On 24 July 2025 – The Regional Public Health Laboratory (RPHL) Network successfully hosted an Online Marketplace webinar with over 60 registered participants from across the network in Asia Pacific region. The session showcased Malaysia’s experience in implementing its National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP), with a focus on monitoring, evaluation, and technical coordination.
Dr. Ravindran Thayan, Laboratory Consultant, presented Malaysia’s Plan of Action and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) approach. He shared lessons learned from the process, including how Malaysia integrates performance indicators, stakeholder input, and quality improvement into its M&E strategy to guide decision-making and improve lab system performance.
Dr. Siti Aishah Binti Muhadi from the National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health Malaysia, followed with a presentation on best practices in NLSP implementation. She emphasized inter-agency collaboration, strategic planning, and sustained investment in laboratory capacity as key enablers of success.
Dr. Nik Jasmin Nik Mahir, Consultant Public Health Physician, moderated the session and closed with an overview of the Technical Working Group (TWG) mechanism. She outlined how the TWG model provides strategic oversight and drives national-level coordination of NLSP activities, ensuring alignment with public health priorities.
The event provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, ask questions, and reflect on how regional collaboration can support NLSP advancement. The discussion underscored the value of peer learning and practical insight from country experiences.
The RPHL Network continues to serve as a key regional mechanism for promoting knowledge exchange, technical dialogue, and public health laboratory system strengthening.
