On 23 September 2025, the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), IMU University, led by Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim, Principal Investigator of the Seremban Diabetes (SeDia) Cohort, visited Columbia Asia Hospital, Seremban.  Alice Chong, CEO of Columbia Asia Hospital Seremban, and her team warmly welcomed the IRDI delegation. Discussions focused on supporting the SeDia Cohort through raising awareness among patients and referring eligible participants.

Columbia Asia Hospital, Seremban’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 healthcare space, this collaboration demonstrates how collective action across sectors can help 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 aged 18 to 40 are encouraged to be part of this long-term study to help uncover key insights into diabetes and improve future health outcomes. You can register quickly by scanning the QR code.