The glistering island city of Singapore has finally played host to one of the largest pharmaceutical congresses in the world – the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Association Congress 2008 (FAPA2008).

Following years of preparation, the last moments have finally dawned upon PSS to deliver a sterling FAPA Congress held for first time ever in Singapore. The PSS team led by Dr. Camilla Wong has been working flat out to ensure that an immaculate event was showcased to the world.

With an impressive statistics about 20 symposia, more than 60 speakers from various educational/research institutions, WHO, regulatory agencies (HSA, NPCB, Thai FDA, HK DOH, Taiwan DOH, Brunei MOH), WHO, INTERPOL etc., 1,098 delegates from 25 different countries, it has been, in the President of FAPA Dr. Soo Ja Nam’s word “…the most successful FAPA Congress so far…”.

The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Health. Mr. Hawazi has kindly accepted our invitation despite his packed schedule for the evening for other consecutive engagement. But the PSS and FAPA leaders were able to spend some time to have a short  business  discussion. Emcee for the opening ceremony was our PSS Council Member – Gail Chang who has also been a key member of the Congress organizing committee.

Short business meeting with GOH

Our very own MC for the evening - Gail Chang.

The opening ceremony kicked off with a performance by a group of children with disability to prove and remind us that disability is no impediment to lead a normal and productive life.

As a tradition, all the FAPA Bureau members were presented to the ceremony on stage before speeches by the PSS and FAPA President, followed by the guest of honour.

FAPA Bureau Members presented to the ceremony.

Clockwise from top left: FAPA President, PSS President, Organising Chair & GOH.

Upon the fanfare-fill, high-tech digital official opening, FAPA’s Ishidate Awards were handed out to outstanding pharmacists in Asia for their contribution in different sections of the pharmacy practice. Dr. Camilla Wong won the very first Ishidate Award for Singapore in the Hospital Pharmacy category. Congratulations Camilla for making history for Singapore!

FAPA's Ishidate Awards - Dr. Camilla Wong among other recipients.

During the ceremony, FAPA which has hitherto been an organisation for member organistions from 13 Asian countries, welcomed 3 more new national associations from Laos, Mongolia and Nepal into the growing family of Asian pharmacists fraternity. Each of them received the membership certificate to officially become the latest members of the FAPA.

New FAPA Member Associations from Laos, Mongolia & Nepal.

Next, the award ceremony switched to recognition of our local pharmacists. Two students received their PSS Overseas Study Awards.

Student Award - Michelle Lim

Student Award - Selena Teng

The outstanding pharmacists in community, hospital and industry sectors were recognized. These honours were presented to Ms. Casandra Chang; Ms. Doreen Tan and Mrs. Christina Lam respectively.

PSS Community Pharmacist Award - Casandra Chang

PSS-Shire Hospital Pharmacist Award - Doreen Tan

The highest award conferred by PSS annually was the Professor Lucy Wan Outstanding Pharmacist Award which was present to our PSS Past President, Mr. Ng Cheng Tiang.

Prof. Lucy Wan Oustanding Pharmacist Award - Ng Cheng Tiang with Prof. Wan

To all our Singapore award recipients – congratulations and hope you all continue to contribute to the progression of pharmacy   professions in Singapore and the region.

Keynote speaker, Joe Bertino.

The opening night of FAPA2008 got into serious note with a keynote lecture by guest speaker from USA. This carries a CPE point and obviously it’s important enough for Singapore pharmacists to attend.

Dinner time!

Food & network...

The opening ceremony was marked by the even more serious activity – ie. dinner! Close to 700 people attending the opening ceremony with invited guests from various organizations and stakeholders. It has been an excellent avenue to “food and friendship”.

More networking.

The supportive exhibitors and sponsors were all around to greet and meet the delegates from various places in this very important event in the PSS calendar for 2008. Part II of the FAPA2008 update will follow in the next issue of eBulletin. Meanwhile, if you have any news, comments or feedback, please send them over to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . We like to hear from you.

PSS Bureau with Camilla & WHO representative.

**********