Review & Revision: Panduan Muslim untuk Pendermaan Tubuh

On 28 August 2026, members of the Malaysian Association of Anatomists (MAA) committee attended the review and revision session for the Panduan Muslim untuk Pendermaan Tubuh, held at UKM.

The guideline serves as a reference for practitioners in the appropriate and respectful use of human bodies for teaching and learning, with consideration of ethical and Islamic perspectives.

Thank you to all contributors for their valuable input towards strengthening anatomy education and promoting respectful practices in the use of human bodies.

#MAA #BodyDonation #Anatomy

The results of the final round are as follows:

  1. Champion — Precision Anatomy (IMU)

1st Malaysian Intervarsity Anatomy Olympiad (MIAO) 2026 — That's a Wrap!

On 27 August 2026, MIAO 2026 brought together 14 teams representing 9 medical schools in Malaysian public and private universities, hosted at the Kulliyyah of Medicine, IIUM Kuantan. The olympiad was co-organised by IIUM Kuantan and Malaysian Anatomical Asssociation (MAA).

From intense MCQ battles to the challenging OSPE, our teams gave it their all. The Top 8 then fought their way through the semi-finals, leaving us with our final 4!

  1. First Runner-up  — Belum Hafal Geng (UPM)

  1. Second Runner-up  — Newcastle (NUMed)

  1. Fourth Place - USIM Aeternis (USIM)

Big congratulations to Precision Anatomy from IMU for taking the crown!

And to every single team who participated — you may not have taken home the trophy, but you definitely earned our respect. Thank you for bringing the energy, sportsmanship and fighting spirit throughout the competition!

A massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes — our amazing IIUM & MAA committees, judges, volunteers and participants. Special thanks to our sponsors – 1) MAITS, 2) Anatomage, 3) Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kuliyyah of Medicine, IIUM Kuantan, 4) Histocenter (M) Sdn. Bhd., 5) Geotechnical Investigations, 6) Kinetic Chemicals (M) Sdn. Bhd., 7) PChem Supply & Services Sdn. Bhd., and 8) Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, UIAM Kuantan. Without your dedication and support, MIAO 2026 would not have been possible.

From competition to connection, from nerves to cheers — MIAO 2026 was one for the books!

See you again in the 2nd MIAO!

Until then, keep learning, keep competing and keep inspiring!

MAA Members Participate in IFAA2026

Members of the Malaysian Anatomical Association (MAA) proudly represented the association at the Congress of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists 2026 (IFAA2026), held from 13–16 August 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

MAA members contributed actively to the scientific programme through participation in a symposium, oral presentation, and poster presentation, reflecting the diverse scholarly and research activities undertaken by members of the association.

Symposium

Presenter: Dr Mohd Amir Kamaruzzaman (UKM)
Title of Talk: Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabidiol Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in D-Galactose and Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Rats

1) Symposium: Seeing, Thinking, and Becoming: Cognitive Science, AI, and the Future of Anatomy Education

2) Symposium: Neuromusculoskeletal Biology: Mechanistic Insights, Disease Modelling

Presenter: Associate Professor Dr Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie (USM)
Title of Talk: Designing AI-Avatars for Cognitive Efficiency in Anatomy Learning

Presenter: Dr Isma Liza Mohd Isa (UKM)
Title of Talk: Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Human Organ-on-a-Chip to Model Inflammation and Nociception

Presenter: Associate Professor Dr Elvy Suhana Mohd Ramli (UKM)
Title of Talk: From Hive to Bone: Mechanistic Exploration of Kelulut Honey’s Protective Role in Osteoporosis

Oral Presentation

Presenter: Associate Professor Dr Pamela David (UM)
Title: Hericium erinaceus Supplementation Restores Object Recognition Memory and Suppresses Anxiety-Like Behavior in LPS-Treated Murine Model

Presenter: Professor Dr Lakshmi Selvaratnam (IMU University)
Title: A Systematic Review of Bilobed Flap Surgical Reconstruction of the Nose

Presenter: Associate Professor Dr Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie (USM)
Title: Institutional Framework and Safety in Cadaver-Based Education: A Qualitative Study of Anatomy Educators’ Perspectives

Presenter: Dr Rasheeda Mohd Zamin (UM)
Title: Evaluating Anatomy Learning Climate using Mixed-Methods: Insights from AEEMI at a Malaysian Public University

Presenter: Dr Nurul Raudzah Adib Ridzuan (UiTM)
Title: Microscopic Insights into the Nephroprotective Potential of Malaysian Persicaria Minor Flavonoid-Rich Fractions in a Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Rat Model

Presenter: Dr Musa Samaila Chiroma (NUMed)
Title: Therapeutic Potential of Adansonia Digitata Fruit Shell Extract in Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury: Behavioural, Biochemical, and Histopathological Evidence

Presenter: Associate Professor Dr Madihah Rushaidhi (NUMed)
Title: From World Cafe to Policy Brief: Strengthening Body Donation Frameworks in Multicultural and Multireligious Populations

Presenter: Dr Prakash Manickam Kumarasamy (NUMed)
Title: 1) Enhancing Anatomical Learning and Humanistic Values: Comparative Study of Silent Mentor and Embalmed Cadaver Programs
2) Hanging vs Strangulation: Truth Beyond the Skin

Poster Presentation

Presenter: Dr Snehlata Prashant Samberkar (UM)
Title: Exploring the Potential of Digital Technology in Anatomy Education: A Bibliometric Analysis and Scientific Mapping

