During this 3rd ASEAN Congress on Healthy Ageing (ACHA) 2024, the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) is launching the Philip George Memorial Lecture Series as a mark of gratitude to a person’s life mission of prioritising other’s happiness and well-being before his own. A much respected and loved psychiatrist, Professor Dr Philip George’s passing on 25th November 2022 marked the day the medical profession lost an esteemed colleague, as well as a most kind, giving and valuable friend.

Professor Dr Philip George Parikial was born on 28th October 1962, had his early education in Toronto and then in Ipoh, his higher education in the University of Mangalore in Manipal and returned to serve the Ministry of Health in Ipoh. After specialising in Psychiatry in the National University of Malaysia, he subspecialised in Addiction Psychiatry in Canberra and returned to work in Kuala Lumpur thereafter. His last posts were that of Head of Department of Psychiatry and Assistant Dean in the International Medical University, as well as the Medical Director of The Mind Faculty.

His passion was Addiction Medicine and he was on the committee of the Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia and a pioneer trainer for the National Drug Substitution Therapy group. He was also a past president of the MHAS and the guiding voice in having the Psychiatry Chapter of the College of Physicians of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia formed and thereafter instrumental in fostering an on-going collaboration with the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia. For his contributions, he was conferred a Fellowship by the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia.

His contributions did not stop there and he educated the public and colleagues alike on mental health in his weekly designated slot on a radio channel LiteFM. He was also active in the Malaysian Psychiatric Association, the Manipal Alumni Association of Malaysia where he was one of the founding editors of its Manipal Alumni Health and Science Journal and had authored many scholarly articles to numerous other scientific journals. He was active in the Malaysian Catholic Doctors’ Association and his beneficence extended further to charitable causes where he donated to on a regular basis to the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Monfort Boys Home.

Despite accolades received, Professor Dr Philip George remained humble at all times. MHAS feels it befitting that this Lecture Series be launched in honour of his contributions and it is more especially heart-warming that his respected colleagues from the world over and locally have travelled to attend this 3rd ACHA to commemorate this significant event, which will continue to be a regular feature in future MCHA conferences, a befitting tribute indeed to an adored clinician and brother.

Dedication to Prof. Philip George: In honour of your unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge, your impact resonates deeply with all whose lives you’ve touched. Your passion and guidance inspire greatness in others, shaping countless futures with your wisdom and expertise. Thank you for being a beacon of inspiration and for your invaluable contributions to the academic community.