More than 50 researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry partners from across the region gathered in Malaysia for the inaugural Asia-Pacific Symposium on Psychedelic Medicine, a two-day event held from 30 to 31 October 2025 to connect science, culture, and regulation in this rapidly evolving field.
PP Health Malaysia (PPHM) was invited to attend as a member of the media, underscoring growing public and professional interest in psychedelic medicine.
Hosted by Monash University Malaysia, the symposium opened with remarks from Associate Professor Satoshi Ogawa (School of Medicine and Health Sciences), Dr Paul Liknaitzky (Monash University), and Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia.
Associate Professor Ogawa recounted how the symposium grew from modest beginnings under the Monash Incubator Program. Initial discussions about the global surge of interest in psychedelics – and the relative absence of Asia-Pacific initiatives – developed into a regional gathering that drew participants from multiple countries.
Dr Liknaitzky, who leads the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University, highlighted the sharp rise in psychedelic research worldwide, noting that there are now more than 1,000 active clinical trials. He also pointed to Australia’s landmark 2023 decision to down-schedule MDMA and psilocybin for controlled therapeutic use, underscoring shifting regulatory frameworks around psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Professor Adeeba praised the organisers and stressed the importance of evidence-based debate in regions with strict drug laws. “It’s something very close to my heart, especially given how stringent our drug laws are,” she said. “These laws have not only harmed people but also prevented access to essential medicines. Evidence-based discussions like this are what will help move the dial.”
Over the course of two days, the symposium examined the past, present, and future of psychedelic science, bringing together perspectives from cultural studies, psychiatry, neuroscience, ethics, and law.
On the opening day, Dr Alex Gearin (University of Hong Kong) called for greater recognition of diverse cultural models that inform psychedelic medicine, emphasising the importance of local traditions and social contexts. Professor Erica Dyck (University of Saskatchewan, Canada) offered a historical overview of psychedelics, tracing their trajectory from mid-20th century psychiatric tools to a renewed focus in contemporary research.
Subsequent sessions explored current clinical and professional practices. Speakers such as Sarah Pant (Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab) and Dr Won-Seok Choi (The Catholic University of Korea) examined how trust, meaning, and responsibility are being integrated into emerging psychedelic therapies and care frameworks.
Afternoon talks by Dr Rick Doblin (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, USA), Xiaofan Sun (University of Hong Kong), and Associate Professor Claire Foldi (Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute) spotlighted recent scientific progress. Topics included MDMA-assisted therapy, new clinical models for mental health treatment, and the challenges of translating experimental findings into real-world care.
The second day shifted focus to capacity-building, governance, and regional collaboration. International experts, including Professor Matthew W. Johnson (Johns Hopkins University), Professor Hiroyuki Uchida (Keio University, Japan), and Dr Vince Polito (Macquarie University), discussed global research trends and practical barriers to implementation.
Regional contributors addressed ethical questions, cultural sensitivity, and policy change, particularly in countries where drug regulation remains highly restrictive. The final session, titled “Regulation, Culture, and Ethics”, brought together Associate Professor Brian D. Earp (National University of Singapore), Professor John Skerritt AM (University of Melbourne), and Southeast Asian scholars to explore regulatory pathways, including evolving approaches to substances such as kratom.
The symposium concluded with the launch of the Asia-Pacific Consortium of Psychedelic Medicine, led by Associate Professor Sivakumar Thurairajasingam (Clinical School Johor Baru, Monash University Malaysia). The consortium aims to strengthen regional networks, promote ethical and culturally informed research, and support responsible innovation in psychedelic medicine.
With strong participation from Malaysia and neighbouring countries, and with media invitation to PP Health Malaysia (PPHM), the symposium marked a milestone for Monash University Malaysia and a significant step towards building a coordinated Asia-Pacific response to the opportunities and challenges of psychedelic medicine.
