Varsities have an important role in strengthening research, shaping evidence-based policy discussions, and preparing future healthcare professionals to address preventable disease with both scientific rigour and social responsibility, says Prof Dr David Whitford.
The University of Cyberjaya (UoC) vice-chancellor and chief executive said tobacco control is not only as a public health priority, but also as an educational responsibility.
The rising prevalence of e-cigarette use among youths continues to be a growing concern. Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 show that the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 13 to 17 increased from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022, a recent press release from UoC and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) read.
This trend signals a worrying trajectory, as early nicotine exposure increases the risk of long-term addiction and future lung health complications, the statement read.
As a health sciences university, Prof Whitford said UoC was proud to collaborate with NCSM in supporting national efforts to reduce tobacco use, vaping-related harm, and the wider burden of lung disease.
From May 8 to 10, the varsity hosted the National Tobacco Control Conference & Lung Health Summit 2026, officiated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Organised by the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and NCSM, the three-day event brought together key stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address pressing challenges in tobacco control while advancing strategies to improve lung health outcomes in the country.
“Conferences such as this bring together academia, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and civil society in exactly the kind of collaboration needed to improve public health outcomes and protect future generations,” Prof Whitford said.
NCSM managing director Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said the high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses in Malaysia is a sobering reminder that our intervention strategies must evolve.
“By hosting the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026, we are moving beyond traditional advocacy to equip healthcare professionals with the specific tools and policy frameworks needed to disrupt the cycle of nicotine addiction, reduce the burden of lung disease, and improve survival rates through better screening and early detection.”
