2nd Annual Meeting of the

I N T E R N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y F O R H E A R T R E S E A R C H

SOUTHEAST ASIAN SECTION

"Innovation and Collaboration in Cardiovascular Research"

28 – 29 APRIL 2026 | KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

DATE : 28-29 April 2026

VENUE : Komune Living & Wellness, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (Level LG, Ebony and Maple Rooms)

THEME : Innovation and Collaboration in Basic Cardiovascular Science

WELCOME NOTE

On behalf of the International Society of Heart Research – Southeast Asian Section (ISHR-SEA), it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2nd Annual Meeting of the ISHR-Southeast Asian Section (ISHR-SEA), to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 28–29 April 2026.

Following the success of our inaugural meeting in Singapore in October 2024, this second gathering will once again provide a dedicated platform for ISHR members to share the latest advances in cardiovascular research, foster collaborations, and strengthen our scientific community. This year’s program will feature exciting sessions covering Ischemic Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Vascular Biology, Genetics in Cardiovascular Research, Regenerative Medicine, and Cardiometabolic Syndrome.

We look forward to vibrant discussions, inspiring presentations, and meaningful exchanges as we continue to advance heart research together. We warmly invite all ISHR members to join us in Kuala Lumpur for this exciting scientific event.

Kamisah Yusof

Organizing Chairperson,

2nd ISHR-SEA Meeting

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Prof Dr Sazzli Kasim

Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Challenging Risk Prediction of CVD with Artificial Intelligence

Professor Dr. Sazzli Shahlan Kasim is the Director of the Cardiovascular Research Excellence (CARE) Institute and Professor of Medicine at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. A consultant cardiologist and digital health innovator, his research spans cardiovascular disease prevention, AI-driven risk prediction, digital cardiac rehabilitation, and EMR data harmonization. His work integrates health informatics, population health, and clinical outcomes which anchored by a strong foundation in health economics from the London School of Economics, in an effort to reduce the burden of cardiac death.

Prof. Sazzli has a keen interest in risk prediction for cardiovascular disease and created the publicly available MyHeart risk machine learning algorithm. His current work looks into harmonizing longitudinal inputs for better estimation. He has led and participated in more than 30 clinical trials and has won national and international research and innovation grants. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as The Lancet, PLOS ONE, Scientific Reports, and BMJ Open, with research translated into national clinical guidelines and digital policy pilots. In 2024, his work on AI-based cardiovascular modeling was recognized with the MRANTI Innovation Award.

Previously, he served as the founding Director of Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), where he oversaw the design, construction, and digital transformation of one of Malaysia’s flagship academic hospitals. Under his leadership, UiTM also developed its proprietary EMR (UniMEDS) and pioneering a modular Doctorate in Cardiology program, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Prof Dr Jin Han

Inje University College of Medicine, South Korea

Cereblon–TRPC1 Axis Drives ER Stress and Fibrosis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through Calcium Signaling Dysfunction

Jin Han, MD, PhD Dr. Han received his MD from College of Medicine, Inje University in Busan and his PhD in Physiology from Seoul National University in Seoul. His PhD focused on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The focus of Dr. Han's research is energy metabolism in cardiovascular diseases and cancer with physical activity. He is Professor of Physiology at College of Medicine, Inje University where he is Director of Cardiovascular Metabolic Disease Center and of the National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling.

Prof Dr E. Dale Abel

David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health, USA

Contribution of Insulin Resistance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Heart Failure in Diabetes

Prof. E. Dale Abel is the William S. Adams Distinguished Professor and Chair Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health. He completed post-graduate training at Oxford, Northwestern and Harvard Universities. Dr. Abel’s research focuses on mitochondrial mechanisms for complications of cardiometabolic disorders, the role of insulin and growth factor signaling in cardiac remodeling and mechanisms by which altered substrate metabolism contributes to heart failure. He has published more than 250 peer reviewed publications. He is the recipient of the Fred Conrad Koch Lifetime Achievement Award of the Endocrine Society and the Keith Reimer Distinguished Lecture Award from the ISHR. He is an elected member of the American Association of Physicians (AAP), the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), the American Clinical and Climatological Association (ACCA), the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). He is past President of the Endocrine Society and the Association of Professors of Medicine.

PROGRAM

REGISTRATION

Please register 👉🏼 here 👈🏼

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission Deadline:
- 28 January 2026 (Oral)
- 15 February (Oral) *Extended
- 28 February 2026 (Poster)
Abstracts submitted by February 28, 2026 will be published in Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Plus (ISSN: 2772-9761; Scopus-indexed; IF 2.2; JCR Q2)

For abstract submission through this site:
- Please submit your abstract here
Please format your abstract using the template below:

Download template HERE

Acceptance notifications will be sent by 15 March 2026 for ORAL/POSTER presentations.

RESEARCH PRESENTATION SESSIONS

Early Career Investigator (ECI) Rapid Fire

Oral presentation
Open to postgraduate students or within 8 years of their terminal degree (e.g. PhD or MD) at the time of the conference.
Top 10 top scoring abstracts by academic merit and scientific excellence will be selected

Young Investigator Award

Oral presentation
Open to postgraduate students or within 8 years of their terminal degree (e.g. PhD or MD) at the time of the conference.
Top 6 scoring scientific abstracts represented by region/country will be selected

Mid-Career Open Communication Session

Oral presentation
Open to senior researchers (>40 years old) or more than 15 years of their terminal degree (e.g. PhD or MD) at the time of the conference.

