From left – Prof Dr Tunku Kamarul, YB Yeoh and Ashwin
By V. Sivaji
The Malaysian Orthopaedic Association (MOA) is the oldest and largest fraternity of orthopaedic surgeons in Malaysia with a membership of 700 practitioners.
They are hosting the 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting at the Setia SPICE Arena from June 15 to 17, 2023 where some 2,000 delegates from 16 countries are expected to attend.
Present to announce the programme was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and MOA president Prof Dr Tunku Kamarul Zaman in Komar earlier today.
Yeoh welcomed the delegates meeting which also includes the “Live to Move 2023” fundraising bicycle ride around Penang Island (90km) on 14 June 2023.
They aim to raise RM20,000 to help and create awareness for arthritis, a debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
“In Malaysia, some 30.8% of those above 55-years of age are susceptible to arthritis. There is no cure for this disease but we can only slow down its process,” said Prof Dr Tunku Kamarul.
Meanwhile, Yeoh in welcoming the delegates and medical practitioners added that the gathering is a testament of Penang’s reputation as a leading destination for medical conferences and events.
“In the next decade, the number of Penangites aged over 60 will nearly double. This will place pressure on healthcare services and increase demand for aged care in our state.
“The Penang state government is not just aiming to support the lives of our elderly, but it is also about investing in the future of our society as a whole.
“MOA’s efforts in raising awareness on the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM) is vital in championing the welfare of arthritis patients,” said Yeoh.
Ashwin in his remarks added that the meeting will bring RM8.2 million estimated economic impact to the state via hospitality, food and beverage, transportation and retail among other services.
“Penang has been making concerted efforts to escalate the business events industry within the state, especially the medical field.
“To date, the medical conferences have yielded close to RM285 million with a total of 40,653 delegates.”
“Medical conferences play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare knowledge and fostering innovation. They provide a platform for experts to exchange ideas, present groundbreaking research, and discuss the latest developments in medical practices,” he added.
The meeting will see some 66 booths from various countries including those from the medical products in Penang.
