PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2020
Dear MMS Members,
Due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented lockdown, the 23rd Malaysian Menopause Society (MMS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was postponed from 19th April 2020.
Despite the situation surrounding Covid-19, we are grateful for the support of more than 50 MMS members who attended our AGM, held at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel on 30th August 2020 (Sunday) from 10am to 2pm. The usual standard operating procedures (SOP) involving checking-in through MySejarah, social distancing, temperature taking, and sanitizers were organized by Eleen Ong – who is also the Organizing Chairperson for the AGM. All participants wore masks and followed the SOP set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
Many participants arrived early for registration and enjoyed a light packed breakfast. The event started with an hour talk, given by octogenarian Mrs Jagjeet Singh. She shared on the content of her new book, “My 7 secrets of staying young – Mrs J’s Jewels of Wisdom”. These 7 secrets includes taking initiative in boosting the brain, strengthening will power, having an active lifestyle, being sociable, reaching out, staying connected, investing into fuel for our body, nurturing healthy lasting love relationships, being creative at every available opportunity, learning to squash stress, contributing towards an intense desire, passion and purpose.
This was followed by the MMS 23rd AGM which began with a recap of the minutes of the last AGM. It was accepted unanimously without any amendments. Subsequently, the President’s Report was presented, followed by Ms Eleen Ong who presented the Honorary Secretary’s Report. The attendance for EXCO meetings was 100% throughout the year with excellent team spirit. Well done EXCOs! The total number of members were 893, comprising 864 life members and only 29 annual members.
Following that, Mr Goh Boon Kok presented the Honorary Treasurer’s Report as well as 2019’s Financial Report. After many hours of meticulous preparation by our trustworthy Mr Goh, the financial report was very detailed and professionally done. It was therefore accepted without any query by the members. The income for the year 2019 was RM68,954.00, and therefore the total MMS fund increased to RM528,380.00.
Assoc. Professor Dr Ng Beng Kwang, the Vice President of MMS and Chairman of CME events, then presented the MMS National Roadshow 2019 report, followed by the Malaysian International Conference on Menopause (MICOM) report. The 4 roadshows held in Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Malacca, and Kuching had encouraging attendance. MICOM was held in Putrajaya, attended by 430 medical professionals and sponsored by a total of 17 companies. The roadshow brought in an income of RM28,356.00 and the earning from MICOM was RM59,999.00.
The Organizing Chairperson of Hiking Expedition, Ms Lim Ai Loon, presented the MMS Inaugural Hiking Expedition report. She also shared about the details of the climb and the Sun Sui station at Ah Pek Hill in Cheras. Then I presented the World Menopause Day report and the Fellowship event report. The discussion went smoothly due to the members’ cooperation and understanding. The AGM drew to a close with a scrumptious lunch at The Resort Café of the hotel.
It was a treat for the participants when Richie (husband of MMS Life Member Inna Hue) volunteered as the photographer of the event. With his professional camera, he took many stunning photos of the participants throughout the event. With his skill, he captured the beauty and the youth of our participants. You can view these lovely photos on MMS’ Facebook and website. Thank you so much Richie for your contribution to MMS!
Word Menopause Day 2020 was supposed to be held this October, but it will be cancelled in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We want our members to stay safe and healthy. The MMS programs will resume when it is safer to do so. For the time being, take care and stay safe till we meet again!
With appreciation,
Dr Ho Choon Moy FRCOG
President of MMS & WMD Organizing Chairperson