Annual Review 2018 | Page 17

Finding a cure for epilepsy Trauma and recovery training Arts students visit Sime Darby This epilepsy seminar focussed on prevention efforts and advocating further research on one of the world's most common neurological disorders. Professor Ley Sander and Professor Dato’ Raymond Azman Ali were guest speakers at the event organised in collaboration with Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) and the Malaysian Society of Neuroscience. CURE typically supports around eight seminars annually, most of which are held in the United States. This makes Malaysia the first country in the region to host the seminar series. This training session on trauma and recovery was co-organised with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group Malaysia, and Victoria Foundation for Survivors of Torture. The program used presentations, case studies, small and large group discussions, and video content to impart the knowledge and skills needed to work with populations that have experienced psychological trauma. Twenty-five students from the Bachelor of Global Studies and visiting students from Monash University Australia, led by Dr Joel Moore, went on a field trip to Sime Darby Plantation where they learnt about sustainable oil palm cultivation practices. Students visited the demo plantation and heard from the caretakers about the various stages of palm fruit growth, the use of weavers to aid fertilisation resulting in higher yields, and the use of barn owls to keep rats at bay as an alternative to poisons. They also toured the mill and refinery. Image processing, analysis and real-time imaging symposium The annual research symposium on image processing, image analysis and real-time imaging was jointly organised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Signal Processing Society Malaysia Chapter and the IEEE Monash Student Branch. The symposium brought the university and industry community together to share and discuss the latest trends in image processing, analysis and real-time implementation. Assessing health technologies A seminar was organised to provide an understanding of Health Technology Assessment (HTA), an evidence-based, multidisciplinary process intended to support healthcare decision-making. HTA assesses properties and effects of new and existing health technologies, in comparison with a current standard. Dr David Banta, known as the ‘Father of HTA’, spoke at the seminar along with key speakers from the Ministry of Health and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative. A cultural journey The Inter-Cultural Enrichment Program (ICEP) by the School of Arts and Social Sciences enables students to experience the diversity of Malaysian history, society and culture. This program uses an active learning format by integrating lectures/seminars and video screenings with on-the-ground immersive sessions. They enable international students unfamiliar with Malaysia to experience first-hand its rich multi-cultural heritage, as well as appreciate the resulting political and social complexities. Participating in ICEP this year were students from Australia, South Africa, Italy, Germany, France and many more. 16