Expanding the Teaching and Practice of Bioethics in Malaysian Research: Integrating the One Health Approach and Strengthening Ethics Committees

Author: Sivalingam Nalliah

ABSTRACT

The definition of bioethics has evolved beyond its traditional Western-centric framework to embrace the One Health concept, reflecting a more integrated and holistic ethical perspective. Ethical considerations of interconnectedness and interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health in research proposals play an essential role in ethics committees. The Ministry of Health, Malaysia, supports the country in becoming a regional hub for industry-sponsored research. The traditional focus on clinical and biomedical ethics is not sufficient. This commentary discusses the need for increasing expertise in teaching research ethics that includes the One Health concept and justifies the design and development of a national bioethics’ curriculum for higher education institutions. It will address the responsibilities of ethics committees in the context of contract research, research wastage, and protection of vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Bioethics, One Health, Contract Research, Research wastage.

Citations: IeJSME 2025 Vol 19 (2): 02-09