Published on: Sunday, March 10, 2013 |
Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (Fapa) will hold its 25th congress at Sutera Harbour Resort here from Oct 8 to 12 next year.
Fapa, which operates from its headquarters in Manila, Philippines, comprises pharmacists from 18 member countries. The last venue for this biennial congress was Bali, Indonesia, in September last year.
Announcing this in a press conference held at Pacific Sutera here Saturday, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) President Datuk Nancy Ho, who is the organising chairperson, said about 1,200 delegates are expected at next year's congress.
She said many notable speakers from all over the world will also be here to share their knowledge on selected topics covering different sections of the Science of Pharmacy.
The theme for the 2014 congress would be "Expanding the Pharmacists' Role in Wellness and Sustainable Health", she said, adding that a poster exhibition would be held in addition to a plenary and scientific programme.
She said a comprehensive programme has been compiled to cater for the interest of delegates who shall represent different arenas including Hospital Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Government and Administration, Industrial Pharmacy, academia, research and development, manufacturing and pharmacy specialities, among others.
"2014 will be a significant year because Fapa will celebrate its 50th Golden Anniversary and the Fapa Congress will hold its 25th Silver Jubilee," she said, adding there would also be field trips, golf tournament and pre- and post-congress tours, which include climbing Mount Kinabalu.
She said Sabah is considered ideal for the congress because of its strategic position, air accessibility, location in the mega biodiversity basin, research and development in science, tourism-friendly environment and people-friendly stable government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
The organising committee for next year's congress consists of pharmacists from the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, Health Ministry and Sabah Pharmaceutical Society, and it is supported by the State Government, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Health Ministry, MyCeb, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Angkatan Hebat Sdn Bhd and Sri Pelancongan Sdn Bhd.
