On 18 July 2025, Alpro Group welcomed Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim, Principal Investigator of the Seremban Diabetes (SeDia) Cohort and Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) team members, to its headquarters in Seremban for a special Morning Sharing session. The event marked the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between Alpro and the IMU University, aimed at advocacy and recruitment of SeDia Cohort.

In his address, Prof Lokman shared a powerful reminder: “To prevent diabetes, we must first understand what causes it.” This message set the tone for the session, which introduced Alpro staff to the objectives of the 12-year SeDia Cohort Study, a nationwide initiative focused on uncovering the root causes of diabetes and its complications.

The 30-minute session served as both an advocacy platform and a recruitment drive. Alpro staff were invited to register their interest in the study, with the first 100 respondents receiving a specially prepared low-carb SugObread pack as a symbolic gesture of hope: a future where “prevention begins with knowledge, and care starts with action.”

Beyond the session, the visit also opened doors to broader discussions on long-term collaboration between Alpro and IMU. Potential areas identified include:

• Industrial MSc and PhD by research pathways
• Research in diabetes, data analytics, food technology, and supplements

Alpro Group’s involvement in the SeDia cohort initiative underscores the growing role of private-sector partnerships in supporting community-driven research. By bringing evidence-based awareness into the corporate space, this collaboration highlights how collective action across sectors can shape a healthier future for all Malaysians.

The Seremban Diabetes (SeDia) Cohort is a 12-year landmark research study led by IMU University in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Launched under an official IMU-MOH partnership, the study aims to investigate how genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to diabetes and related health outcomes. With a target of 9,770 participants including individuals with diabetes, their household members, and unrelated non-diabetic individuals, SeDia Cohort is the first study of its kind in Malaysia. Recruitment is ongoing at eight Klinik Kesihatan across Seremban.

To learn more about the Seremban Diabetes (SeDia) Cohort and how to participate, visit www.sedia.my. 

Individuals residing in Seremban are encouraged to be part of this long-term study to help uncover key insights into diabetes and improve future health outcomes.