Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honoured guests,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you to the 29th Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM), to be held from the 24th to the 26th of October 2025 at the prestigious InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This year’s theme, “Millennials in Psychiatry: Bridging Past to the Future,” encapsulates our commitment to honouring the rich heritage of our field while embracing the limitless possibilities of the future.

As MPA President, I extend my warmest invitation to all mental health practitioners to join us in this transformative gathering. This conference is more than a meeting of minds; it is a celebration of the collective progress we’ve made and a launching pad for the breakthroughs yet to come.

One of MPA’s aim for this year’s conference is to bridge the gap between experienced practitioners and the younger generation of psychiatrists and mental health professionals. It is through meaningful collaboration that we can ensure the continued evolution and impact of our profession. The wisdom of the past, embodied by our seasoned professionals, provides invaluable insights, while the fresh perspectives, creativities and innovative ideas of millennials inject new energy into our field.

To the psychiatric trainees, young psychiatrists and mental health practitioners attending this conference, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to showcase your ideas, projects, and research. This platform is yours to inspire, challenge, and push the boundaries of psychiatric practice. Your voices are critical in shaping the future of mental health care, and we eagerly await the contributions you will bring.

Equally, the mentorship and leadership of experienced psychiatrists remain the cornerstone of our community. By guiding and empowering the next generation, you ensure that the legacy of excellence continues. Let this conference serve as a reminder that glorifying the past is not at odds with embracing the future. Rather, it is a celebration of our collective journey, acknowledging the strides we have made while maintaining optimism and adventurousness as we look ahead.

As we gather for these three days of learning, sharing, and connecting, I urge each of you to take full advantage of the opportunities this event offers. Engage with colleagues, explore new ideas, and foster partnerships that will strengthen our community and elevate our practice. Together, let us bridge the gap between the past and the future, building a foundation for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

On behalf of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association, I thank you for your support. May this conference be an awe-inspiring and transformative experience for all.

Warm regards,

Dr. Mohd Fadzli Mohamad Isa

President,

Malaysian Psychiatric Association

Honoured and esteemed colleagues and dear friends,

This will be my first year in a new role on the MPA committee. With such a significant leadership position, my colleagues and I are determined to continue the tradition of holding the association’s annual conference. I know the members always look forward to the yearly MCPM.

Psychiatry, like the world around us, is evolving at an unprecedented pace. How we understand mental health, the tools we use, and the expectations placed upon us as clinicians, researchers, and advocates have shifted dramatically.

The scientific committee has meticulously chosen the conference theme, 'Millennials in Psychiatry: Bridging Past to the Future.' This theme encapsulates the dynamic evolution of psychiatry and the pivotal role of younger generations in shaping its future. Millennials, who are now leading the charge in our field, are uniquely positioned to navigate these changes. We, as digital natives, have been shaped by rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and a growing awareness of mental health’s profound impact on society.

The theme reflects the changing face of our profession and our collective responsibility to carry forward the wisdom of the past while shaping a more comprehensive, innovative, and adaptable future. This evolution does not mean leaving behind the foundations laid by those who came before us. Instead, it is about bridging—integrating the rich legacy of psychiatric knowledge with emerging trends in neuroscience, therapy, digital health, and policy. It fosters mentorship, ensures that wisdom and experience are passed down, and empowers new voices to challenge norms and innovate.

This conference is an exciting opportunity for us to come together—to learn from each other, engage in meaningful dialogue, and inspire the next steps in psychiatric care. Our speakers and sessions will explore how we can embrace technology, redefine training and education, and advocate for a future where mental health care is accessible, evidence-based, and person-centred. The potential for learning and growth at this conference is immense, and I encourage you to make the most of it.

As of last year, we are calling for abstract submissions for the symposium and e-poster presentations. This will be an exciting opportunity for mental health professionals to showcase their work and contribution to the mental health scene in the country. The committee will look at ways to make these presentations impactful and visible to all. This year we plan to organise workshops before the conference begins.

As we embark on this journey, let us remember that progress is built on collaboration. Whether we are early-career psychiatrists or seasoned experts, each of us plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our profession. Let this conference be a platform for fresh ideas, challenging discussions, and, most importantly, strengthening the bonds that unite us as a psychiatric community.

Thank you all for being here, for your unwavering dedication to the field, and for your steadfast commitment to mental health. With your presence, I am confident that we will have an inspiring and productive conference ahead.

Warm regards,

Dr. Ng Chong Guan

President-Elect,

Malaysian Psychiatric Association