Goh Cheng Soon

A Distinguished Career in Medicine and Public Health

Dr. Goh Cheng Soon presently holds the esteemed position of Director of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Division within the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Her extensive career reflects a deep commitment to both allopathic medicine and the strategic integration of T&CM practices into the national healthcare framework. This journey began in 1993, laying a strong foundation for her subsequent impactful work.

Initially, Dr. Goh served as an allopathic doctor, commencing her practice at Hospital Queen Elizabeth in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. She then extended her medical services to Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Kuala Pilah. These early years provided her with a robust 14 years of direct clinical experience, shaping her understanding of patient care and healthcare systems. Following this foundational period, Dr. Goh transitioned into increasingly strategic roles. She contributed her expertise to the Medico-Legal Unit and the Practice Division before dedicating herself to the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, a field she has passionately served since 2004. This marked a significant shift, allowing her to accumulate over fifteen years of specialized experience in traditional medicine.

Leadership and Policy Development in T&CM: The Impact of Goh Cheng Soon

As the Director of the T&CM Division, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon has provided influential leadership for more than a decade. Her role involves significant administrative responsibilities, where she adeptly handles complex tasks and provides mentorship to junior officers and staff. This leadership has been instrumental in guiding her team to achieve several landmark accomplishments for T&CM in Malaysia. For instance, a cornerstone of her tenure has been the successful implementation of the landmark Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775). This Act provides the legal framework for T&CM practices, ensuring safety and quality.

Furthermore, under her guidance, the division developed the comprehensive Traditional and Complementary Medicine Blueprint 2018-2027 (Health Care). This strategic document outlines the vision and direction for integrating T&CM into the broader healthcare landscape. More recently, Dr. Goh’s team has continued this progressive work by formulating the Framework on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research in Malaysia (2023). Complementing this, they also established the Research Priorities in T&CM for Malaysia 2024-2029. Together, these initiatives are pivotal in structuring, promoting, and advancing T&CM research and practice within the Malaysian national healthcare system, ensuring an evidence-informed approach. The contributions of Goh Cheng Soon in these areas are particularly noteworthy.

Championing Public Health and Advancing Research

Dr. Goh’s profound dedication extends deeply into the realm of public health. She considers her conferment as a “Public Health Specialist” by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to be her most significant achievement. The Ministry of Health Malaysia conferred this prestigious status recognizing her dedicated participation and expert contributions to public health initiatives. Her commitment was particularly evident during critical times; for example, when the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak constituted a public health emergency, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon played an essential role. The situation demanded immediate preparedness and a robust response from hospitals nationwide.

In her capacity as a Standing Committee member in the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (Hospital Services), she actively participated in crucial policy-making processes. Additionally, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon provided vital administrative support to hospitals in their efforts to fight against COVID-19. Beyond crisis response, Dr. Goh also contributes significantly to academic and research discourse. In 2022, the publication of “Healthy Ageing in Asia: Culture, Prevention and Wellness,” a book she co-authored and co-edited, further underscored her expertise. This publication delves into areas critical to public health, particularly concerning ageing populations and preventative wellness strategies in an Asian context.

National and International Influence of Dr. Goh Cheng Soon

In her role as Director of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon is a prominent voice both nationally and internationally. She frequently delivers presentations at numerous international and national meetings and seminars, sharing insights and advancements in T&CM. Furthermore, she consistently represents the Malaysian Health Ministry at various high-level international and national activities pertinent to traditional and complementary medicine. Her expertise is also channeled through her active involvement in several key committees. Notably, she serves as a committee member in the Medical Research & Ethics Committee, contributing to the ethical oversight of medical research.

Moreover, Dr. Goh is an influential council member in the Council of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Her engagement extends to fostering crucial international collaborations. Specifically, Dr. Goh serves as the designated Focal Point for Malaysia-ASEAN Traditional and Complementary Medicine. She also holds the position of Focal Point for Malaysia-China Chinese Medicine and is the Focal Point for Malaysia-India Indian Systems of Medicine. These roles are vital for facilitating inter-country cooperation and knowledge exchange. Beyond these specific appointments, her expertise is recognized globally, as evidenced by her frequent service as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly on matters of policy and regulation of T&CM practice. This international engagement underscores the far-reaching impact of Goh Cheng Soon‘s work on the global T&CM landscape.

A Legacy of Excellence: Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Goh’s unwavering commitment and exceptional work performance have garnered consistent and significant recognition. The Malaysian Ministry of Health Assessment System awarded her the prestigious “Award of Excellence Service” on three separate occasions: in 1999, 2005, and again in 2017. These awards highlight a sustained period of high-level contribution. In addition to these service awards, Dr. Goh’s capabilities in strategic development earned further acknowledgment when the Public Service Department Malaysia bestowed upon her the “Best Project Report Award.” This occurred as part of the 22nd JPA – BMCC Management Development Programme in 2017. Collectively, these accolades serve as a testament to her profound impact and dedication to advancing medicine and public health in Malaysia.