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What does the future of prevention look like? At the Bali Conference 2025, I shared how schools and families — the foundations of every community — can be empowered to nurture resilience across generations. When evidence meets culture, prevention becomes a global movement sustained by communities themselves. 

On 17 September 2025, I had the privilege of delivering a plenary at the Bali Conference titled: 

The INEP Plus Training has now reached its 5th cohort, marking an important milestone in our collective journey of strengthening evidence-based prevention capacity. Over the years, this program has steadily built momentum, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to transform prevention into a science-driven and impactful practice.

Kuching, Sarawak – July 2025

In response to the growing need for mental health support in schools, OAPTAR and ISSUP Malaysia in collaboration with the Sarawak State Health Department and the District Education Office, conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop titled “Strengthening Mental Health Support Skills for Teachers and Counsellors."

In partnership with local leaders and frontline professionals, the Organization for Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation (OAPTAR) and ISSUP Malaysia has successfully implemented a community-based Family Program in rural Sarawak, Malaysia. This initiative is grounded in evidence-based principles to strengthen family bonds, build resilience, and prevent substance use among adolescents.

Since 2018, the Drug Policy Program Malaysia has led a vital movement toward drug policy reform through sustained advocacy efforts involving Ministers, Members of Parliament, and media stakeholders. Their vision is clear: Malaysia’s drug policy must evolve in step with current scientific understanding of drug use and dependence.

Since 2018, the Drug Policy Program Malaysia has led a vital movement toward drug policy reform through sustained advocacy efforts involving Ministers, Members of Parliament, and media stakeholders. Their vision is clear: Malaysia’s drug policy must evolve in step with current scientific understanding of drug use and dependence.

ISSUP Malaysia invites you to join its upcoming webinar: "In-country INEP Plus Training: Journey and Lessons"

At ISSUP Malaysia, we believe that addressing drug-related concerns in our local communities requires more than just knowledge and resources—it demands strong collaboration and partnership.

We are committed to working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders across sectors to ensure that our efforts in prevention, treatment, and recovery are not only beneficial, but also impactful and sustainable.

Embracing Prevention as an Investment for Health and Well-being

As we step into 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to prevention as a cornerstone of health and well-being. Prevention is not just a cost-effective approach; it is a wise investment in our future. The cost of treatment often far exceeds the resources needed for prevention, yet the benefits of prevention ripple through communities, fostering healthier, more productive lives.

At the heart of impactful progress lies the power of collaboration. We are thrilled to announce the deepening of our partnership with MAHSA University as we jointly advance research and postgraduate programs in addiction science.