Session 1 Debaters (L_R): Lee Zoe Jean, Christopher Denning,
Arthy Thevy, Crenie Sarah Kumar, Aiham and Darryl
4 November 2024 – After a four-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Bioethics Forum returned with great enthusiasm to the IMU Clinical Campus Kluang. The event brought together medical students from the Kluang and Batu Pahat campuses for an engaging debate competition held at Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, Kluang, Johor.
This forum was a collaborative effort between IMU Clinical Campus Kluang, IMU Clinical Campus Batu Pahat, Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, and Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia Johor Bahru.
The forum began with opening remarks from Dr Sabariah binti Mohamad Sa’ad, Deputy Director of Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on complex issues at the intersection of medical ethics and environmental concerns
Debate 1: Microplastics and Environmental Health
The first debate session took on the pressing topic of microplastics in maternal health. The debate topic, “Researchers detected microplastics in placental tissue samples, raising concerns about foetal exposure during pregnancy. Therefore, plastic containers should be banned to reduce environmental contamination nowadays,” sparked a lively exchange between both teams.
Representing the government side, the IMU Clinical Campus Kluang team—comprising Arthy Thevy Mahendranathan, Christopher Denning Anak Jonathan Bedindang, and Aiham Ali Hussain—argued in favour of a plastic ban to mitigate the risks of foetal microplastic exposure. Countering them was the opposition from IMU Clinical Campus Batu Pahat, featuring Darryl Lee Zhi Perng, Crenie Sarah Kumar, and Lee Zoe Jean, who challenged the feasibility and implications of a full ban.
The debate was intense, with both sides presenting compelling, well-researched arguments and quick-witted rebuttals. Ultimately, the opposition from IMU Clinical Campus Batu Pahat emerged victorious, with Crenie Sarah Kumar standing out for her eloquence and persuasive points, earning her the title of Best Speaker for the round.
Debate 2: Mandatory Dengue Vaccination for Children
The second debate session shifted the focus to a public health dilemma: “Given the high morbidity and mortality rates of dengue in children, the new dengue vaccine should be made mandatory for all children.” The government side, represented by IMU Clinical Campus Batu Pahat students Chia Hui Xin, Kwek Su Chin, and Chua Mun Xia, argued in favor of mandatory vaccination to curb dengue’s impact on public health. Opposing them were IMU Clinical Campus Kluang students Simran Ashitkumar Solankimatra, Leow Kok Ting, and Han Xiang Yi, who questioned the ethical and logistical implications of mandatory vaccination.
Both teams engaged in a spirited discussion, exchanging rapid-fire rebuttals and thoughtful perspectives. The debate ended in another nail-biting finish, with the government team narrowly winning by a margin of just two points. Chua Mun Xia, whose persuasive arguments and quick-witted rebuttal captivated the judges, was awarded Best Speaker for the session.
Insightful Speech on Environmental Quality Act 1974
In addition to student debates, we were honored to have invited Encik Zuhairi bin Said, a representative from the Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia Johor Bahru, who delivered an insightful speech on the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Encik Zuhairi highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and the legal framework in Malaysia aimed at protecting and preserving environmental quality.
As the event drew to a close, students celebrated the return of the Bioethics Forum, acknowledging the value of debating challenging topics with peers. The programme chairperson, Dr Htwe Htwe Sein delivered the closing remarks, commending the participants for their insightful perspectives and the friendly competition exhibited throughout the day. She expressed her gratitude to Dr Sabariah binti Mohamad Sa’ad, all IMU faculty who attended the event, the judges, secretaries, student organisers, and the Johor Department of Environment for their contributions in making the event a success.
This year’s Bioethics Forum was a resounding success, marking a strong comeback and a reminder of the importance of ethical discourse in medicine. With enthusiasm reignited, students look forward to exploring the ethical dimensions of healthcare and environmental responsibility.
