Across Malaysia’s evolving health landscape, clinicians face rising burdens of chronic disease, recurring infectious outbreaks, and deep inequalities in access to care — challenges intensified by the COVID19 pandemic. It is within this demanding context that Commonwealth Alumnus, Chee Peng Hor, has built a career at the intersection of clinical medicine, public health, research governance and humanitarian service, advancing work that resonates strongly with SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Peng with volunteers and staff from Médecins Sans Frontières in a community hall during mobile clinic in Penang, December 2023
Awarded a Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship in 2011 to pursue an MSc in Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh, Peng gained rigorous training in research design, epidemiology, and evidence appraisal — foundations that would later underpin his leadership during national clinical trials, outbreak response, and health system strengthening efforts. His MSc cohort and international networks also broadened his perspective, shaping a collaborative, equity driven approach that now defines his work.
The most important thing was the confidence I gained — from the technical training, and from the interaction with my mentor. It has a long-term impact.
Peng’s research contributions include key roles in Malaysia’s high impact COVID19 efficacy trials, where he helped generate evidence that informed national treatment guidelines and strengthened public health decision-making. Beyond clinical research, he has become a national trainer in research methodology and quality improvement, supporting Malaysia’s network of clinical research centres and co-developing national guidelines that enhance investigator led studies.
Peng interacting with COVID-19 patients during the early phase of the pandemic in the hospital ward
His commitment to equity extends far beyond hospitals: nearly a decade of mobile clinics with Médecins Sans Frontières, a major measles vaccination campaign for undocumented children in Sabah, sustained outreach to refugee and key populations, and leadership of a landmark national conference on transgender health. Peng also champions sustainable healthcare, partnering with Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia to advance climate resilient hospital practices.
Through teaching, research, community action, and policy engagement, Peng exemplifies how Commonwealth Scholars translate academic training into lasting public impact. His work strengthens Malaysia’s health system, broadens access for underserved communities, and demonstrates how evidence-based practice, compassion, and sustained leadership can shape a more equitable future.
I may not always be the innovator, but I believe my role is to help build, sustain, and grow the systems and people around me.
Read about Chee Peng Hor’s case study here.
