velocity Consultant Respiratory and Internal Medicine Physician Dr Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa, who shared on Sleep-Disordered Breathing. The session continued with freelance Registered and Licensed Counsellor Mr. Ong Chia Shen, who explained the role of counselling in promoting healthy sleep habits and MK FMHS, UTAR Mr. Tarun Amalnerkar, who shared the overview of sleep disorders among the elderly.
The participants gained valuable insights into the complex interplay between sleep and various aspects of mental and physical health. An interactive Q&A session facilitated by MK FMHS, UTAR Dr Avneet Kaur, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and seek further clarification on sleep-related issues for both days. Another highlight was when participants actively engaged in the quiz sessions on both days and the winners are Ms. Grace Valerina (Indonesia), Ms. Lim Sin Min (Malaysia), Ms. Ewe Jing Yi, Ms. Yogeshrii A/P Manoharan (Malaysia), Ms. Teoh Hui Min (Malaysia) and Mr. Edwin Soo Kim Seng. The closing of this event with closing remarks by vice chairperson, Ms. Navamani A/P Nagappon.
The two-day webinar served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sleep for overall health and well-being. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, UTAR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting holistic wellness among its students and the wider community.
Behind the scenes, the success of the webinar was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee, Chairperson Mr. Tarun, Vice-Chairperson Ms. Navamani A/P Nagappon, and Technical Managers from UTAR students, Ms. Lim Zhi Qing and Ms.Yap Yong Yun.
Reference:
Website: https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2024/Mar/29/04/03.html
Location: UTAR, MALAYSIA, ONLINE
Date of Activity: 16 AND 17 MARCH 2024
Submitted by: NAVAMANI A/P NAGAPPON
