KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The 28th Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) Congress took place from November 8 – 12, 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Hosted by the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), the Congress had the theme “Pharmacist Building a Better Health Systems,” which highlighted the crucial role of pharmacists in improving healthcare systems. It was the first FAPA Congress to be held simultaneously onsite and virtually – a testament to how FAPA as an organization has adapted to the changing times. The Congress brought together pharmaceutical professionals from across Asia and beyond to share their knowledge and expertise on innovative pharmaceutical solutions for a resilient and sustainable healthcare system.

The event commenced with welcome speeches from Mr. Jack Shen Lim, head of the congress organizing committee, Mr. Amrahi Buang, president of MPS, and Dr. Yolanda Robles, FAPA president. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Harjeet Singh A/L Hardev Singh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, who gave an opening speech and officially opened the congress. YBrs. Puan Norhaliza Binti A. Halim, Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Service of the Ministry of Health Malaysia was also present as an honored guest.

A new member association of FAPA, the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations (FTPA)  was officially introduced during the opening ceremony. Distinguished pharmacists from FAPA member associations were also recognized through an awarding ceremony on the first day of the Congress. The FAPA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dr. Soo-Ja Nam of South Korea, while the Ishidate Awards for the different pharmacy areas was awarded to the following: Mr. Chin-Shun Huang from Taiwan (Community Pharmacy), Ms. Hazel Faye Ricaforte-Docuyanan from Philippines (Hospital Pharmacy), Dr. Noppadon Adjimatera from Thailand (Pharmaceutical Industry), Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rashid from Bangladesh (Pharmaceutical Research), and Dr. T.V. Narayana from India (Pharmacy Education).

Throughout the five-day event, attendees participated in various sessions covering topics on the healthcare workforce, drug development, disease management, self-care, digital systems, medication safety, and more. The keynote lecture on “Better Health Systems through Better Workforce Development” was delivered by Prof. Ian Bates, Director for professional postgraduate, University College London School of Pharmacy. FAPA Ishidate Awardees also shared their expertise through symposia related to their area of practice.

Oral and poster presentations submitted by researchers from the seven sections of FAPA were showcased virtually through an online platform which allowed both onsite and virtual participants to engage with the speakers. The exhibition was also a key feature of the Congress, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore the latest pharmaceutical products and services from companies and organizations around the world. 

The Congress also provided opportunities for participants to network and explore potential collaborations and partnerships. The FAPA-NPC Gala dinner, with the theme “The Crazy Rich Asians”, showcased cultural presentations from participating Asian countries. 

During the closing ceremony, the outgoing 15th FAPA Bureau was awarded for their contributions to FAPA, and a medal of recognition in honor of the late FAPA president Mr. Mohamad Dani Pratomo was received by his spouse and family. Newly elected members of the 16th FAPA Bureau and Section Chairpersons also took their oath, led by President Yolanda Robles who will continue her term. In her inauguration speech, Dr. Robles expressed her commitment to continuing the work for FAPA to become stronger and better as a united organization in its mission to improve healthcare systems in Asia and beyond. The ceremony ended with the turnover of the FAPA flag from MPS to FTPA, who is set to host the next Congress in 2023.

Overall, the Congress provided pharmacist attendees with new knowledge, insights, and strengthened networks that can help drive positive change in healthcare systems. We look forward to the 29th FAPA Congress in Taiwan in 2023.