State to host international veterinary congress in Nov

KUCHING: Sarawak has landed another first – a high level veterinary science congress will be held here on Nov 3-5, marking the first time the event is hosted by Malaysia.

The 22^nd Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) Congress and the 33^rd Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (MAVMA) Congress will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said it aims to host about 800 participants from countries around the world.

He revealed that they have already received confirmed registrations from 600 participants from 12 countries.

“This congress will offer various programmes such as pre-congress workshops and masterclasses on various aspects of veterinary science, medicine, surgery, including ‘One Health.’ We will also witness lectures by renowned speakers from around the world participating in the event,” he said here, yesterday.

The congress will be jointly hosted by FAVA and MAVMA in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department, and the Sarawak Veterinary Association (SVA), with the theme ‘Asia Unites for Animal Health and Welfare.’

“This congress is not only being hosted in Sarawak for the first time but also marks the first time it is being hosted in Malaysia,” said Dr Rundi, adding it would be declared open by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He put on record that Sarawak is proud to host this international congress with the participation of delegates from around the world.

“Over the past decade or more, Sarawak has seen an increase in its tourism profile and has emerged as a preferred business event destination due to its famous features such as the hospitality of its people and various attractions that will make professional events like FAVA 2023 more satisfying, beneficial, and unforgettable,” he said.

For further information on the congress, the public can visit the website at www.fava2023.com.