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Malay Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
How Sarawak genetics can future-proof our health — Rafidah Lani
JULY 22 — In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on 22 July, we celebrate not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to Malaysia's greatest untapped resource — our genetic diversity. Sarawak, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu, and the Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is not just a cultural heritage but a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases. As Malaysia moves forward with the MyGenom Project, Sarawak's unique population structure becomes increasingly important in building the country's health resilience. Population immunology studies how immune responses vary between individuals and populations. These differences are often shaped by genetics. Just as our physical traits differ — such as height, skin tone, and hair texture — so do our immune responses to pathogens, medications, and vaccinations. Genetic diversity is crucial in understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to infectious diseases such as dengue, tuberculosis, or Covid-19, while others exhibit stronger resistance or milder symptoms. It also explains varying responses to vaccines and treatments. In Sarawak, for example, indigenous populations may carry different immune gene variants compared to urban Peninsular Malaysians, influencing how they respond to diseases or drugs. This is where genome mapping becomes critical. The MyGenom Project is a national initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysians from diverse ethnicities. It is a timely and ambitious effort to catalogue the genetic variants present in our population, including those from minority and indigenous groups. The early phases of genome studies in Malaysia were dominated by data from the three main ethnic groups — Malays, Chinese, and Indians. In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on 22 July, we celebrate not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to Malaysia's greatest untapped resource — our genetic diversity. — Bernama pic However, this does not reflect the full scope of our population. Including East Malaysian groups helps capture the broader spectrum of genetic variation that exists in Malaysia. Sarawak's people, with their deep ancestral roots and minimal admixture, offer insights into immune-related genes that may have evolved to counter local pathogens in tropical rainforest environments. These could include gene variants involved in inflammation, antiviral response, and vaccine effectiveness. Among Sarawak's indigenous peoples, the Penan — a traditionally nomadic group from the interior forests of Baram and Belaga — are of special interest. Despite their isolation, they have experienced disproportionately high rates of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Why the Penan are particularly prone to leprosy remains under investigation, but genome science offers several clues. Leprosy susceptibility is known to be influenced by host genetics, particularly genes involved in innate immunity. These genes are involved in recognising mycobacteria and regulating inflammatory responses during infection. Preliminary observations suggest that the Penan may carry unique variants or haplotypes in these immunity genes, possibly inherited through generations of geographic and genetic isolation. It is also hypothesised that low genetic diversity within small, isolated communities like the Penan may contribute to the concentration of certain susceptibility alleles. Including the Penan in the MyGenom Project is not only scientifically valuable but ethically necessary. It provides an opportunity to understand population-specific risks, tailor health screening, and design effective community-based interventions. Understanding the genetic variation in immunity genes can help in developing tailored vaccines and therapies, predicting disease risk, improving outbreak response, and strengthening precision medicine. Sarawak has a critical role in this movement. The inclusion of underrepresented groups in the MyGenom Project ensures that health policies, treatments, and diagnostics are inclusive and equitable. Leaving them out risks creating a healthcare gap where indigenous communities receive solutions based on data from unrelated populations. In the past, genomics research involving indigenous groups faced criticism due to poor community engagement or lack of benefit-sharing. The current initiative addresses this by ensuring ethical collection, community consultation, and data sovereignty — empowering Sarawakian communities to participate actively in research that affects their future. Sarawak Independence Day is a reminder of autonomy and identity, but also of shared responsibility in building a healthier Malaysia. Genetics is no longer just an academic pursuit. It is a national investment into the health of future generations. We must ensure that the MyGenom Project continues to be inclusive, transparent, and scientifically robust. Sarawak's contribution to this project is not merely symbolic — it is foundational. By integrating Sarawak's unique population into our national genetic map, we are not only unlocking clues to our past but building tools to face the future. Let us celebrate the wealth of Sarawak's genetic and cultural diversity, and recognise it as a pillar of national strength in population health and disease resilience. * Dr Rafidah Lani is a senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She may be contacted at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
02-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Prudential and Prudence Foundation Provide Free Mental Health Support to Vulnerable Communities