Presenter: Dr Siti Fadziyah Mohamad Asri (UniSZA)
Title: Self-Regulated Learning Profiles Among Preclinical Medical Students During a Virtual Anatomy Practical Classroom in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia

Presenter: Evelyn Jerusha Edward (IMU University)
Title: The Need for Core Anatomy Competency in Dental Undergraduate Curriculum for Clinical Skill Development

Presenter: Dr Prassitdha A/P Jeya Sangar (USM)
Title: From Awareness To Altruism: Validating a Tool to Measure Insight into Voluntary Body Donation (VBD)

Presenter: Dr Shamsi Amalina Shamsuddin (USM)
Title: The Effects of Different Human Amniotic Membrane (HAM) Preservation Methods on Bone Cellular Response: A Systematic Review

Presenter: Dr Prakash Manickam Kumarasamy (NUMed)
Title: 1) Enhanced Preservation of Sheep Hearts Using an Aloe Vera–Honey–Epoxy Resin Solution
2) Learning Surface Anatomy Through Manicure-Based Hands-On Teaching

The participation of MAA members in IFAA2026 reflects the association’s continued commitment to advancing anatomical sciences through research, education, scholarly exchange, and international collaboration. Their involvement also strengthened the visibility of MAA within the global anatomical community and provided valuable opportunities to establish and reinforce professional networks with colleagues from around the world.

MAA congratulates all participating members for representing the association at this international congress and looks forward to continued contributions to the global advancement of anatomical sciences.

Presenter: Professor Dr Lakshmi Selvaratnam (IMU University)
Title: Morphological Analysis of Corpus Callosum Shape Variations in Bangladeshi Population

The Malaysian Anatomical Association (MAA) was honoured to collaborate with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in the CSR programme "The Inbestigators@Tuaran: Jom Sihat Bah 7 – Borneo Bright Minds", held at SK Termunong, Tuaran, Sabah on 6 July 2026.

Our team conducted an exciting STEM Explorace for Primary 1–6 students, featuring interactive anatomy demonstrations, hands-on activities, and fun quizzes designed to cultivate curiosity and a love for science. Through engaging stations and teamwork, the students enthusiastically explored scientific concepts while learning through play. Their energy, curiosity, and active participation made the programme a truly rewarding experience.

Following the school programme, members of the Malaysian Anatomical Association had the opportunity to visit the Medical Museum at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, where we explored the museum's impressive collection of anatomical specimens and educational exhibits. We extend our sincere appreciation to the UMS team for the warm hospitality and insightful tour.

This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to promoting STEM education, anatomical sciences, and community engagement while inspiring the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.

A heartfelt thank you to Universiti Malaysia Sabah, SK Termunong, all organisers, volunteers, and participants for making this meaningful outreach programme a great success. We look forward to many more impactful collaborations in the future.

Inspiring Young Minds Through Anatomy and STEM Education

Anatomy Research Network Series (ARNS) No. 2/2026 Successfully Concluded!

The Malaysian Anatomical Association (MAA) would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Yasith Mathangasinghe from Monash University for delivering an inspiring and insightful session entitled "Empowering Rural Anatomy Education Through Scalable Gamification." The session introduced participants to innovative approaches in anatomy education, particularly the use of virtual escape rooms and gamification as scalable teaching strategies to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.

We sincerely thank Dr. Yasith for generously sharing his expertise, practical experiences, and valuable perspectives with our anatomy education community. We would also like to thank all participants for your enthusiastic attendance and active participation. Your support continues to make the Anatomy Research Network Series a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Watch the  recording  of the session below: 

MAA Anatomy Research Network Series 2/26

Here are some highlights and snapshots captured throughout the session.

Stay tuned for the next ARNS announcement!

The Publishing with Purpose: A Manuscript Writing Series with a Chief Editor workshop was successfully held on 11 June 2026 (Thursday) at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), Johor, with an option for online participation. Organised by the Malaysian Anatomical Association (MAA) in collaboration with NUMed Malaysia, the full-day workshop attracted a total of 30 participants comprising academics, researchers, and students eager to strengthen their scholarly writing and publication skills.

The workshop was led by Associate Professor Dr. Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie @ Haji, Chief Editor of the Education in Medicine Journal, who shared her expertise on effective manuscript preparation and publication strategies. Participants were guided through key aspects of academic writing, including structuring a manuscript, selecting appropriate journals, and navigating the peer-review process. The interactive sessions provided valuable opportunities for participants to engage in discussions, clarify common challenges, and gain practical insights from an experienced editor.

Overall, the workshop was well received, with participants benefiting from the focused and practical approach to academic publishing. The initiative reflects the continued commitment of MAA and its partners in supporting professional development and promoting high-quality research output among academics. It is hoped that the knowledge gained will contribute to increased confidence and success in scholarly publishing within the academic community.

Publishing with Purpose Workshop Enhances Manuscript Writing Skills Among Academics

Here are some highlights and snapshots captured throughout the session.

Our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Associate Professor Dr. Choy Ker Woon for the inspiring sharing on "Anatomy & Anthropology: Experience from Australia, Italy and Thailand". MAA would also like to thank all participants in this webinar.

Watch the recording of the session below.

MAA Anatomy Research Network Series 1/26

Stay tuned for the next ARNS announcement!

Here are some highlights and snapshots captured throughout the session.