THE Malaysian Medical Association Penang Branch (Penang MMA) is honoured to host the National MMA Convention and Scientific Congress 2025, alongside the 65th MMA Annual General Meeting.
Scheduled to take place from Sept 11 to 13 at G Hotel, Penang, this prestigious event is set to bring together experts, consultants, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry partners, and medical practitioners from across the country.
With the theme ‘Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities’, the two-day Scientific Congress will serve as a platform for the exchange of medical knowledge, discussion of best practices, and exploration of the latest innovations in the healthcare sector.
A significant highlight of this year’s event is the integration of the Penang Teaching Conference for General Practitioners into the national convention, reinforcing its role as a key educational and professional development forum.
During the soft launch of the event, organising chairman Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh, who is also the Penang MMA vice-chairman, expressed his enthusiasm for the congress.
He described the launch as the beginning of an exciting journey towards an event that would bring together the best minds of the medical fraternity for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
“It is a reflection of our commitment to advancing medical knowledge, fostering professional growth, and addressing the evolving challenges in healthcare,” he said in his speech at Courtyard Penang recently.
MMA president-elect Datuk Dr Thirunavakarasu Rajoo extended his gratitude to the Penang MMA team and Dr Parmjit for their efforts in organising the upcoming congress, recognising the dedication involved in putting together such a significant event.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who was also present, took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of health and wellness.
He urged everyone to practise a healthy lifestyle, highlighting that preventive healthcare and personal well-being play crucial roles in reducing the burden of diseases and improving overall quality of life.
He encouraged individuals to adopt healthier habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and going for routine health screenings.
The Penang MMA also honoured the extraordinary legacy of Datuk Seri Dr T. Devaraj during the soft launch.
More than just a centenarian milestone, this occasion marks a lifetime of dedication, service, and an enduring impact on the medical fraternity and society at large.
Penang MMA chairman Dr Divagar Varatharaju described Dr Devaraj as ‘a truly remarkable individual whose unwavering commitment to healthcare and palliative care has touched countless lives’.
“Reaching 100 years is an achievement, but doing so with such distinction, grace, and influence is truly extraordinary,” Dr Divagar said.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Devaraj played a crucial role in shaping medical governance and ethics in Malaysia.
Recognising the need for palliative care in Malaysia, Dr Devaraj championed the hospice movement in the early 1990s. His vision led to the establishment of hospice services in Penang in 1992, and he has since remained at the forefront as chairman of the Penang Hospice Society (PHS).
His dedication extended to cancer awareness, serving as vice-chairman of the National Cancer Society (Penang branch), and as a board member of the National Cancer Society Malaysia. Through these efforts, he has significantly improved the quality of life for countless patients and families, reinforcing the importance of palliative care in Malaysia’s healthcare system.
The deadline for registration for the National MMA Convention and Scientific Congress 2025 is Aug 28. On-site registration will not be available.
For more details, visit https://nationalagm.mma.org.my/about/
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En