Breaking Barriers, Building Hope in Psychiatry speaks to the essence of our work. Psychiatry has never been solely about diagnoses or prescriptions. It is about standing beside individuals at their most vulnerable moments, confronting stigma, and working within systems that are often imperfect. It is about continuing to care, even when the effort is unseen and the outcomes uncertain. In every consultation, every ward round, and every quiet exchange, we are reminded that healing extends beyond symptom reduction — it restores dignity, connection, and meaning.

The journey of the Malaysian psychiatric fraternity reflects this same spirit of perseverance. When the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) was formed in November 1976, following a meeting convened by Dr M. P. Deva at the Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Malaya, there were only about 25 psychiatrists serving the nation. With scarce resources and overcrowded hospitals, many people were forced to make tough decisions about their future. Yet some chose to remain, to build, to serve, and to believe in the possibility of change.

Nearly five decades later, Malaysia is served by more than 500 psychiatrists across an expanding range of subspecialties. This growth did not occur by chance. It was shaped by a steady commitment, collaboration, advocacy, and generations of professionals who remained devoted to their patients and to the discipline's development.

As we approach 50 years as an association, this conference becomes more than a scientific gathering. It is a moment to celebrate as well as pause and reflect on who we are and why we do this work. Hope in psychiatry is not an abstract ideal; it is cultivated through ethical practice, compassion, and the willingness to see the person beyond the diagnosis.

Breaking barriers means confronting stigma, silence, and fear. To build hope is to create spaces where suffering can be acknowledged and understood. Each of us carries this responsibility not only as clinicians but also as educators, leaders, and advocates.

As we gather in this shared spirit, may we draw strength from our history and renewed purpose from one another. With every patient we care for, every difficult conversation we hold, and every system we strive to improve, we shape the future of psychiatry - quietly and steadily. One patient, one voice, one act of care at a time.

We look forward to welcoming you this October at the Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine. This is the occasion to reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing mental health care and the work we do!.

30th MCPM 2026 Scientific Committee

Happy New Year and warm greetings from the MPA and the organising committee of the 30th Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) 2026. 2026 has arrived, and I am sending you my greetings and a reminder! We are pleased to invite you to join us on 23–25 October 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, for a landmark gathering.

The scientific committee of MCPM 2026 decided that the conference will carry the theme “Breaking Barriers: Building Hope.” This MCPM will bring together clinicians, researchers, and advocates at all levels committed to advancing mental health care, policy, and innovation. Your participation is vital to shaping the next chapter of psychological medicine in our country and the surrounding region. At the same time, you enjoy the vibrant eateries, cultural attractions, and city life around the city center. I am confident this will be an excellent gathering that enriches both your professional and social lives. See you there!

Warm regards,

Dr Mohd Fadzli Bin Mohamad Isa
President
Malaysian Psychiatric Association

This upcoming meeting marks a truly special milestone for all of us. It is the 30th Malaysian Conference of Psychological Medicine (MCPM) and our Pearl Jubilee celebration. For this landmark year, the Scientific Committee has thoughtfully selected the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Hope.”

The conference theme reflects both the journey of psychiatry in Malaysia and the work that still lies ahead.

Over the decades, our profession has had to confront and dismantle many barriers: stigma surrounding mental illness, limited access to care, cultural misconceptions, service gaps, and the divide between physical and mental health. As psychiatrists and mental health professionals, we have worked tirelessly to break these barriers through advocacy, education, research, policy engagement, and compassionate clinical practice.

At the same time, building hope has always been at the heart of our work. Hope for recovery, dignity, inclusion, and meaningful lives for the people we serve. Hope for families, caregivers, and communities navigating mental health challenges. Hope for a healthcare system that continues to evolve, becoming more inclusive, evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred.

This theme also speaks to the present and future of psychiatry. As we face emerging challenges such as rising mental health needs, workforce pressures, digital transformation, ethical complexities, and generational change, we are called to break new barriers: between disciplines, sectors, generations, and ways of thinking. In doing so, we build hope not only for our patients, but also for ourselves as professionals and for the sustainability of mental healthcare in Malaysia.

In the spirit of our 30th MCPM and Pearl Jubilee, “Breaking Barriers, Building Hope” honours our past, grounds us in the present, and inspires us to move forward together, with courage, collaboration, and renewed purpose.

As we celebrate this Pearl Jubilee, we warmly invite you to continue supporting and participating. Your presence, contributions, and engagement truly mean a great deal to all of us, and together, we look forward to building hope for future generations.

Warm regards,

Dr Ng Chong Guan
President-Elect,
Malaysian Psychiatric Association