It is my great pleasure to welcome everyone to Kuala Lumpur and the 15 th Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society Annual Conference.

The theme chosen this year is Mind the Gap. In a rapidly changing, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scientific landscape, it is our hope that the conference content will facilitate the translation of knowledge into clinical practice. The programme has been designed with tracks catering to the needs of both the generalist and sub-specialist in mind. Topics range from the everyday(ie diabetes, menopause, PCOS, thyroid disease) to emerging under-recognized but “more common than you think” conditions(primary aldosteronism) to the unicorns of endocrinology (phaeochromocytoma/ acromegaly). The Meet-the Expert case-based discussions will provide opportunities to interact with thought-leaders in their respective specializations. We have not shied away from addressing issues such as the abuse of hormones – do check out the aptly titled session “ Brawn, Beauty and Wellness” for a stimulating time. There will also be highly topical debates on controversies and dilemmas in endocrinology.

In other words, to use a metaphor that all food-loving Malaysians understand, we have endeavoured to provide a veritable buffet of “all-you-can-eat“ options to satisfy everyone from primary to quarternary care.

This year, we are also very fortunate to have a star-studded line-up of fantastic speakers , both homegrown and international. The committee did not limit the scientific panel to endocrinologists alone, but rather experts from diverse fields such as nuclear medicine, oncology, IR and OBGYN have been invited to participate, in recognition of the fact that it takes a small kampung/village of doctors to manage our increasingly complex patients in a holistic manner.

Finally, none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our organizing chairman Prof Jeya, and the entire committee- I would like to acknowledge and thank them here.

So do enjoy yourself : network, make memories and have fun learning/growing!