PRESIDENT

Greetings and a warm welcome to all,

It gives me great pleasure in welcoming everyone to our 27th edition of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation’s (MST) Annual Scientific Meeting that is being held at Le Meridien Putrajaya. This annual meeting gives all transplant professionals in the country an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and learn from each other. It is the showpiece event for the MST that represents all transplant professionals in the country and thus gives us the opportunity to invite and listen to the latest updates and changes in transplant care from experts all around the world.

In tune with this year’s theme, ‘Turning the Tide’, Malaysia’s transplant scene has seen some positive change, more so after the impact of the Covid pandemic years. From increase in deceased donor detections to increased conversions as well as a general increase in living transplants, to increasing activity in the fledgling of tissue organ donation, 2023 has marked an uptrend in transplant activity.

As countries globally continue to struggle with economic recession and fallout from the Covid pandemic, Malaysia is not an exception to this phenomenon. Yet, with limited financial and human resources, these improvements that were achieved is a testament to the human spirit, to rise above adversity, to face every challenge and find ways to do better, to be better.

Thus, looking into the crystal ball of 2024, we can only strive to work harder and smarter to improve on all that we have achieved in the past few years. I hope that this event encourages more interest in the field of transplantation in the country, regionally and internationally. It is also my hope that new friendships are formed, old friendships are renewed and bonds strengthened.

To all our foreign delegates, please do enjoy the world renowned Malaysian hospitality, the culture, the sights and of course the great food that we are so famous for in the midst of all the scientific discussion.

Last, but not least, I wish to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to participate and contribute in this meeting. Well done to the organisers and a great shout out of appreciation to the sponsors.

Thank you.

Dr. Haniza Omar
President of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation (MST)