On 14 September 2024, the Monash Medicos Political Awareness Club (MMedPAC) organised its first major event, RISE UP: A Youth Empowerment Event, which took place at the Monash Clinical School Johor Bahru (CSJB). The event aimed to foster political awareness, activism, and youth involvement in shaping the future of Malaysia. Geared specifically towards students, particularly those in the medical field, and the wider academic community, the event attracted participants from universities across Malaysia and even Singapore. For many, the excitement stemmed not only from the timely themes but also from the exceptional lineup of speakers.

The star-studded list of speakers featured prominent political figures, including YB Syed Saddiq, Member of Parliament for Muar and former Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Jimmy Puah, Member of Parliament for Tebrau, a well-respected politician and advocate for youth involvement in policy making, and Thomas Fann, a renowned activist and former chairperson of Bersih. Each speaker brought their own expertise and passion to the table, sparking deep conversations about youth involvement in politics, democracy, and activism.

The event aimed to inspire youth, particularly medical students, to become more politically aware and active in their communities. With a specific focus on the ongoing healthcare crisis in Malaysia, the objective was to encourage future medical professionals to take on leadership roles in addressing these challenges. The event also highlighted the critical role youth play in policy and nation-building, especially in sectors like healthcare.

MMedPAC was founded in 2024 by Haree Ram, a 4th-year medical student and student activist at Monash University Malaysia. Haree envisioned a platform where medical students and the wider medical fraternity could engage with political issues, recognising that healthcare professionals are key stakeholders in shaping national policy. He believed that medical students should be at the forefront of social and political issues, advocating for better healthcare and societal reforms. Under his leadership as the club’s first president, MMedPAC aims to go beyond just medical education, reaching out to students across disciplines to promote active political engagement.

The formation of MMedPAC would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Professor Sivakumar Thurairajasingam, the head of Monash CSJB and the club's advisor. Professor Siva played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring the club. His belief in Haree's vision for the club was immediate, and he recognised the importance of equipping future medical professionals with a broader understanding of political and social issues. Professor Siva’s backing helped legitimise the club’s mission and provided the foundation for MMedPAC to thrive.

For the Monash Clinical School Johor Bahru campus, this was a historic event. It was the first time prominent figures such as YB Syed Saddiq and Thomas Fann had been invited to the campus, a testament to the high level of interest and excitement surrounding the event. The day began at 10 am when participants started arriving, some having travelled up to six hours just to attend. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, especially as the speakers and the guest of honour, Tok Hambali (representing the Parliament of Pulai), arrived by 11:00 AM. The audience was thrilled to be in the presence of such high-profile figures, marking a special moment for Monash CSJB.

The event officially began with a powerful welcome speech by the club’s president and founder, Haree Ram. His speech was both inspiring and motivating, as he passionately addressed the need for youth involvement in politics and activism. He specifically called for the youth to take an active role in addressing the healthcare crisis in Malaysia, arguing that future medical professionals have a responsibility to shape policies that affect the nation's health. His speech set the tone for the day, energising the crowd and preparing them for what was to come.

Following Haree’s speech, Professor Sivakumar took the stage. He praised Haree’s initiative and shared a light-hearted anecdote about how Haree approached him with the idea for the club. Without hesitation, Professor Siva agreed to support it, recognising the importance of such a platform for medical students. His speech was a testament to the faith he had in the younger generation to create positive change in the world.

The Guest of Honour, Tok Hambali, representing YB Suhaizan Kayat from the Parliament of Pulai, then delivered the inauguration speech. He lauded the efforts of the students and Monash University for organising such a crucial event and expressed his hopes that this would be the first of many more like it. He encouraged the students to continue engaging in political and social issues, emphasising the importance of youth activism for the future of Malaysia.

The event’s first session began with a talk by Thomas Fann on Youth Participation in Advocacy. His talk resonated deeply with the audience, as he emphasised the critical role of young people in driving social change. He encouraged students to become more involved in advocacy work, highlighting how grassroots activism can lead to substantial national reforms. His speech moved many participants, sparking new ideas about their own role in politics and activism.

This was followed by a compelling talk by YB Jimmy Puah on Youth Involvement in Politics and Policy Making. He stressed the importance of democracy as a cornerstone of nation-building and called on young people to actively engage in policy making. His insights into the democratic process and how youth can influence policy left a lasting impact on the audience. Both sessions were followed by lively Q&A sessions, where participants asked thoughtful questions and interacted directly with the speakers.

After a delicious lunch, the main segment of the event began—a panel discussion on Youth in Politics and Activism. Moderated by the club’s president, Haree Ram, the panel featured YB Syed Saddiq, YB Jimmy Puah, and Thomas Fann. The discussion was lively and engaging, with each panellist sharing their perspectives on the current level of youth participation in politics and activism, the challenges faced by young activists, and how they can be overcome. A significant portion of the discussion also focused on how medical students can take on leadership roles to help address the healthcare crisis in Malaysia. YB Syed Saddiq, in particular, was impressed by the event, applauding Haree and his team for organising such a meaningful event. He admitted that he was initially surprised to see a medical school hosting such an event, crediting MMedPAC and its leadership for pulling off such a success.

The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where the speakers were presented with tokens of appreciation by Haree Ram. A group photo was taken, capturing the historic moment for Monash CSJB. YB Syed Saddiq stayed back to chat with students and take photos with each of them, leaving the participants happy and inspired.

The RISE UP event marked a significant milestone not just for MMedPAC but for Monash CSJB as a whole. The club, despite being in its first year, managed to pull off a successful and historic event, thanks to the dedication of Haree Ram and his committee. Special thanks were also extended to the club’s advisor, Professor Sivakumar, and the Monash CSJB admin team, including Fifi, the school manager, for their continuous support.

This event is just the beginning for MMedPAC. With big ideas and plans in the pipeline, the club aims to continue making waves in the future, backed by Monash University Malaysia’s support. The RISE UP event has set the stage for many more impactful initiatives to come, solidifying MMedPAC’s place as a crucial platform for political awareness and activism within the medical community.