Welcome Message by Chairman

Dear Colleagues,

I extend my warmest welcome to you on behalf of the NHG Annual Scientific Congress 2008 Organising Committee.

The NHG ASC, now in its 7th year, was originally conceived to give the medical and research communities a platform to explore multidisciplinary perspectives on the treatment of major diseases and disorders, and to facilitate the exchange of key research findings and sharing of best practices among the different professions in the healthcare community. Over the years, this event has attracted participants from other parts of Asia and the Pacific region, beyond our local healthcare fraternity. Last year’s Congress saw 3,500 delegates at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

The ASC 2008 will be held on the 7th and 8th of November 2008 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The theme for this year’s Congress is “Science, Medicine & Lifestyle – Impact on Tomorrow’s Health”. This theme was chosen to reflect the importance of translating science into clinical practice while managing our lifestyle and environment to optimize health outcomes in the present and for the future.

In keeping with NHG’s vision of “Adding years of healthy life”, this year’s scientific programme will feature a broad range of topics spanning tracks like Lifestyle & Health, Lifestyle Diseases, Lifestyle Medicine, and Career & Medicine, while covering research in many areas including Basic Science, Clinical Science, Medical IT, and Health Services & Outcomes. We will focus on the interplay between our lifestyles and its influence on our general health as well as on conditions like cancer, infections, neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The synergy between research and medical care, its importance in healthcare delivery today, and its impact on health management for the future will be further emphasized. We will also be examining how public expectations and individual needs determine our priorities and practices.

Besides providing the opportunity for our clinicians and researchers to showcase their work, leading international authorities and local experts have been invited to speak at the wide-ranging plenary sessions and symposia. In addition, this year there will be a spread of celebrations and special events that will bring unique flavours to the programme. With this exciting line-up, the 2008 Congress promises to be a compelling and accessible platform for all healthcare professionals, research scientists, academics, and industry experts to share ideas, strategies, and experiences, with the common goal of delivering the highest quality of care and health to our patients and our community.

I look forward to seeing you at the NHG Annual Scientific Congress 2008. To better health in tandem with a fabulous lifestyle!

Associate Professor Chong Yap Seng
Chairman
NHG ASC 2008 Organising Committee