South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia - SEACO Community & Stakeholder Appreciation
On 3 September 2026, representatives from government agencies, healthcare organisations, community groups, educational institutions and local communities gathered at VIP Hotel, Segamat, Johor for the SEACO Community & Stakeholder Appreciation Ceremony, held in recognition of the longstanding relationships that have supported the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) over the years.
Established 15 years ago under the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, SEACO has developed long-term relationships with communities and stakeholders in Segamat as part of its efforts to better understand changes in health, demographics, social conditions and the environment over time. These relationships have provided an important foundation for SEACO's population-based research and continued engagement with the community.
The ceremony brought together approximately 80 community members and stakeholders, including representatives from the Segamat District Health Office, Segamat Hospital, Segamat District Office, Segamat District Police Headquarters, Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) Segamat, Segamat District Information Office, Breast Cancer Support Society Segamat (BCSS), Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’zim (YPKDT) Segamat, Segamat Community College and FELDA Regional Office Segamat, alongside Penghulu, Village Heads and community representatives.
The event was also attended by Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research and Development), Monash University Malaysia, and Prof Sarah Hawkes, Head of Global Population Health (GPH), highlighting the importance of SEACO's community partnerships within the University's broader research ecosystem.
For SEACO, the ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the communities and stakeholders who have supported its work over the years. From facilitating research activities and engaging with local communities to sharing knowledge and strengthening collaboration, their continued involvement has played an important role in enabling SEACO's work in Segamat.
The occasion also reflected SEACO's commitment to maintaining meaningful relationships with the communities and stakeholders it works alongside. As SEACO continues to develop its research and engagement activities, these partnerships remain central to connecting research with the people and communities it seeks to understand and serve.
The ceremony concluded with an expression of appreciation to the communities and stakeholders of Segamat for their continued trust, support and collaboration throughout SEACO's journey over the past 15 years.
