Research ClusterHealth and Well-being
This research cluster aims to foster collaborative research focused on the health and well-being of the population. Areas of research include, but are not limited to, physical, mental, and social health and well-being at both the individual and population levels. The scope covers all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, the working population, older adults, and vulnerable groups. The cluster encourages researchers to collaborate in establishing population cohorts, facilitating the collection of high-quality longitudinal data for in-depth analysis and informed planning. In addition, the integration and application of artificial intelligence in health and well-being research is strongly encouraged.
HEAD OF CLUSTER: PROF. DR. ANSELM SU
Family Health
Family health research is centred on Family Health and Development, with a focus on maternal and reproductive health, adolescent health, ageing, disability, and caregiving for children with special healthcare needs. It examines how individual, familial, and social factors influence physical, mental, and social well-being, with particular attention to psychosocial determinants, health behaviours, digital exposure, delayed diagnoses, and financial burden of care. The primary methodological approach is cross-sectional, complemented by selected mixed-methods studies to explore contextual factors in greater depth. Research is community- and policy-oriented, aiming to generate evidence that supports health service planning and intervention delivery. Future directions include undertaking interventional studies and implementing health-promoting activities across the life course to strengthen preventive efforts and improve health outcomes in targeted populations.
Pharmacoeconomics
Pharmacoeconomic research evaluates the economic aspects of pharmaceutical products and treatments, comparing their costs and outcomes to determine value. It assesses the cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit of medications, considering factors like healthcare costs, patient quality of life, and overall health outcomes. The goal is to inform healthcare decision-makers, optimize resource allocation, and improve patient care by identifying the most economically viable treatment options. This research plays a crucial role in formulary decisions, reimbursement policies, and public health strategies.
Medication Safety and Clinical Pharmacy
Research in medication safety and clinical pharmacy aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of patients’ pharmacotherapy across hospital and primary care settings. Key focus areas include risk mitigation strategies that target system-level factors contributing to medication errors such as forcing functions, automation & computerization, alert systems and standardization of processes. Investigating these strategies can further enhance efforts in reducing medication errors and preventing patient harm. Findings would contribute to evidence-based practices, policy recommendations, and training initiatives that support safer, more effective medication use and better healthcare outcomes in Malaysia.
Innovation of Bioactive-Driven Wellness Interventions
Beyond fundamental research, there is also a growing interest in the invention and development of plant-based wellness products derived from bioactive-rich extracts. These products are designed to promote cognitive health, support healthy aging, and serve as functional supplements or beverages, bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovation.
Mental Health
Mental health research integrates preventive and interventional approaches to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and coping abilities in at-risk groups. My research focuses on enhancing mental health through evidence-based interventions that improve mental health literacy (MHL) and psychological skills training (PST), particularly focusing on youth and adolescents, as well as populations with special needs. Key research activities encompass evaluating mental health literacy, assessing the effects of the PST program on emotional regulation, and identifying the psychosocial needs of individuals with disabilities. A significant emphasis is placed on equity and accessibility, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and inclusive, especially for marginalized populations such as people with Down syndrome, adolescents from low-income (B40) backgrounds, and university students. By leaving no one behind, the aim is to enhance mental health awareness, equip individuals with psychological skills, and inform policy and practice by generating evidence that supports sustainable mental health programs.