Poster presentation

Open to all (ECI/Mid-Career Investigators/Senior Investigators).

PRIZES

One (1) Young Investigator Award
Two (2) Rapid Fire Winners
Three (3) Best Poster Presenters
Travel Grant Awards

TRAVEL GRANT

A limited number of grants will be available for qualifiying applicants:

SGD300 – Participants from Low- or Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), NOT including Malaysia.
SGD100 – Participants from non-LMIC (and Malaysia).

Requirements for the grants are:

Each recipient must be a paid member of an ISHR Section. Preference will be given to members who joined in 2025 or earlier.
Recipients must be graduate students or within 8 years of their terminal degree (e.g., PhD or MD) at the time of the meeting (April 28, 2026).
Recipients must be the first author and presenter of an abstract submitted to ISHR-SEA KL 2026.

To apply for a Travel Grant, eligible participants should:

Send an email confirming their eligibility and 1) a copy of a first-authored abstract that has been submitted and 2) a biosketch documenting that they are a student or within 8 years of their terminal degree (e.g., PhD or MD) as a single pdf (titled: Travel_Grant_2026 – LastName) to the ISHR-SEA KL committee (ishrsea2026@ukm.edu.my).

1. - Application Deadline : February 28, 2026
  - Notification of Successful Applicants : March, 2026

ACCOMMODATION

Participants who wish to stay at the conference venue may request assistance from the Secretariat to make hotel room reservations. Please indicate your preference during registration if you would like us to assist with the booking.

Komune Living & Wellness

No 21, Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 2
Bandar Tun Razak
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Alternatively, you may choose to make your own reservation directly through the hotel’s official website: https://reservations.cheras.komuneliving.com/book/

Facilities for hotel guests

DISCOVER KUALA LUMPUR

As the vibrant capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern attractions. From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to bustling street markets, diverse culinary experiences, and cultural landmarks, the city provides plenty to explore beyond the scientific sessions. We encourage our delegates to take the opportunity to experience the sights, flavors, and warm hospitality of Kuala Lumpur during their visit.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

At the heart of Malaysia’s capital lies the iconic Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), a world-class destination that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Dominated by the striking Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, KLCC stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s progress and innovation. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including the Suria KLCC shopping mall, the Petronas Art Gallery, and the Aquaria KLCC, an impressive oceanarium located beneath the complex. Just outside, the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park offers a tranquil escape, featuring walking paths, fountains, and a spectacular evening light show. Whether for shopping, dining, or simply taking in the city’s skyline, KLCC offers an unforgettable experience at the very heart of Kuala Lumpur.

By Car/Taxi/Grab (Total travel time: 10-15 minutes)

The journey takes about 10-15 minutes (depending on traffic).

Request a Grab or taxi directly from the lobby to Suria KLCC / Petronas Twin Towers

Public Transports Nearby (Total travel time: 40-50 minutes)

Wisma Zelan Bus Stop (60m) – 1 min (walking)

Plaza Dwitasik, Bus Stop – 3 min (by bus)

Salak Selatan LRT Station – 6 mins (by car)

Maluri LRT Station – 6 mins (by car)

Petaling Street (Chinatown), Kuala Lumpur

Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, is a bustling district that captures the city’s vibrant cultural charm. Lined with traditional shop houses, this lively area offers a unique mix of heritage, shopping, and street food experiences. By day, visitors can browse through stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at bargain prices, while by night the street transforms into a culinary haven, featuring local favourites such as Hokkien mee, wantan noodles, roasted chestnuts, and traditional desserts. Rich in history and atmosphere, Petaling Street offers an authentic taste of old Kuala Lumpur—a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and just a short stroll from Petaling Street, Central Market (Pasar Seni) stands as a cultural landmark that celebrates Malaysia’s rich artistic heritage. Originally established in 1888, it has evolved from a traditional wet market into a vibrant centre showcasing local arts, crafts, and traditional products. Visitors can explore its charming art deco building filled with handmade souvenirs, batik, paintings, and local delicacies, while the adjoining Kasturi Walk offers a lively open-air atmosphere with food stalls and street performances. A visit to Central Market provides a delightful glimpse into Malaysia’s diverse culture and creative spirit, making it an ideal stop for those wishing to experience the essence of Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves, Gombak, Selangor

Located just 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of Malaysia’s most iconic and spiritually significant landmarks. This majestic limestone hill, estimated to be around 400 million years old, houses a series of caves and Hindu temples that attract both devotees and tourists from around the world. The main highlight is the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan, one of the tallest of its kind globally, standing proudly at the base of a colourful 272-step staircase that leads up to the Temple Cave. The site comes alive during the annual Thaipusam festival, drawing thousands of pilgrims who carry offerings and perform sacred rituals. Beyond its religious importance, Batu Caves also offers breathtaking views, fascinating limestone formations, and a sense of awe that perfectly captures Malaysia’s cultural and natural splendour.

CONTACT US

Email: ishrsea2026@ukm.edu.my

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ishrseakl/

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