Malaysia to host 49th World Congress of Surgery

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (right) and the College of Surgeons Academy of Medicine Malaysia president associate professor Datuk Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid at the 47th World Congress of Surgery General Assembly in Basel, Switzerland. The International Society of Surgery has announced that Malaysia will play host to the 49th World Congress of Surgery in 2021.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the 49th World Congress of Surgery (WCS) in 2021, said Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Dr Noor Hisham said the International Society of Surgery (ISS) made the announcement during the 47th WCS general assembly in Switzerland after Malaysia succeeded in securing the bid to host the congress in 2021.

“We are very delighted to receive this news which marks a defining moment for Malaysia as it acknowledges the hard work of its partners and stakeholders to secure the bid to host the Congress," he said. 

Dr Noor Hisham added that the robust partnership between the public and private healthcare sectors and extensive professional and personal networking helped to secure the bid. 

Dr Noor Hisham said the WCS 2021 is also expected to generate a positive economic impact and maximise Malaysia’s potential growth as an international hub for surgical training and education.

"It will also enhance Malaysia’s reputation in attracting the best surgical talents and expert, and to cement its position as a leading destination for health tourism," he said

Dr Noor Hisham also revealed that he was appointed as a councillor to the ISS’ executive board for a five-year term.

“This marked the first time a Malaysian has receive such recognition at this level,” he said. 

The five-day WCS 2021 is set to draw over 3,000 participants from more than 100 countries.