Empowering Educators in Drug Prevention in East Malaysia

Empowering Educators in Drug Prevention: Training and Facilitating Teachers and District Education Officers in Sabah, Malaysia.

I was honoured to participate as an invited speaker and facilitator at the Sabah State Education Department Drug Prevention Education Science Symposium 2026, held from 15 to 17 October 2026 at Hotel Emas, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. The symposium was jointly organised by the Student Development Sector, Sabah State Education Department (JPN Sabah), and Tawau District Education Office (PPD Tawau).

The symposium brought together Drug Prevention Education (PPDa) teachers from primary and secondary schools, guidance and counselling teachers, senior assistant teachers, and district education officers. It aimed to strengthen educators' knowledge, competencies, and practical skills in implementing evidence-based drug prevention programmes, while fostering interagency collaboration towards drug-free school environments.

My contributions included an invited talk entitled " Students' Brains, Emotions and Resilience: What Teachers Need to Know", focusing on adolescent brain development, emotional regulation, risk-taking behaviours, and resilience in drug prevention.

I also facilitated two interactive workshops: "Drug Prevention Case Studies: Trace the Case, Take the Right Action", emphasising early identification, case-based interventions, and appropriate referral pathways; and "PPDa 30 days: Develop, Implement and Measure", guiding participants in developing practical, measurable school-based drug prevention action plans.

Beyond knowledge sharing and capacity building, this engagement enhanced the visibility of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah (HUMS), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). It also reflected professional recognition of my expertise in Addiction Medicine, substance use prevention, and drug demand reduction.

Importantly, the symposium strengthened professional networks with educational leaders and practitioners, creating opportunities for future collaboration in training, research, early intervention, and community engagement.

Overall, this meaningful engagement reinforced the importance of translating scientific knowledge into practical, sustainable drug prevention initiatives to promote healthier, safer, and drug-free school communities throughout Sabah.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to Mrs Nuur Hafizah Salwa from the Student Development Sector, Sabah State Education Department, and Assoc Prof Dr Fairrul Bin Masnah @ Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, for their invaluable support, encouragement, and trust in my involvement in this meaningful symposium