Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Skin Cancer Conference 2026 highlighted the importance of strengthening specialist care and clinical collaboration in the management of skin cancer in the state. 

The conference was officiated by Sabah Health Director Dr William Gotulis, represented by Deputy State Health Director (Medical) Dr Ridwan Hashim.

A total of 180 participants from Malaysia and abroad attended the event, comprising medical students, medical officers, allied health professionals, surgical trainees, specialists and consultants.

In his speech, Dr Gotulis said the conference reflected efforts to strengthen clinical expertise, academic exchange and multidisciplinary cooperation in skin cancer management.

He said skin cancer remained an important health concern, particularly in tropical regions such as Sabah where exposure to ultraviolet radiation is high throughout the year.

He stressed the need for greater awareness, early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Dr Gotulis said strengthening expertise in the field was important to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care.

He also highlighted the importance of continuous training, capacity building and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals to keep pace with medical developments and clinical challenges.

The State Health Department, he said, remained committed to supporting initiatives that improve the quality, accessibility and sustainability of healthcare services in line with national health priorities.

Dr Gotulis said conferences of this nature provided a platform for sharing clinical experience, exchanging ideas and discussing developments in diagnosis, treatment and reconstructive care for skin cancer patients.

He also welcomed the participation of speakers and experts from various institutions and countries, saying their input would enrich scientific discussions and learning opportunities.

He commended the organisers, the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu, and Kelab Plastik Akademik Sabah (KAPS), for taking the lead in hosting the conference.

He also highlighted the inclusion of practical sessions, including the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) Suturing and Scar Management Workshop, which provided hands-on exposure to surgical techniques and modern scar management approaches.

Dr Gotulis expressed confidence that the conference would promote future collaboration, research and knowledge exchange, while contributing to improved patient care and clinical outcomes.

A total of 13 speakers delivered presentations during the event.

They were Dr Aldrin Jasper Placidus, Dr Sandhya A/P Rajaintharan, Dr Teoh Xin Yun, Dr Hamidah Mohd Zainal, Dr Margarita Kepuladze, Dr Ragnild Anak Redit, Dr Nagarajan Nagalingam, Dr Jeremiah See Un Chang, Dr Lim Chiao Yee, Dr Koh Khai Luen, Prof Theddeus O.H. Prasetyono, Dr Mohammad Ali Mat Zain, and Dr Ng Hian Chan.