Spotlight on Emerging Leaders: YITA Winners at APACPH 2025

Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand – 5 November 2025

At the heart of the 56th Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference 2025 lies a commitment to shaping the future of public health, not only through seasoned leadership but also by empowering the next generation of changemakers. The Opening Ceremony brought this vision to life, honouring five outstanding early-career scholars with the prestigious Young Investigator Traveller Award (YITA).

The YITA recognises promising researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region whose work demonstrates innovation, rigour, and a strong potential to impact population health. This year’s recipients reflect the diversity, talent, and collaborative spirit that define the APACPH community.

2025 YITA Awardees

Francis Sarial Ganancial
China Medical University, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Friscilla Hermayurisca
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Khalilullah Arsyi
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia

Niketh Rochan Preethika Karunaratne
Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Gao Yu
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

A Moment of Recognition

The awardees were honoured on stage during the Opening Ceremony by leading APACPH figures:

• Prof. Indika Karunathilake, Secretary-General, APACPH
• Assoc. Prof. Dr Naruemon Auemaneeku, Early Career Network Director
• Prof. Wah Yun Low, Preident Emeritus, APACPH
• Prof. Elahe Nezami, APACPH Regional Director, USA

Their presence underscored APACPH’s long-standing commitment to mentorship and professional development. The award not only supports travel and participation in the conference but also provides an invaluable platform for these young researchers to present, network, and collaborate with peers and mentors across the region.

Reflections

In a world facing increasingly complex public health challenges, the YITA recipients remind us of the importance of investing in bold, interdisciplinary, and community-rooted solutions. Their research reflects the APACPH 2025 theme, “Public Health Challenges in a Disruptive World”, tackling issues that are local in context but global in consequence.

We look forward to witnessing the continued contributions of these young investigators as they lead the way in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.