Expanding the capacity for behaviour insights involves a multifaceted approach aimed at strengthening our understanding and application of behavioral principles. This encompasses targeted initiatives to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate and interpret intricate human behaviours. This strategic focus on enhancing capacity ensures a more robust foundation for leveraging behavior insights for informed decision-making and sustainable development.
**Group Photo during Building Capacity to Embed Behavioural Insights for Better Health Workshop, 3 to 5 October 2023**
CAPACITY BUILDING 2022-2024
Advancing Public Health Strategies Through Scenario Based Workshop
13th- 15th November 2024, Eastin Hotel, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
In an effort to enhance the Ministry of Health's capabilities in applying behavioural insights to address public health challenges, the Behavioural Insights Unit, in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, conducted a three-day workshop from 13th to 15th November in Petaling Jaya. This workshop served as a platform to deepen participants' understanding of behavioural insights and to equip them with practical skills to design impactful interventions that address complex health issues.
The workshop highlighted the role of behavioural insights in shaping effective public health strategies. Participants were tasked with analysing specific public health issues prevalent in communities and were guided through the DDDIE framework—Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement, and Evaluate. This structured approach enabled them to systematically identify behavioural drivers, propose targeted interventions, and evaluate their potential impact. The DDDIE framework, central to this training, reflects a growing recognition of the need for evidence-based and behaviourally informed solutions to achieve sustainable health outcomes.
The workshop was formally officiated by the Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Datuk Dr. Nor Fariza binti Ngah, who emphasised the importance of behavioural insights in bridging the gap between public health policies and community acceptance. Distinguished attendees included Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, and Dr. Manimaran Krishnan, Director of the Institute for Health Behavioural Research.
Over the three days, 31 participants worked in teams to develop practical behavioural insights projects addressing real-world health challenges. On the final day, each team presented their proposed projects, demonstrating their application of behavioural science principles and their commitment to translating these ideas into action. As an outcome of this workshop, participants pledged to implement their proposed projects within their respective contexts.
Empowering Food Technologists through Behavioural Insights Approach
1stOctober 2024, The Pearl Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
The demand for behavioural insights training within the Ministry of Health Malaysia is growing. On 1st October 2024, we were honoured to be invited to present the behavioural insights approach at the Kursus Teknikal dan Kepenggunaan Peringkat Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur. The participants included food technologists from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, representing various states. Although it was a short session, we successfully shared the Ministry of Health’s behavioural insights initiatives, along with technical insights on understanding human behaviour and the framework for conducting behavioural insights projects.
During the session, we were pleased to hear participants share their experiences regarding behavioural issues related to food safety at their respective levels. These issues included foodborne diseases in food facilities, improper hand hygiene, inadequate sanitation of equipment and surfaces, and insufficient food preparation and holding practices. In addition, we discussed potential strategies to encourage food industries to apply for MESTI certification. MESTI stands for Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri, which translates to "Food Safety is the Responsibility of the Industry" in English. The MeSTI is a basic certification aimed at Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry. The Ministry of Health made this certification mandatory in 2012 for businesses that do not hold more advanced certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point).
Utilizing behavioural insights for food safety aims to enhance compliance with food safety regulations among food industry players. By understanding the motivations and behaviours of food handlers, the ministry can design targeted interventions that encourage safe practices.
Innovative Approaches to Dental Care: Behavioural Insights Training
24th-25th September 2024, Tenera Hotel, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
In a significant advancement for dental health initiatives, the Dental Health Program Ministry of Health Malaysia hosted the Behavioural Insights Training on September 24th to 25th 2024 at Tenera Hotel, Bandar Baru Bangi. This event brought together dentists from all over the country and highlighting an important step in integrating behavioural insights into public health strategies particularly in promoting dental care.
The training aimed to explore human behaviour and cognitive biases, giving participants useful tools to improve their practice. The training also emphasized on practical skills that can be directly applied to the dental health sector. On the first day of the training, Director of IPTK, Dr. Manimaran Krishnan, presented an overall perspective on the complexity of human behaviour. He highlighted that behavioural insights focus on exploring biases and heuristics and how they can be used to develop more impactful, behaviourally informed health policies.
Participants were also exposed to the D.D.D.I.E Framework—Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement, and Evaluate. This framework serves as a guide for implementing behavioural insights projects by focusing on one specific health behaviour. At the end of the training, participants were committed to apply their new knowledge to future projects. The goal is that these insights will lead to initiatives that not only improve dental health but also strengthen the relationship between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Looking ahead, we are confident that this training will spark the initiation of behavioural insights projects within the Ministry of Health, promoting the wider adoption of these insights as a foundation for impactful health strategies.
Pioneering Behavioural Insights Training at ProtectHealth Corporation
12th -13th September 2024, Conference Room, ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Cyberjaya, Selangor
In a significant milestone for corporate health initiatives, ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of the Ministry of Health, hosted its inaugural Behavioural Insights Training on 12th to 13th September 2024 in Cyberjaya. This training marked the first instance of a private company supporting the principles of behavioural insights, with the Behavioural Insights Unit, Institute for Health Behavioural Research (IHBR) leading the training.
