
The first East Coast Neonatal Ventilation Workshop 2026 was successfully held on 30th and 31st January 2026 at the Blok Pembelajaran dan Sumber Pelajar (BPSP), Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). This workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Paediatrics, USM, in collaboration with Dräger Malaysia and Schmidt BioMedTech (Malaysia).
The workshop was attended by 60 doctors, predominantly from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Over the course of two days, participants benefited from comprehensive lectures and hands-on training sessions delivered by neonatologists from USM and experts from the collaborating industry partners.
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Prof. Madya Dr Noraida Ramli, followed by the officiating speech delivered by the Deputy Director of Hospital Pakar USM, Professor Dr Mohd Imran bin Yusof, setting a positive and inspiring tone for the workshop.

Day 1: Scientific Lectures
The first day focused on core principles and updates in neonatal respiratory diseases and ventilation strategies. Prof. Madya Dr Noraida Ramli delivered an insightful lecture on pulmonary mechanics in neonatal lung diseases, with emphasis on Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. This was followed by Dr Farohah Che Mat Zain, who discussed other important neonatal lung conditions, including Congenital Pneumonia, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). These sessions provided valuable clinical guidance, particularly for budding paediatricians managing patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Mr Matthew Tan, an invited expert from Dräger Malaysia, then shared his expertise in a session on Decoding Ventilator Waveforms and Mastering Conventional Ventilation, enhancing participants’ understanding of ventilator interpretation and management. The programme paused for lunch and Friday prayers.
In the afternoon, Mr Matthew Tan continued with an advanced lecture on Lung Recruitment Strategies using High-Frequency Oscillation Ventilation (HFOV), a modality often perceived as challenging in neonatal ventilation. This was followed by Dr Farohah Che Mat Zain, who shared practical insights on Extubation Readiness: Principles and Strategies, highlighting key considerations for safe and successful extubation.
Recognising the importance of non-invasive support, Dr Nor Rosidah Ibrahim delivered a lecture on Non-Invasive Ventilation in Neonates. Before concluding Day 1, Ms Chloe Tan from Dräger Malaysia presented an update on Seattle Plus Bubble CPAP, an important modality in neonatal respiratory care.




Day 2: Hands-on Workshops
Day 2 consisted of six hands-on workshop stations, with all 60 participants divided into six groups rotating through each station over a four-hour session.
- Station 1: “Breathing Without a Tube” – Mastering Neonatal NIV
Miss Jessie Chua introduced participants the non-invasive ventilation using the WILAmed NIV system, featuring multiple advanced modes compared to conventional machines. This session provided an eye-opening update on current neonatal ventilation technology.
- Station 2: Seattle Plus Bubble CPAP
Ms Chloe Tan demonstrated the mechanism and clinical applications of Bubble CPAP, reinforcing its role in neonatal respiratory management.
- Station 3: “When Things Go Wrong” – Case-Based Troubleshooting Lab
Prof. Madya Dr Noraida Ramli presented five real-life clinical scenarios involving common neonatal lung diseases, guiding participants through systematic troubleshooting approaches.
- Station 4: “Fine-Tuning the Vent” – Smarter Conventional Ventilation
Mr Matthew Tan led participants in interpreting ventilator waveforms and addressing oxygenation and ventilation issues, with detailed explanations of various ventilator modes.
- Station 5: “Make HFOV Work for You” – High-Frequency Ventilation Mastery
Dr Farohah Che Mat Zain shared practical strategies for HFOV use in both preterm and term infants, including precautions and ventilator adjustments based on arterial blood gas results.
- Station 6: “iNO Therapy” – Optimising Pulmonary Pressure in the NICU
Dr Nor Rosidah Ibrahim demonstrated the clinical application of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), discussing its indications and contraindications in neonatal care.



The workshop concluded with a token of appreciation ceremony, honouring all speakers and facilitators for their invaluable contributions.
Overall, the East Coast Neonatal Ventilation Workshop 2026 successfully achieved its objective of enhancing participants’ knowledge, confidence, and practical skills in neonatal ventilation, fostering improved care for critically ill neonates.

Dr Ong Jia Cheng
Course Director
Link to pictures
Day 1: https://tinyurl.com/photo300126ECNeoVent
Day 2: https://tinyurl.com/photo31012026ECNeoVent