August 25 - 29, 2024

The 50th International Surgical Week (ISW) Congress – A Global Milestone at The Centre

Overview

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre successfully hosted the 50th International Surgical Week (ISW) Congress, marking a major milestone for the International Society of Surgery (ISS/SIC) and its integrated societies. Held alongside the 51st Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (CSAMM), this prestigious event brought together over 1,600 medical professionals from around the globe.

At the heart of this collaboration is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Centre, MIFB, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Impiana KLCC Hotel and Humane International Society. The agreement, finalised during MIFB’s opening ceremony on 19th July 2024, outlines a commitment to transition towards using cage-free eggs by 2028 or 20230, aligning with global movements to promote animal welfare within the food industry.

Expanding the Reach Through Partnerships

Malaysia won the bid to host the 50th ISW Congress in 2017, outperforming strong competition from New Zealand, Taiwan, and Sydney. The Centre's strategic location, world-class facilities, and accessibility to both high-end and affordable accommodation options played a crucial role in securing the bid. Originally planned for 2021, the Congress faced two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Malaysia remained committed to hosting the event in 2024.

The journey was not without its challenges. The organisers worked closely with the Centre to ensure smooth execution and a high level of participation. Registration fees were structured to balance the financial burden across delegates from different income levels, ensuring broad participation from both high-income and low-income countries.
Registration fees were structured to accommodate delegates from different income levels, ensuring broad participation from both high-income and low-income countries.

Despite concerns about initial registration numbers, the event drew over 1,600 participants, helping to secure its financial viability. The MyCEB grant, linked to the number of international delegates, also played a crucial role in the event’s success.

A Hub for Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

The ISW 2024 Congress provided a critical platform for knowledge dissemination, featuring six major surgical societies that covered diverse disciplines such as breast surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and trauma surgery. With all sessions and activities taking place on the same floor, The Centre’s layout facilitated seamless interaction and collaboration among the delegates.

One of the standout features of the Congress was the catering provided by The Centre. Delegates appreciated the high-quality food and the opportunity to network during coffee breaks and lunches, setting the event apart from many other international conferences where meals are often not included. These networking opportunities enhanced the overall delegate experience, as attendees were able to engage in meaningful discussions and forge new professional connections.

Success Factors and Lessons Learned

Several factors contributed to the success of the 50th ISW Congress, with The Centre’s central location being a major draw. Delegates could easily access nearby hotels and apartments, reducing the logistical burden for both local and international attendees. The venue’s ease of navigation also helped streamline the event, ensuring that delegates could move effortlessly between sessions.

However, the event did face some challenges, particularly around room capacity and AV services. The unexpectedly high turnout for certain sessions, such as the breast surgery symposium, required last-minute seating adjustments. Additionally, technical difficulties with outsourced audio-visual services underscored the importance of relying on The Centre’s in-house AV team for future events to ensure smoother operations.

Reflecting on the event, ISW 2024 Congress President, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har, remarked, “The Centre’s convenience, accessibility, and seamless organisation were key to the success of the Congress. We were pleased to have had such a positive response from delegates, and it was a privilege to host the 50th ISW Congress in Malaysia.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the 50th ISW Congress has reinforced Malaysia’s reputation as a prime destination for international medical conferences. While the Congress is not expected to return to Malaysia for another 20 years due to its global rotation, the event has left a lasting legacy, showcasing The Centre’s ability to host large-scale, high-profile events with exceptional service and facilities.

Conclusion

The 50th ISW Congress at The Centre was a significant achievement, underscoring the venue’s capacity to deliver world-class events. From its strategic location to the outstanding catering and seamless event management, The Centre played a key role in the Congress's success. As Kuala Lumpur continues to position itself as a leading global destination for international conferences, The Centre remains committed to supporting and hosting world-class events that make a lasting impact.

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The 50th International Surgical Week (ISW) Congress – A Global Milestone at The Centre