In partnership with Intellect, the programme will be launched in Malaysia and Vietnam to make mental healthcare more accessible for vulnerable or at-risk groups Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from right) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from left) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam [1] "Transforming mental health in the WHO South-East Asia Region – Annual Report 2024" by World Health Organisation [2] Ibid HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2025 - Prudential plc ("Prudential") and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential, are collaborating to launcha mental health initiative in partnership with digital mental health service provider Intellect. Through the programme, communities in need in Malaysia and Vietnam will have access to free mental health Prudence Foundation's commitment to building long-term health resilience by addressing mental well-being as a vital component of overall health, particularly as mental health emerges as a growing challenge in Southeast Asia. Around one in seven people in the region, equivalent to 260 million, live with a mental health condition[1]. Many are also plagued by daily stress, burnout, relationship problems, and sleep issues. Barriers such as limited access to services, socioeconomic challenges, and financial constraints have resulted in widening gaps in mental healthcare in the region. In some countries, the treatment gap – defined as the percentage of individuals needing care but not receiving it – reaches up to 40 per cent[2].Through the Intellect app, users will have access to a full spectrum of mental health services, including self-guided programmes, live consultations with licensed coaches, clinical psychologists and counsellors, and a 24/7 helpline that provides professional support in their local language. Where needed, users can also be connected to local mental health professionals for one-on-one coaching or counselling sessions, ensuring both scalability and personalised care for diverse community needs. To ensure accessibility and relevance to users in Malaysia and Vietnam, the app is available in multiple local languages such as Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, Tamil, Vietnamese, French and programme will identify and engage vulnerable and at-risk groups in Malaysia and Vietnam, and work with local partners in healthcare, education, and community be targeted to serve various local communities, including at-risk youth and women, low-income parents and families, marginalised and displaced communities. The programme will also be accompanied by targeted in-community workshops and awareness campaigns to help reduce stigma and equip users with essential knowledge., said: "Our mission is to give our customers peace of mind by investing in and supporting initiatives that strengthen their ability to manage health challenges. Mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked with peace of mind, and enables people to lead resilient and meaningful lives. But there is a widening gap between the demand for mental health services and access to care, particularly within vulnerable communities. Through our collaboration with Prudence Foundation, we aim to end worry and hassle for people with a mental health condition. Launching this programme in two of our biggest health markets - Malaysia and Vietnam - is an important step forward in our commitment to helping our customers, and communities, when they need us most.", said: "Our goal is to create meaningful, lasting change and build long-term health resilience. Across our markets, millions remain without health protection, not due to a lack of need, but because of affordability and access barriers. Mental health is a critical part of this equation. Without support for emotional and psychological wellbeing, individuals and families are left vulnerable to the pressures of daily life. That's why we're investing in targeted programmes like, which provide free, culturally relevant mental health support to those who need it most. By reaching vulnerable communities with accessible care, we're not just filling a gap—we're laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient lives.", said: "Our work with Prudence Foundation is a step towards building mental health resources and solutions that are universally accessible, especially for vulnerable and at-risk communities. By leveraging technology, our clinical expertise and on-the-ground networks, we are able to deliver meaningful care to those who need it most, in a way that's scalable, localised, and sustainable."As a Tier 1 organisation in the 2025 CCLA Corporate Mental Health Benchmark, Prudential continues its commitment to supporting mental health wellbeing in the workplace and the community. For organisations interested to support their community's mental health needs through this initiative, please contact [email protected] Hashtag: #Prudential The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Prudential plc Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential's mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme. Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. About Prudence Foundation Established in 2011 in Hong Kong, Prudence Foundation is the community investment and philanthropic arm of Prudential plc. The Foundation builds financial wellbeing, and climate and health resilience for underserved Asian and African communities. We are committed to sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, access affordable financial products, as well as be more prepared and protected against climate related health risks. We actively engage in public-private partnerships, collaborate with governments, NGOs, communities and other private sector entities to build collective efforts for lasting change. To date, our programmes are implemented across 16 markets in Asia and Africa, reaching millions of people. For more information: About Intellect Intellect is a trusted global leader in mental health care, providing accessible, culturally-localised support through comprehensive solutions that address diverse needs at every stage of the mental health journey. Available in 120+ languages, Intellect's comprehensive local network of providers is accessible in 100+ countries. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 4 million users around the world. Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2025, Intellect was named as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Human Resources Online's Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold) in 2023.
