09/06/2026
Making History at ETHICATHON26! 🎉
We are thrilled to share the highlights from ETHICATHON26, held on 4-5 June 2026 at the Institute of Leadership and Development (ILD), Enstek. Organized by the UiTM Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Department of Research and Innovation (JPI) in collaboration with ILD, this first-of-its-kind program brought a fresh, competitive edge to research ethics. The goal was to promote critical analysis and understanding of research ethics within the complex UiTM ecosystem.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all 70 enthusiastic participants representing 36 PTJs from across Malaysia directly from the Faculty and Branch Research Committees, as well as the Ethics Review Committees. Throughout the competition, they tackled 25 Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) and 20 complex case-based scenarios, earning points for their accuracy and comprehensive understanding. PTJs were evaluated not only on their performance during the event but also on their ongoing commitment to the overall ethics ecosystem. This included the number of associate members within each PTJ, attendance rates at the recent Research Ethics Symposium, participation as associate member facilitators, and active representation at ETHICATHON26.
The pinnacle of the event was undoubtedly the Grand Debate, where the top four PTJs advanced to tackle highly relevant topics surrounding participant honorariums, technology, and work productivity. The Faculty of Medicine was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aimi Nadia Mohd Yusof and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xin Wee, while the UiTM Kelantan Branch was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suryani Awang and Dr. Norzieha Mustapha. The Faculty of Pharmacy was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab and Assoc. Prof. Dr. John Shia Kwong Siew, while the Faculty of Business & Management was represented by Dr. Mohd Mohadzlishah Mazli and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor’Ain Mohamad Yunus.
The grand finalists eventually battled it out in a debate on Fundamental versus Practical Research. The momentum in the room was incredibly high, with online viewership reaching an amazing 1,400 live views during the broadcast. The final debate scores were determined by a collaborative vote, with 50% coming from our esteemed main judges, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed, Prof. Dr. Yarina Ahmad, and Prof. Dr. Tengku Shahrul Anuar Tengku Ahmad Basri. The remaining half of the marks came from the audience, with 30% from the live YouTube viewers and 20% from the physical attendees.
It is with great pleasure and immense pride that we announce the Faculty of Pharmacy, brilliantly represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahezwan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. John, emerged as the grand champion of ETHICATHON26! 🥳👏
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, watched, and supported ETHICATHON26. Together, we are shaping the future of research ethics and fostering a culture of ethical excellence in research.
