The Centre for Bioethics and Humanities, International Medical University (IMU) was established in 2021 as a key part of the ASPIRE III – IMU’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025, whereby one of the initiatives is to position IMU as an innovative global centre of excellence in learning and research, supporting a community of scholars and professionals committed to serving society, promoting the development of students to reach their true potential in becoming competent, ethical, caring and inquiring citizens and visionary leaders.
The Centre was officially launched on 23 June 2021 by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the International Medical University, Prof Abdul Aziz Baba. In his opening address, Prof Abdul Aziz called upon “the concerted effort of policymakers, academicians, researchers, students, and various NGOs in the industries to play an active role in the advocate of bioethics and humanities for the betterment of mankind.”
The virtual event also featured a keynote address by John Lantos who is a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. A leader in the field of bioethics, Professor Lantos shared his insights on the topic of “Bioethical Issues during the Covid-19 Pandemic”, which sparked an influx of thought-provoking questions from the attendees.
Following this was a closing speech by the Acting Director of Centre for Bioethics and Humanities, Dr Sheba D Mani, who thanked everyone who had contributed and played a part in ensuring the success of the event and the establishment of the centre.
Further to this, she hopes that the event has given everyone “the opportunity to further deepen [their] thinking and consider the role of ethics and humanities by way of enhancing its parameters in education, research and services.”
The virtual launch ended with a video presenting some of the upcoming events that will be taking place in the coming months. Interested participants were reminded to keep themselves updated by visiting the Centre’s webpage www.imu.edu.my/cbh or checking their emails for upcoming announcements.
Written by Carol Chin, Lecturer, Centre for Bioethics and Humanities
