8-10 April 2013 – IMU President, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, represented Malaysia in an International Advisory Panel at the 1st World Health Summit Regional Meeting – Asia. Themed “Health for Sustainable Development in Asia”, the summit was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. YBhg Tan Sri provided input into the planning and gave input into a Statement, which is the output of the Conference. YBhg Tan Sri was also a moderator for one of the keynote addresses and presented a paper at one of the Symposiums on Medical Tourism. Commenting on the event, YBhg Tan Sri said, “The Singapore conference was attended by 900 participants from 46 countries which consist of leading scientists, researchers, academics, members of civil society and industry. Among these participants were 120 speakers from more than 20 countries, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.” This is the first time such a meeting was held in Asia to address specific issues and challenges in public health which are a priority to Asia, resulting in over three days of intense and thought provoking dialogues. The Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, was the Guest-of-Honor at the Official Opening Ceremony on 8 April. “Holding the meeting in Asia for the first time is significant as it recognises Asia’s growing importance as a region in terms of economic growth and potential. It also signifies a realisation that Asia does have specific issues and challenges that require solutions specific for Asia. These types of issues were highlighted in the Statement which will be the input on behalf of Asia to the main World Health Summit to be held in Berlin in October 2013”, added YBhg Tan Sri. The World Health Summit, which started in Berlin, is organised by the alliance of Academic Health Centres, Universities, Industry, Governments and WHO.
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