THE MALAYSIAN Society of Anaesthesiologists (MSA) has won the bid to host a major industry convention in Sarawak in 2013.
More than 1,000 specialists are expected to attend the 12th Asian & Oceanic Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine (Aosra) Congress, to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching, from June 19-22.
Support provided by the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) was critical to MSA’s efforts in securing the bid, especially in the face of competition from other national associations, including Thailand.
MSA President, V. Sivasakthi, said: “We are delighted to bring Aosra back to Malaysian shores after a period of nearly 20 years. It would not have been possible without the support of the SCB, which has been very proactive and supportive.”
The SCB had approached the MSA and persuaded it to bid for the congress prior to the 11th Aosra held in Bali in late May this year.
“The Bureau provided full support to us for the bidding process, including producing a promotional video. The only condition was that should our bid be successful, we hold the Congress in Sarawak, which was fine by us,” Sivasakthi said.
A familiarisation trip to Sarawak, organised by SCB for MSA’s Aosra Committee, had convinced them of the state’s ability to host the congress.
“The Borneo Convention Centre is impressive,” Sivasakthi said.
Reliance Sightseeing, involved with SCB as a partner in the bid, will be responsible for ground operations.
“We will actively publicise the 12th Aosra Congress at the next World Congress of Anaesthesiologists to be held in March 2012,” Sivasakthi said.
By N. Nithiyananthan
