Malaysian recognised by Harvard University for health innovation

Dr Dhesi presenting a paper on the role of artificial intelligence in predicting the outbreak of diseases at the TH Chan School of Public Health in Harvard University on Saturday.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Integrated Medical Association (Mimpa) president Dr Dhesi Baha Raja has been recognised as among the top young health innovators by Harvard University.

Dr Dhesi who was given the award for his work on artificial intelligence in medical epidemiology had been recognised as among the top eight young innovators globally in the field by Harvard University’s School of Public Health, beating over 200 applications.

Dr Dhesi who leads a his team of six, developed AIME (Artificial Intelligence in Medical Epidemiology), which is a disease-prediction mobile platform that employs technology and data to give people prior warning of when outbreaks might occur three months in advance and locating them within a 400 meter radius.

He told the Star Online that he was glad that Malaysia is being recognised for its contribution to the international medical community.

Despite winning awards from numerous institutions worldwide, this is the first award that his team has received from the United States.

“I think its good because we want recognition in this part of the world (North America) for our work,” he said.

He also added that he was very happy to have had the opportunity to present his views in a presentation about the role of artificial intelligence in combating viral disease outbreaks.

Dr Dhesi is currently in Brazil to work on tackling possible dengue and Zika hotspots and work on prevention methods in preparation for the Rio Olympics in August.

The event that took place on Saturday at Harvard University is aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs and professionals to develop solutions for unmet needs in the global healthcare ecosystem.

Dr Dhesi was presented the award along with AIME co-founder Rainier Mallol.

In a tweet on Saturday, Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah congratulated Dr Dhesi on his achievement and said that that he hopes it would inspire others to pursue a future in public health.