The Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recognises the achievements and contributions of its alumna, Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah Awang, whose work spans military aviation medicine, public safety and community development.

A graduate of MJIIT’s Master in Disaster Risk Management (MDRM) programme in 2021, Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah demonstrates how knowledge of disaster risk reduction can complement medical expertise and support work across military, civic and educational settings. Her career highlights the value of applying academic knowledge to practical challenges and using risk management principles to protect people and strengthen community resilience.

Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah currently serves as a Family Medicine Specialist and Aviation Medical Officer at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, located at Subang Air Base. In the aeromedical section, her responsibilities include supporting the physical health, psychological well-being, operational fitness and safety of military pilots and aircrews.

Her academic background in Disaster Risk Management provides a framework for considering risk, preparedness, hazards and resilience in this specialised environment. These principles are relevant to flight safety and operational readiness, as well as to military-led emergency responses, medical evacuations and humanitarian assistance missions. Their application must take account of the specific procedures and professional requirements of aviation medicine.

Her expertise in aeromedical safety has also taken her beyond Malaysia. She has served as an expert lecturer in aviation medicine for military medical doctors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. She has also co-led Malaysia’s “Advanced Aviation Medical Officer” course, which aims to develop specialised aeromedical capabilities among military and civilian medical officers. These roles reflect the importance of specialist training and knowledge-sharing in strengthening aviation medicine.

The risk management approach she developed through her studies at MJIIT also informs her civic and community involvement. As an active member of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Zone 19 committee, she contributes to community initiatives related to health, safety and local development. Her background in risk management offers a way to consider potential hazards, identify community needs and support efforts to improve residents’ well-being and public infrastructure.

At Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) (SMK (P)) Sri Aman, where she serves as Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) Chairperson, Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah advocates a broad approach to school safety. Her work promotes the “Safe School” concept, which considers physical hazards, risk governance and mental health support for students and teachers. She also encourages female students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), helping to broaden their awareness of possible pathways in innovation and technical fields.

Her interest in community well-being extends to wider social and public health issues. As Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation, she supports proactive measures that address long-term needs rather than relying only on responses after problems arise. She calls for government agencies, the private sector and civil society to work together on risk reduction and social support.

Her priorities include fair access to education and healthcare, sustainable social protection that safeguards the dignity of older people, and stronger capacity among urban communities to respond to public health emergencies, climate-related events and economic change. These issues underline the connection between risk management and everyday life: reducing vulnerability involves preparation, cooperation and support for people who may be most affected by disruption.

Reflecting on the value of her Master in Disaster Risk Management degree, Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah describes disaster risk management as a holistic mindset that encourages people to anticipate challenges, protect communities and build resilience before a crisis occurs. She advises current and future MJIIT students to combine their academic training with empathy, remain open to learning across disciplines and consider how their knowledge can improve lives and protect vulnerable groups.

Her experience illustrates how disaster risk management can be applied beyond conventional emergency planning. In aviation medicine, community programmes and school safety, the ability to assess risks and prepare for different situations can support decisions that place people’s well-being at the centre.

UTM and MJIIT recognise Colonel (Dr.) Siti Salmiah’s contributions to national service, public health and community safety. Her professional and civic work offers an example of how the knowledge gained through the MDRM programme can be brought into different settings, while reinforcing the importance of preparedness, collaboration and care for the community.