Sabah to host sports medicine congress
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to host the prestigious 18th Asian Federation of Sports Medicine (AFSM) Congress and the 8th National Sports Institute (ISN) Sports Medicine and Sports Science (SMSS) Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from April 26-28.
This significant event marks a remarkable collaborative efforts between AFSM, the Malaysian Association of Sports Medicine (MASM) and ISN.
MASM made the announcement during a press conference here recently attended by distinguished guests including ISN board chairperson Datuk Marina Chin, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) East Malaysia Committeecum-ISN executive board member Dr KH Tan, ISN Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Faezal Md Ramli and MASM vice president Dr Chan Kin Yuen, who is also the co-organising chairperson of the AFSM Congress and ISN SMSS Conference.
Dr Chan, in his opening remarks, provided a comprehensive overview of the landmark congress that represents a historic milestone in the fields of sports and exercise medicine and sports and exercise science in Malaysia.
“It serves as a global platform for professionals to exchange innovative ideas, research findings and advancements in sports and exercise medicine, sports and exercise science and sport management and physical education. The collaboration between AFSM, MASM and ISN epitomise a unified dedication to advancing sports and exercise medicine as well as sports and exercise science,” he added.
Chin, on the other hand, highlighted the partnerships’ shared commitment to bring together the expertise of many esteemed international organisations to create one of the most prestigious and influential congresses in the mentioned field of the globe.
That said, Tan extended their gratitude to supporting ministries, association and partners for their unwavering support, emphasising the congress’s role in advancing sports medicine and athlete performance. Tan then extended a heartfelt gratitude to Datuk Hajah Rosmawati. Lasuki, CEO of SICC, for giving the congress a home of international standards.
The congress has received endorsements from key government figures including federal Youth and Sports minister Hannah Yeoh, Sabah Youth and Sports minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Tourism, Culture and Environment minister-cum-Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai as well as from OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria and the board members.
For the record, the congress will feature 12 symposiums, four workshops and precongress webinars, paper, poster presentation and booth exhibitions covering a wide array of topics in sports and exercise medicine, sports and exercise science, sports management and physical education.
Esteemed speakers from leading international organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Sport-Accord, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and more will share their insights and expertise throughout the congress. The event anticipates the participation of 500 to 800 delegates, including sports clinicians, scientists, academicians, allied healthcare professionals, athletes’ entourages, anti-doping personnel, sports administrators, physical educators, coaches, professional athletes, paraathletes and sports enthusiasts
“One of the highlights of this congress is the AFSM Young Research Award with the total prize money up to USD2,000 to promote participants 40 years old and below to submit and present their innovative and significant research in this field,” added the Congress Organising Chair Dr Alston Choong.
This congress is not only a significant academic event but also a catalyst for tourism in Sabah. It presents an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage and famous ecotourism of Sabah to the international podium, further establishing Kota Kinabalu as an ideal destination for international events and academic exchange.
Towards this end, the organiser acknowledged the generous contributions of its sponsors, whose commitment has been crucial to the success of the congress.
For further details, contact the congress secretariat Muhammad Navid (+60 16 6123942), Dr Alston (+60 12 3755661) or organising deputy chair Dr Kiran Kandiah (+60 12 7906794).
Visit the congress official website at http://www.afsm2024. com for registration and abstract submission. Extended early bird rate is available until January 31 and the deadline for abstract submission is on February 29.