PENANG will be hosting the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA)’s annual general meeting and MNA National Scientific Conference at the Bayview Beach Resort in Batu Ferringhi from March 27 to 29.
Previously held in Malacca and Terengganu for the past two years, both events will be expecting an attendance of 1,500 nurses from all over the country.
The MNA, formed in 1951, currently consists of around 60,000 registered nurses in Malaysia.
Apart from their annual events, MNA holds four council meetings yearly, celebrate the International Nurses Day on May 12, conduct courses, seminars and workshops for ordinary members and student members and also carries out other community-based services.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said through the AGM and conference, the participants could look to greater discussions on new ways of providing care to patients as well as motivating local nurses in carrying out their work.
“I believe nurses need to be also constantly acknowledged as important medical personnel in the industry, just as much as doctors,” Yeoh told a press conference at Komtar in George Town today.
Also present were Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, PCEB head of sales Tricia Loh Malaysian Nurses Association (Penang Chapter) chairperson Vimala Devi Subrayan, Malaysian Nurses Association adviser Pat Lim Chooi Ewe and Malaysian Nurses Association secretary Islinda Mat Zor.
Meanwhile, Ashwin said that Penang’s status as a global medical and medical tourism hub has allowed the state to welcome more medical-related conferences and business events, like from the Malaysian Nurses Association.
“This is where we will be able to initiate insightful discussions with the various professionals and best medical care practices within the field.
“In 2019, Penang recorded a total of 318 events from the medical sciences sector, which shows promise on Penang being continuously recognised as a hub for related conferences and events,” he said.
For further information, visit www.pceb.my
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi