Kota bharu: The World Conference on Exercise and Regenerative Medicine (WCERM) has grown significantly in recent years, evolving beyond its initial focus on exercise medicine to include regenerative medicine, particularly in the field of medical stem cell applications. Deputy Kelantan Menteri Besar, Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan highlighted the expansion of regenerative medicine into areas like cell therapy, immuno-modulation, and tissue engineering, which aim to heal damaged tissues and restore bodily functions impaired by aging, disease, or injury.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohamed Fadzli emphasized the collaboration between medical science, national institutions, and exercise-related industries as a promising pathway for a sustainable future, especially for the younger generation. He noted the critical moment the world faces, where the combined potential of regenerative medicine and exercise science could help reverse a global crisis caused by physical inactivity, obesity, and preventable chronic diseases.
He pointed out that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claim over 41 million lives globally each year, stating that exercise medicine, supported by advancements in regenerative medicine, presents a real opportunity to address this deadly challenge. He also referenced World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that physical inactivity is now the fourth leading cause of death globally, with 1.4 billion people physically inactive and over 1.9 billion adults overweight, including 650 million classified as obese.
Mohamed Fadzli reassured that Kelantan and Malaysia remain committed to tackling this public health issue. He expressed pride in being part of the global scientific journey and pledged continued support for the development and implementation of exercise and regenerative medicine through infrastructure, education, and public policy.
WCERM, established in 2017, gathers experts from medicine, science, and health policy to explore solutions in exercise and regenerative healthcare, including stem cell therapy and tissue engineering. This year’s three-day event in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, involves delegates from 18 countries and focuses on addressing global health issues such as non-communicable diseases, obesity, and physical inactivity through cross-sector collaboration.
The event is hosted by the Asia College of Exercise Medicine (ACEM), in collaboration with the Kelantan state government and the Hungarian University of Sport Science. Meanwhile, conference chair and ACEM chief executive officer, Professor Dr Muhammad Lee, announced plans for a new campus in Kota Bharu, marking a significant step forward in Malaysia’s approach to addressing NCDs through clinically prescribed physical activity.
Professor Dr Muhammad Lee highlighted that Malaysia is the first country in Asia to prescribe exercise as the first line of treatment for NCDs. With the new ACEM campus in Kota Bharu, the aim is to expand research and improve training for healthcare professionals in prescribing safe, effective exercise interventions. ACEM, currently operating in Damansara Damai, Selangor, is at the forefront of integrating exercise into clinical protocols for the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.