24th AGM & 22nd ASM of
NEUROSURGICAL ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA

On behalf of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all attendees of the Sarawak Neurosurgery Update & Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024, themed "Controversies & Complications in Neurosurgery."

We are honoured to host this significant event in the captivating city of Kuching, Sarawak, at the prestigious venue of The Waterfront Hotel. Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state, is a unique blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage. Nestled on the banks of the Sarawak River, the city is renowned for its warm hospitality, vibrant street life, and a tapestry of diverse cultures that have shaped its identity.

This annual meeting serves as a platform for neurosurgical professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to come together, share knowledge, and engage in stimulating discussions on the latest developments, controversies, and complications in neurosurgery.

This year's theme reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving challenges and debates within neurosurgery. Through a series of keynote lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, we aim to foster a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants.

As we embark on this intellectual journey, I am confident that the Sarawak Neurosurgery Update & Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 will be a memorable and enriching experience for all. Your active participation is crucial to the success of this event, and we look forward to your valuable contributions.

Thank you for joining us in Kuching, Sarawak. Together, let us advance the frontiers of neurosurgical knowledge and build lasting connections within our community.

Warm regards,
Professor
Dato' Dr Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani

President
Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia

It is with immense enthusiasm that we extend a hearty welcome to all participants of the Sarawak Neurosurgery Update & Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024. As the Organising Chairmen, it is our privilege to invite you to immerse yourselves in an event meticulously crafted to unfold in the scenic city of Kuching, Sarawak, at The Waterfront Hotel.

Our team has dedicated significant effort to ensure that this gathering not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With the theme "Controversies & Complications in Neurosurgery," we are excited to provide a platform for robust discussions and collaborative networking, all against the picturesque backdrop of Kuching.

From carefully curated sessions to interactive workshops, every aspect of the program is designed to foster an environment conducive to learning, sharing, and professional growth. Beyond the meeting rooms, take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere at The Waterfront Hotel and the surrounding areas. Engage in meaningful conversations, build lasting connections, and explore the diverse culinary delights that Kuching is renowned for.

Your active participation and enthusiasm are crucial to the success of this event. We encourage you to make the most of the networking opportunities, share your insights, and contribute to the overall collaborative spirit that defines our neurosurgical community.

On behalf of the organizing committee, we extend our deepest gratitude for your presence. Together, let us navigate the contours of controversies, unravel the intricacies of complications, and make this annual scientific meeting an exceptional experience for all.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Kuching!

Sincerely,
Dr Donald Liew Ngian San
& Dr Davendran Kanesen

Organising Chairmen
Sarawak Neurosurgery Update &
Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to all participants of the Sarawak Neurosurgery Update & Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024. As the Scientific Chair, we are eager to welcome you to a meeting focused on the theme, "Controversies & Complications in Neurosurgery."

Our annual scientific meeting is not just a gathering; it is a forum where ideas converge, knowledge unfolds, and scientific discourse flourishes. Against the backdrop of the enchanting city of Kuching, Sarawak, at The Waterfront Hotel, this event promises to be an intellectually stimulating experience.

The chosen theme reflects our commitment to exploring the multifaceted dimensions of neurosurgery—delving into the controversies that challenge our perceptions and the complications that sharpen our skills. Through meticulously curated sessions, keynote presentations, and interactive discussions, we aim to dissect these critical aspects and pave the way for innovative solutions and insights.

As the Scientific Chair, we encourage you to actively participate, engage in debates, and share your expertise. This meeting is an opportunity to collectively advance our understanding of neurosurgery, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and embracing the dynamic nature of our field.

We are confident that your contributions and active involvement will elevate the quality of discussions and make this scientific meeting a resounding success. Your presence adds immense value to the intellectual tapestry we are weaving, and we look forward to witnessing the collaborative spirit that will define our time together.

Thank you for being part of this scientific endeavour. Let us embark on this journey together, dissecting controversies, unravelling complications, and forging new pathways in neurosurgery.

Sincerely,
Dr Regunath Kandasamy
& Dr Lim Swee San

Scientific Chairmen
Sarawak Neurosurgery Update &
Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Welcome to the 24rd AGM and 22nd ASM of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia (NAM) together with the 22nd Sarawak Neurosurgery Updates (SNU2024).

Neurosurgery in Malaysia has improved from strength to strength over the years. Our centers are now better equipped with state-of-the-art brain-suites in some states and new neurosurgery centers in others. The NAM ASM and the SNU are platforms that will help to improve the knowledge of the medical and paramedical staff in tandem with the neurosurgical service expansion and also needs of the community.

The theme of this meeting is Controversies And Complications In Neurosurgery. This is most appropriate in this era as research and innovation are pushing the envelope in all fields of neurosurgical treatment. Controversies can arise from ethics, cost, patient management and their outcomes. Some examples are AVM treatment and the ARUBA trial, decompression for spinal cord swelling and aspiration of small hypertensive intracranial bleeding.

There is only one neurosurgeon who has no surgical complication. That is a neurosurgeon who does not operate. Having said so as operating neurosurgeons, our aim is to minimise any complication by operating on the right patient with the right indication and the correct operation.

There is a saying that it is more difficult to learn how not to operate than how to operate. This meeting will hope to highlight on this further by using our own experience and those of others to improve on the patient care and outcome.

There are 3 pre-congress courses lined up for the younger neurosurgeons or trainees during this event. Operative spine, pain interventions for spine and lastly a microvascular anastomosis workshop.

We would like to thank the sponsors, local and international speakers for contributing to this meeting.

I hope all of you can also take this opportunity to enjoy the local hospitality in and around Kuching or further afield in Sarawak.

Thank you.

Warm regards,
Dr Albert Wong Sii Hieng

Head
Neurosurgical Services, KKM Malaysia