KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Adela Ida Anak Jiram, a biomedical scientist at the Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, has been elected president of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM), becoming the first Sarawakian and Iban woman to hold the position.
Her election places her at the head of a national scientific society at a time when Malaysia continues to strengthen research capability, public health preparedness and international scientific visibility.
Parasitology and tropical medicine continue to matter in Malaysia because they shape how the country understands infectious disease risks, builds scientific capability and connects research with public health response.
For MSPTM, the story is not only about a historic appointment, but 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.
As the first Sarawakian and Iban woman to lead the society, Adela’s appointment is a leadership milestone for the national scientific community and a broader signal about who is seen, trusted and represented in Malaysian scientific leadership.
At the same time, she says the larger goal is to help MSPTM grow its national profile and deepen its role in shaping the future of the field.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me to serve as president of MSPTM,” said Adela. “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.”
As president, Adela 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.
Her stated priorities include mentoring young scientists, strengthening collaboration between researchers and institutions, increasing public awareness of the field and raising MSPTM’s profile nationally.
She also hopes to support more international conferences and scientific gatherings in Malaysia to increase the country’s visibility on the world stage, showcase local research more prominently and position MSPTM as a stronger platform for Malaysian scientists to contribute to global conversations in parasitology and tropical medicine.
The wider relevance of the appointment lies in what comes next: how MSPTM can inspire younger scientists, build stronger research networks, communicate more clearly with the public, and help ensure that work in parasitology and tropical medicine remains visible and valued in modern Malaysia.