A diverse group of participants, including dentists, human resources professionals, finance experts, programmers and medical officers, engaged in a comprehensive exploration of human behaviour and cognitive biases. Throughout the workshop, attendees were introduced to the D.D.D.I.E Framework—Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement and Evaluate—equipping them with a structured approach to integrate behavioural insights into their policies and practices.
On the second day of the training, CEO Mr. Zainal Abidin bin Sharif, along with Dr. Manimaran Krishnan, attended the closing ceremony, delivering speeches and presenting certificates to all participants.
Our aim is to expand the knowledge of behavioural insights beyond traditional healthcare settings, empowering corporate entities to leverage these insights for more effective policy-making. By promoting a deeper understanding of human behaviour within the corporate areas, we hope to enhance employee engagement, improve health outcomes and to create a more supportive workplace environment. As we look to the future, we are optimistic that this training will inspire further initiatives across corporate Malaysia, encouraging organizations to adopt behavioural insights as a foundation of their health strategies.
Harnessing The Capacity for Behavioural Insights in Sarawak
30th to 31th July 2024, Kuching Community Social Support Centre, Wisma Ho Ho Lim, Kuching Sarawak
The Sarawak State Health Department recently organized a capacity-building training session on behavioural insights for health from 30th to 31st July 2024. Health Education Officers from every division in Sarawak participated in this training which was held at Kuching Community Social Support Centre. Throughout the two-day session, participants engaged in discussions and workshops aimed at applying behavioural insights to real-world health problems. The urgency of the rabies situation in Sarawak was a central theme, with many discussions focused on developing projects to prevent the spread of this disease.
Participants were introduced to key concepts such as nudges and choice architecture, which illustrate how small environmental changes can significantly influence positive health behaviours. These concepts are essential for developing effective health interventions that resonate with the public.
We were honored to have Dr. Veronica Lugah, the Sarawak State Health Director, officiate the closing ceremony and present the certificates. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior before designing interventions. She also expressed her hope that the officers who attended the training would produce more behavioural insights projects. Additionally, Dr. Manimaran Krishnan the Director of the Institute for Health Behavioural Research, was in attendance. We hope this training will equip health education officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively apply behavioural insights in their work.
Behavioural Insights Training In Kelantan
23th to 24th July 2024, Kompleks Belia & Sukan Kelantan, Panji, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Our ongoing effort to build capacity in behavioural insights for health has extended to Kelantan, in collaboration with the State Health Department. Participants included a diverse group of health professionals such as health education officers, medical officers, dental officers, assistant environmental health officers, and nurses. The diverse group of participants enables us to explore a broader range of health issues and allows us to address these issues more effectively and develop tailored interventions that meet the specific needs of the Kelantan community. This comprehensive training took place from 23rd to 24th July 2024, and aimed to equip these professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply behavioural insights in their respective fields. We strive to improve health outcomes and develop more effective health communication strategies across the state by deepening their understanding of behavioural science.
Leveraging The Knowledge In Behavioural Insights
16th to 18th July 2024, Darul Iman Training Centre, Kemaman, Terengganu
We believe that the knowledge of behavioural science should be leveraged across a broader range of professions within the Ministry of Health. Expanding the application of behavioural insights beyond traditional health education roles will enable various healthcare professionals, such as the paramedics enhances their practices and can develop more effective strategies to improve patient health outcomes.
As part of this effort, we organized a three-day training session on behavioural insights, attended by more than 25 nurses and assistant medical officers from across Malaysia. This event was held in Kemaman, Terengganu, and aimed to equip these healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to apply behavioural science in their practices. To support and advance the application of behavioural sciences, the training enhanced participants' knowledge and equipped them with the skills needed to apply various tools, methods, and approaches. By participating in this training, attendees gained valuable insights into how behavioural science can enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and promote more effective health communication strategies within their respective communities.
Enhancing Health Communication Through Behavioural Insights In Malaria Prevention
26th to 28th June 2024, Penampang, Sabah
As part of our effort to build capacity in behavioural insights, we are pleased to collaborate with the Sabah State Health Department to develop targeted messages on malaria prevention. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of public health communications by addressing specific behavioural patterns observed in various communities.
The messages were crafted based on findings from a recent study conducted by the Institute for Health Behavioural Research in 12 localities across Sabah, including Lahad Datu, Kudat, Keningau, Ranau, and Kota Marudu. The study highlighted unique behavioural issues in each locality, such as not wearing long-sleeve shirts when venturing into the neglecting to use mosquito repellent, and failing to sleep under mosquito nets. Understanding these behaviours is crucial for designing effective interventions tailored to each community's needs.
To address these issues, we employed several strategic approaches in message development. These included anchoring messages to provide a reference point for desired behaviours, using both positive and negative framing to highlight the benefits of protective actions and the consequences of neglect, employing loss aversion techniques to emphasize what individuals stand to lose by not taking preventive measures, and using priming to influence behaviour subtly by associating malaria prevention with familiar and positive concepts.
