Obesity Management Team, PKTAAB, USM @ Bertam
Standing (from left): Miss Nur Jayizah Mohd Ismail (Pharmacist), Dr. Ooi Cheong Hwa (Exercise Physiologist), Dr. Teoh Soo Huat (Obesity & Family Medicine Specialist), Mrs. Norsheila Sani (Staff Nurse)
Seated (from left): Mrs. Yusfizahani Md Yusuff (Dietitian), Mrs. Nurul Hidayah Mohd Sa'at (Psychologist)

BERTAM, PENANG, 9 June 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has achieved a significant international milestone in healthcare after its Obesity Medicine Clinic at Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB) was accredited as an EASO International Affiliate Collaborating Centre for Obesity Management, becoming the first centre in Malaysia to receive the prestigious recognition.

The accreditation, awarded under the European Association for the Study of Obesity Collaborating Centres for Obesity Management (EASO COM) programme, positions USM among a select group of internationally recognised obesity management centres worldwide. In Asia, PKTAAB is now only the fourth centre to receive the accreditation, joining one centre in Singapore and two centres in India.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, described the accreditation as a reflection of the university’s role in translating knowledge into meaningful societal impact.

“This recognition demonstrates that expertise developed in Malaysia can contribute meaningfully to global healthcare standards while continuing to serve the needs of our local communities.” he said.

The accreditation acknowledges centres that deliver structured, evidence-based obesity care through a multidisciplinary model while maintaining strong commitments to clinical quality, education, research and continuous improvement.

Granted for a two-year period, the accreditation acknowledges centres that meet EASO’s rigorous standards in providing structured obesity care and advancing best practices in the field.

The achievement marks an important milestone for obesity medicine in Malaysia, particularly as obesity continues to pose a major public health challenge. According to national health data, Malaysia records one of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in Southeast Asia, underscoring the need for specialised, coordinated and patient-centred care.

At PKTAAB, obesity management is delivered through a multidisciplinary team comprising an obesity medicine specialist, nurse, pharmacist, exercise physiologist, dietitian and psychologist. The clinic provides comprehensive assessment and long-term management for people living with obesity, including evaluation of obesity-related complications, behavioural and lifestyle interventions, medication management, nutrition counselling, exercise prescription, psychological support and referrals for metabolic bariatric surgery when indicated.

Dr. Teoh Soo Huat, Obesity Medicine Specialist and lead coordinator for the accreditation application, described the recognition as a significant milestone for obesity care in Malaysia.

“This accreditation reinforces the importance of treating obesity as a chronic disease through structured, evidence-based and patient-centred care. It also demonstrates that Malaysian healthcare institutions are capable of meeting internationally recognised standards in obesity management,” he said.

Dr. Teoh attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the multidisciplinary team behind the clinic.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication, collaboration and shared commitment to providing comprehensive care for people living with obesity. It is a testament to the expertise and hard work of every team member who has contributed to this journey,” he added.

As part of the EASO COM network, PKTAAB will have opportunities to participate in international expert collaborations, professional exchanges, multicentre initiatives and EASO-led projects aimed at advancing obesity prevention and treatment globally.

Beyond recognition, the accreditation creates new pathways for collaboration, knowledge exchange and research partnerships that can contribute to the advancement of obesity care across the region.

List of centres: https://easo.org/coms-2/

Text & Photo: Dr. Teoh Soo Huat, Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), USM/Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @MPRC USM