Opening new pathways in rehabilitation


Panellists at the Industry Forum titled “The Future of Chiropractic in Malaysia: Education, Regulation, Industry Growth and Public Health Impact” (from left) UOC Chiropractic head Andre Michael Abader, Health Ministry Traditional and Complementary Medicine Council secretary Dr Dyanan Puvananandran, Association of Chiropractic Malaysia honorary secretary Ravindaran Alagasan and Spinalive Clinics founder Ivan Sim sharing their insights.

THE University of Cyberjaya (UOC) recently launched its School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Bachelor of Chiropractic (Honours) programme, marking a significant expansion of its health sciences offering and its contribution to the development of Malaysia’s rehabilitation healthcare workforce.

Its establishment provides a dedicated platform for strengthening education and professional development in rehabilitation sciences, while the new Bachelor of Chiropractic (Honours) programme introduces a new pathway for students pursuing a career in chiropractic.

UOC vice-chancellor Prof Dr David Whitford said the establishment of the school and launch of the programme mark an important step in the university’s continued evolution as a health sciences institution.

“As healthcare needs become increasingly complex, there is a growing importance in developing professionals who can contribute effectively across disciplines and work as part of a wider healthcare ecosystem.

“Our ambition is not simply to introduce a new programme, but to create an academic environment that supports the development of future-ready rehabilitation professionals through quality education, collaboration and a strong connection with the needs of the healthcare sector.

“Through the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, UOC hopes to contribute to the development of Malaysia’s rehabilitation workforce while strengthening dialogue and collaboration between academia, the professions, government and industry.”

The establishment of the school reflects the importance of developing rehabilitation professionals who can work across disciplines and contribute to the wider healthcare ecosystem.

Prof Whitford said UOC aims to go beyond launching a new programme by fostering quality education, collaboration and industry engagement.
Prof Whitford said UOC aims to go beyond launching a new programme by fostering quality education, collaboration and industry engagement.

The Bachelor of Chiropractic (Honours) programme forms part of this broader approach, preparing future chiropractic professionals within UOC’s health sciences environment and supporting the development of competencies relevant to contemporary healthcare and rehabilitation.

UOC Faculty of Health executive dean Prof Dr Phelim Yoong Voon Chen said quality education would be fundamental to the responsible development of chiropractic as a healthcare profession.

“For chiropractic, this means preparing graduates with a strong foundation in knowledge and clinical competencies, while also developing an understanding of evidence-informed practice, professional standards, patient safety and the importance of working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.

“The Bachelor of Chiropractic (Honours) programme has been developed within UOC’s wider health sciences environment for this reason.

“We want our graduates to understand not only their own professional role, but also how chiropractic can contribute appropriately within the broader rehabilitation and musculoskeletal healthcare ecosystem.”

He added: “In doing so, we hope to prepare graduates who are equipped to respond to the evolving needs of patients, communities and Malaysia’s healthcare system.”

Prof Yoong said the programme aims to prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of patients, communities and Malaysia’s healthcare system.
Prof Yoong said the programme aims to prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of patients, communities and Malaysia’s healthcare system.

The launch was accompanied by an industry forum titled “The Future of Chiropractic in Malaysia: Education, Regulation, Industry Growth and Public Health Impact”, which brought together representatives from the chiropractic profession, the Health Ministry, academia and industry.

The forum explored the development of chiropractic in Malaysia, including education and workforce readiness, professional standards, evidence-informed practice and collaboration across healthcare disciplines.

It also considered the potential role of chiropractic within the broader rehabilitation and musculoskeletal healthcare ecosystem.

Students and parents interested in exploring a future in chiropractic are invited to attend the UOC’s Open Day on Oct 10 and 11, from 10am to 5pm. Meet academic staff, discover the university’s programmes and learn how a career in chiropractic can contribute to healthier communities and healthier futures. Register at https://cyberjaya.edu.my/openday-2026

 

 

 

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