By Gerald Fung (Phase I medical student)
The East Asian Medical Students’ Conference (EAMSC) is an annual event hosted by the Asian Medical Student’s Association (International). This year, I was greatly thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the 28th EAMSC held in Tangerang, West Jakarta, Indonesia from 10 to 15 January 2015.
With the main theme on Sexually Transmitted Infections – “Halt the Disease, Help the People”, the conference commenced with keynote lectures by international speakers from the World Health Organization who gave an informative overview of the epidemiology and global issues of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), together with the ways we could approach this growing problem. This was followed by various academic workshops which provided us with insightful hands-on experiences.
One of the highlights of the conference was the academic competition where delegates from different chapters shared about health, epidemiology and discussed possible solutions to deal with the expounding health problems related to STIs. Through hard work and dedication, the Singapore team managed to come in Third Place for both the academic paper and public poster competition.
My favourite activities from the conference were the International Booths and the Cultural Night events where we were given a chance to taste the traditional food and enjoy unique and well-choreographed performances by the different nations. Dressed in red and white, we shared some of our famous mouth-watering local delicacies such as pineapple tarts, love letters, kachang puteh and popular Tiger Beer with the other delegates. It was a good time of mingling and making new friends while learning more about the stories behind the common food in their countries and the delicious delicacies – a true reflection of the diverse cultures brought together in this very conference.
Despite having returned to Singapore to prepare for the new semester, I am often reminded of the wonderful times we had back at the conference when I look back at pictures of the conference. It was truly an illuminating experience to meet a coalition of medical students from all around the region with diverse cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds. The whole experience was a truly fulfilling and meaningful one; from having gained valuable medical knowledge and skills applicable to Singapore’s healthcare landscape, to creating fond memories and priceless friendships.
Gerald (second row, third from the left) with his fellow conference group mates from different regional countries.