Let’s take a moment to reflect on the events that have shaped the last quarter of this year:

1. October 30th: MHAS conducted a training session on Age-Friendly City, focusing on effective engagement strategies and stakeholder management in Penang.
2. October 31st: MHAS presented an overview of the Age-Friendly City Progress to city officials at Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (Penang). View here.
3. November 4th: Dr. Wong Teck Wee delivered an enlightening talk on “Apex Predator: Healthy Aging – Healthy Environment”.
4. November 9th: During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the new committee for 2023-2025 was elected. The AGM included a recap of the previous year’s events in the secretary’s report and the closure of last year’s accounts in the financial report by the treasurer. The newly elected committee is eager to continue our mission with enthusiasm and dedication.
5. December 2nd & 3rd: The 2nd Stakeholder Meeting on the Age-Friendly Initiative was successfully held at Rainbow Paradise Hotel Pulau Penang. View here.
6. December 9th: “Healthy Ageing: Are You Prepared?” was a remarkable event organized by the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, in collaboration with the Sabah Healthy Ageing Society and KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital. The event showcased a multifaceted approach to healthy and active ageing. Please click here to view and download the exciting talks from the event. The pictures from the event are also available at: click to view.

Once again, we extend our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication. Collectively, we have achieved notable progress in promoting healthy ageing. We eagerly anticipate the year ahead and are excited to pursue new initiatives for the betterment of our members. As we conclude this year, we leave you with the president’s message:-

“Dear Members of the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society,

As we approach the end of another eventful year, please permit me to reflect on the remarkable journey we have had together this past year. 2023 has indeed been an extraordinary year for the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society. We began the year by welcoming new individual and corporate members and forged collaborations with new partners to pilot a community multidisciplinary team. We also worked hand in hand with empowered communities to promote our mission of healthy ageing for all.

Thank you for the passion and dedication shown through your participation in the programs and initiatives we have undertaken throughout the year, from engaging podcasts and enlightening radio talk sessions covering various topics related to healthy ageing to thought-provoking discussions alongside other stakeholders, including the World Bank on the proposed policy for older persons.

Aside from promoting healthy ageing, the MHAS council embarked on a Consultancy project with the Penang State Government via its city council. We are proud to share that we were instrumental in their WHO Age Friendly City Network membership. We have the next year and a half to assist in their proposed Age-Friendly City Penang initiatives, hopefully gaining them the AFC status they wish to attain. We are proud of the progress we have made thus far and welcome you, our members, to lend a hand and your expertise to ensure its success.

Recently, we held our Annual General Meeting, where we reflected on the past year’s achievements and elected a new committee to lead us into the future. The dedication and commitment shown by the past council committee and each member of our society have been truly inspiring. I do not doubt that the new committee for 2023-2025 will continue to push boundaries and drive a positive change in each other and our communities.

2024 will be a momentous year for MHAS as we host the 3rd ASEAN Conference for Healthy Ageing in Penang from 30th July to August 2024. The programme is already on our website, so do check it out. Your participation and support are very much appreciated. I urge every MHAS member to support the society by promoting this conference to all your friends and colleagues, locally and abroad.

Looking ahead to the new year, let us all continue to lead by example in our healthy ageing mission to empower individuals and communities to live active and purposeful lives no matter their age and abilities. As we enter the festive season, I would like to take this opportunity to wish every one of you a joyous Christmas filled with love, laughter, good health, and a Happy New Year!”

Warm regards,
Prof. Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman
President, MHAS