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Dr. Lizong Deng from Nanjing Medical University Appears Wearing a Malay Tengkulok at ICOLIFEMED 2025 UNPRI, Symbolizing Cultural Harmony and Health Innovation

A Representation of Cross-Cultural Respect that Strengthens Research Collaboration and Health Innovation in an International Scientific Forum

The Charm of Malay Culture Amidst Global Science: Dr. Lizong Deng from China Wears a Tengkulok at UNPRI's ICOLIFEMED 2025

A unique sight colored the atmosphere of The 2nd International Conference on Lifestyle Diseases and Natural Medicine (ICOLIFEMED) 2025, held in the main hall on the 10th floor of Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) Campus, Jalan Sampul No. 3 Medan Petisah, on Tuesday (11/11/2025). Amidst the enthusiastic and positive academic atmosphere, the participants' attention was drawn to Dr. Lizong Deng, a speaker from Nanjing Medical University, China, who appeared wearing a tengkulok or tanjak, the distinctive Malay men's headwear. His appearance became a symbol of harmony between modern science and respect for the local culture deeply rooted in the city of Medan, Tanah Deli.

Dr. Lizong Deng's uniqueness seemed to bridge culture and science. While presenting his material titled “The Next-Gen Health Advisor: Retrieval-Augmented AI in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention,” he comprehensively explained how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilized for cardiovascular disease prevention. During his presentation, he admitted his admiration for the tengkulok he was wearing. “I really like it; the shape is very nice; it’s like a hat, but not an ordinary hat,” said Dr. Lizong. The Tengkulok itself is made of typical Malay songket fabric and is usually worn at customary events, weddings, or royal coronations as a symbol of honor and wisdom.

Dr. Lizong's appearance reflects the historical journey of Medan City, once known for its Deli Tobacco and its culturally rich coastal Malay community. Although modernization has changed many social and political structures, the historical evidence of Malay Medan City, with the Maimoon Palace still standing tall as a symbol of the glory of the Deli Sultanate (a Malay heritage built from August 26, 1888, and completed on May 18, 1891), remains. The moment Dr. Lizong wore the tengkulok at the ICOLIFEMED 2025 international conference seemed to revive the Malay cultural spirit amidst the advances of modern science developing at UNPRI, which upholds the concept of unity in diversity.

Dr. Lizong Deng is no stranger to UNPRI. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine who actively researches the development of artificial intelligence algorithms in the medical field at Nanjing Medical University (NMU), one of China's renowned universities established in 1934. The relationship between UNPRI and NMU has been closely established since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday (7/27/2017), which at that time was directly witnessed by the Chinese Consul in Medan, Mr. Sun Ang, at the Multi-Purpose Room of Royal Prima Hospital, Jalan Ayahanda Medan. The NMU delegation was led by Mr. Wang Lin (Vice President NMU) along with other university officials, while UNPRI was attended by Dr. dr. I Nyoman Ehrich Lister as the founder, Dr. Tommy Leonard, S.H., M.Kn., and Prof. Dr. Chrismis Novalinda Ginting, M.Kes., AIFO-K, who currently serves as the Rector of UNPRI.

The cooperation opened the way for research collaboration and knowledge exchange between UNPRI and NMU in the fields of clinical medicine, pharmacology, and the development of AI-based medical technology. Thus, Dr. Lizong's appearance at ICOLIFEMED 2025 not only represents global medical technology advancement but also serves as tangible proof of the continuation of cross-national academic partnership, where UNPRI continues to expand its global research network oriented towards innovation and humanity.

ICOLIFEMED 2025, with the theme “Integration of Healthy Lifestyle and Natural Medicine in the Prevention and Management of Modern Diseases”, initiated by three UNPRI Study Program Management Units (UPPS), namely the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FKGK), the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FKK), and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIK), became a major collaboration event to close the end of 2025. Attended by six international speakers from Japan, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the conference discussed the challenges of modern lifestyle diseases and scientific solutions based on healthy lifestyles and natural medicine. Besides Dr. Lizong Deng, attendees included Letjen TNI (Purn.) Prof. Dr. dr. Terawan Agus Putranto, Sp.Rad (K), and Prof. Dr. dr. Arfianti (both from Indonesia), Li Wei, Ph.D., from China, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Azwany Yaacob from Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Ryo Tanaka from Japan, who each provided cross-disciplinary insights from the latest medical research.

Through the international-scale conference ICOLIFEMED 2025, UNPRI affirms its position as a globally competitive, excellent campus that not only focuses on academic innovation but also upholds cultural values. Dr. Lizong Deng, wearing the Malay tengkulok, symbolizes the spirit of cross-national collaboration: that science and culture can proceed hand-in-hand for the benefit of humanity. From the city of Medan to the world, UNPRI remains committed to delivering research and innovation for humanity.

As a campus that consistently builds international collaboration and excels in innovation, UNPRI offers a unique and global-standard educational experience. Interested in becoming part of an academic community that values science and culture? Visit UNPRI's official website at www.unprimdn.ac.id for registration information and UNPRI's excellent study program options.

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