The training held in Penampang from June 26 to 28, 2024, brought together approximately 28 participants from various health divisions across Sabah. This comprehensive training program aimed to equip these health professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement the newly developed messages effectively.
Heading North: Strengthening Health Education Officers through Behavioral Insights Training
24th to 26th June 2024, Silver Room, Flamingo Hotel By The Beach, Penang
The Kedah State Health Department recently organized a capacity-building training session on behavioural insights for health from 24th to 26th June 2024. The training saw the participation of Health Education Officers from every district in Kedah, coming together to address pressing health issues, particularly the growing concern of dengue. Given the urgency of the dengue situation in Kedah, much of the discussion centered on potential behavioural insights projects aimed at dengue prevention. Participants were introduced to various concepts, including nudges and choice architecture, to better understand how subtle changes in the environment can influence positive health behaviours. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to the DDDIE Framework (Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement, Evaluate) for conducting behavioural insights projects, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
This comprehensive framework provided participants with a structured approach to designing and implementing effective health interventions. Additionally, the training covered the COM-B Model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior), which explains how behavior change can be encouraged. Participants learned how to assess and enhance individuals' capability, opportunity, and motivation to promote healthier behaviours effectively. Thank you Kedah for the awesome experience.
Driving Public Health Forward: Behavioural Insights for Health Education Officers in the City Centre.
19th to 20th June 2024, Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
After Negeri Sembilan training session was held in the city center of Kuala Lumpur on 19th to 20th June 2024. The training gathered Health Education Officers from several districts, giving them a valuable chance to improve their competency in understanding the complexity of human behavior and how to influence decision-making processes. Participants were introduced to a variety of heuristics and biases during the training sessions, emphasizing their critical role in understanding human behavior. This component was highlighted as essential for participants to understand, as it provides insights into cognitive shortcuts and unconscious influences on decision-making processes. Once again, thank you to the Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya for your commitment.
Behavioral Insights for Better Health: Training Coordinators in Negeri Sembilan
11th to 12th June 2024, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sembilan for organizing a highly impactful Behavioural Insights Training on June 11-12, 2024, in Seremban. This training brought together 24 health promotion coordinators, including Health Education Officers, Environmental Health Officers, nurses, and Public Health Assistants, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The training module, based on the World Health Organization's framework, was thoughtfully adjusted to address public health issues specific to Malaysia. This customization ensured that the content was not only relevant but also highly practical for the participants.
We hope that the participants found the training enriching and that they are inspired to apply the behavioural insights they have gained to their local projects. The dedication to public health exhibited by all participants is commendable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their efforts in their respective communities.
Empowering Allied Health Professionals With Behavioural Sciences and Behavioural Insights
13th to 15th May 2024, Bandar Enstek Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Human behaviour, which is influenced by psychological, social, cultural, and environmental determinants, significantly impacts individual health and well-being. Leveraging this understanding, behavioural insights are utilized to formulate policies and interventions aimed at fostering favourable behavioural patterns. The Center for Competency and Advanced Learning in Health Promotion, Institute for Health Behavioural Research organized a three-day workshop recently in Bandar Enstek Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, with the aim of enhancing the capacity in behavioural sciences and behavioural insights among allied health professionals within the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This workshop coincided with the 'Behavioural Sciences for Better Health Resolution’ adopted at the Seventy-Sixth World Health Assembly in May 2023. This resolution urges Member States to enhanced the capacity of healthcare practitioners in employing behavioural science methodologies in patient care and diverse public health initiatives. The workshop started with the introduction of the Health Behavioural Intervention Module, collaboratively developed in partnership with UNICEF Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. In order to support the utilization of behavioural sciences, the workshop enriched participants' understanding of behavioural sciences and furnished them with proficiency in employing tools, methods, and approaches in public health. The workshop encompassed modules centered around fundamental behavioural science principles, case studies demonstrating the application of behavioural insights, and engaging interactive learning exercises. Participants were introduced to various topics, including the identification of different types of human behaviour, theories of behaviour change, and program planning for health promotion activities.
For the domain of behavioural insights, the workshop incorporated content developed by the World Health Organization which aligns with the module utilized during a preceding workshop conducted in Kuala Lumpur in 2023. We are pleased to have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the participants. For instance, one attendee mentioned that the training was highly engaging and interactive due to its inclusion of group discussions. They further expressed that it was enlightening to explore various aspects of behavioural insights during the session. This workshop signifies a notable advancement in healthcare, showcasing a commitment to proactive and well-informed health strategies. Through the integration of behavioural insights, healthcare practitioners are not only enhancing individual patient outcomes but also contributing to the overarching objective of fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
Building Capacity to Embed Behavioural Insights for Better Health
3 to 5 October 2023, Grand Millenium Hotel Kuala Lumpur
National Conference on Behavioural Insights 2023
Stream 3: Changing behaviour through nudge
Behaviour Insights Workshop among Health Education Officer from State Health Department
30 November - 2 December 2022, Dorsett Hotel in Putrajaya
Behaviour Insights Workshop among Health Education Officer from Hospital & Institution
21- 22 September 2022, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
