KAJANG: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) has been selected to host the Unesco Bioethics chair (Malaysian Chapter) at its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik said the move was an excellent progression of the university’s bioethics research programme.
“The move is a recognition of UTAR’s strength in research and development and elevates the university’s research efforts in the international arena.
“As the chair, UTAR can play a prominent role in coordinating an International Network of Institutes for Medical Ethics Training,” he said at the launch of the faculty chair at UTAR’s campus in Sungai Long yesterday.
Dr Chuah said the university would work hard to contribute and develop an up-to-date syllabus for medical ethics education for other institutes around the world.
“We previously conducted workshops on biosafety and biosecurity, and we have organised a seminar on research ethics,” he added.
He said UTAR would also host an international bioethics seminar later this year.
The Unesco chair in bioethics was established in 2001 to develop an up-to-date syllabus for medical ethics education in medical schools globally.
The International Network of the chair comprises units across five continents.
Unesco Bioethics chair head (Asia Pacific Bioethics Network) Prof Dr Russell D’Souza said the importance of bioethics had grown in the last 20 years given the advancements in medical technology.
“This presents greater challenges for the medical profession, and doctors need to be better educated on ethical medical practices,” he added.
Dr D’Souza said an effective medical ethics curriculum used interactive and case-based teaching.
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