Adela Ida Becomes First Iban Woman To Lead MSPTM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- A biomedical scientist at the Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Malaysia, Adela Ida Jiram, has been elected as the president of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), becoming the first Sarawakian and Iban woman to hold the position.

She was elected during the society’s 62nd Annual General Meeting recently.

In a statement, MSPTM said Adela Ida’s election comes at a time when Malaysia continues to strengthen its research capability, public health preparedness and international scientific visibility.

It said Adela Ida is expected to help guide the society's work in professional development, scientific exchange and stronger national engagement on issues related to parasitology and tropical medicine.

“For MSPTM, the story is not only about a historic appointment. It is also about the future direction of the society and how it can help make the field more visible, more collaborative and more relevant to the public,” the statement read.

Adela Ida, in the same statement, said her priorities include mentoring young scientists, strengthening collaboration among researchers and institutions, increasing public awareness of the field and raising MSPTM’s national profile.

"I want to help mentor young scientists, strengthen collaboration across the field and raise the national visibility of the society.

“I also hope to show why parasitology and tropical medicine remain relevant in the modern world, build greater public awareness and create more opportunities to showcase Malaysian research on the global stage," she added.

She also aims to support more international conferences and scientific gatherings in Malaysia to showcase local research and position MSPTM as a stronger platform for Malaysian scientists to contribute to global discussions on parasitology and tropical medicine.

-- BERNAMA