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Welcome Message from the Organising Committee

 

Dear Colleagues,

We are now in the last league of our marathon preparation for 17th Congress of the Asian Society of Transplantation. As we move from the original plan for a conventional physical congress to a hybrid format, to one of a virtual congress finally , much in line with and similar to all recently concluded international  scientific conferences, we were hoping for a respite and brighter weather ahead , as most countries, Malaysia included, are already implementing large scale Covid-19 vaccination program.

We are very much encouraged by the strong support from all sectors which traditionally contribute to successful hosting of any medical congress. More than 100 renowned international experts in various fields of transplantation had committed to delivering lectures in plenary sessions , various symposia and special sessions to cater for the needs of all sectors and spectrum of organ donation and transplant program.

More than 200 abstracts have been submitted which will be presented in either oral or poster sessions. Out of these , 10 authors were selected to receive the Young Investigator Awards which provide them with complimentary congress registration . Another six contributors were selected by the AST Award Committee to receive the Best Abstract Awards, three each  for Basic Science and Clinical + Others category. The winners of these awards will be announced at the Closing Session of this congress on 28th July 2021.

Equally strong support also came in from the Industry partners , keen to share the latest information on their portfolio  with the scientific and clinical world . Like everyone else , the experience of holding exhibition booths in a virtual congress will be quite unlike that in conventional meetings . Nonetheless , we have put up a serious effort to create a pleasant experience and attractive virtual exhibition program to benefit both the visitors and exhibitors alike.  We hope all registered delegates will explore and interact with each and every exhibitors in the virtual exhibition hall.

In the last 2 weeks of our preparation for this important academic and scientific agenda in the Asian transplant Calendar , Malaysia , especially the Capital Kuala Lumpur, is merciless ravaged by large increases in new cases of Covid-19. The resultant implementation of enhanced lockdown measures which are in place since a month ago are being extended and strengthened in its enforcement in the last few weeks.

These measures will ,without doubt , adversely affect the Organisers’ plan and capacity to provide a flawless and seamless virtual experience for the four tracts of scientific program on each day of the congress . One major setback is the inability to obtain approval for the operation of a fully equipped professional Virtual Command Centre to serve as the congress coordinating  and control broadcasting and communication centre. However, with most lectures and contents prepared in the pre-recorded format , and many speakers- presenters who are staying in different time zones across the globe have already indicated their choice whether they can appear live or otherwise, we hope the live question and answer sessions will take place without much hitches.

As this is a virtual congress , the organiser will keep the registration portal opened even after the conclusion of the congress on 28th July and will make all congress lectures and virtual exhibition booths accessible to all delegates for three months until the end of October this year.

We invite every participant to give any useful comment or feedback to the congress secretariate and reach out to us if there is any issue which needs clarification or assistance.

Thank you .

- 7th June 2021 -

Warmest regards

Dr Ghazali Ahmad
Organising Committee Chairman

Dr Hooi Lai Seong
Chairman of the Scientific Committee

Dr Hirman Ismail
Secretary