グローバル生存基盤研究部門・連携研究員
PhD in Community Health (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) 　
Specialty: Urban health

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Kyoto University under the Japan-ASEAN Platform for Transdisciplinary Studies. I obtained my Ph.D. in Community Health from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), with affiliation to the United Nations University- International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My bachelor’s degree was in Environmental and Occupational Health from University Putra Malaysia (UPM). My work involves studying the connections between urban physical environment and health outcomes; and modeling the public health co-benefits of sustainable development, including transport and land use in cities of the developing countries. My previous studies include modeling the health impacts (air pollution, injury, physical activity) and transport carbon emissions of the Mass Rapid Transit system in Kuala Lumpur. I also studied the transport behaviours of commuters in Kuala Lumpur.

　Recognizing the interdependent relationships between transport system and land use in creating health conducive environments and opportunities for carbon reduction strategies in cities, my research now draws data from several relevant governmental sectors to promote inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations. My current study involves exploring the relationships between urban environmental metrics and disease specific hospital admissions through ecological design in Malaysia and Indonesia. I have also recently organized an international training workshop on ‘Integrating Health into Urban Planning towards Sustainable Development Goals in Developing Countries’ funded by the Asia Pacific Network (APN) for Global Change Research under the capacity development program. It was participated by delegates from nine developing countries in the Southeast Asian region, and speakers from the Asia Pacific region.

　My time being at CSEAS has provided me abundant of cross cultural experiences, and enriching information of the past and present issues faced in the Southeast Asian region from the frequent seminars and colloquiums organized by the center. As expected of the regional multidisciplinary think tank, the wide range of study areas encompassing politics, economy, history, agriculture, environment, health, etc. held at CSEAS clearly demonstrates the importance of each field, and their overarching roles and contributions towards sustainable development in the region. Finally, it is an honour to have the opportunity to work on research at CSEAS, and the time spent here will surely be missed.