MAPS Scientific Meeting & 16th AGM 2026
Petaling Jaya, 18 April 2026 — The Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery (MAPS) successfully hosted its Scientific Meeting and 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, bringing together paediatric surgeons, trainees, and allied healthcare professionals from across the country at the SunMed Convention Centre.
The meeting was preceded by two pre-conference workshops held on 17 April 2026, aimed at enhancing practical skills and interdisciplinary collaboration. A bowel management workshop took place at the University Malaya Medical Centre, attended by surgeons, medical officers, and nurses. Supported by the Singapore-Malaysia collaborative network, the workshop covered foundational theories of bowel management, followed by a hands-on session where nurses were trained in performing rectal washouts.
Concurrently, an endoscopy workshop was conducted at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. The session was facilitated by a multidisciplinary team comprising upper gastrointestinal surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and gastroenterologists, with support from Pentax Medical and Somnotec.
The main scientific meeting on 18 April 2026 centered on the theme “Colorectal Issues in Children,” with a strong focus on conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bowel management strategies, and complications arising from pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease and anorectal malformations. The programme featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including paediatric gastroenterologists, adult colorectal surgeons, dietitians, and paediatric surgeons.
The scientific sessions began with updates on IBD, followed by discussions on bowel management. A multidisciplinary forum further explored key challenges in patient care, including referral pathways and the transition of care from paediatric to adult services, highlighting the importance of coordinated, patient-centered approaches.
The meeting also showcased clinical research presentations in both oral and poster categories, reflecting ongoing advancements in paediatric surgical practice. Three awards were presented in each category in recognition of outstanding contributions.
In the evening, the MAPS Annual General Meeting was convened, where members reviewed reports on past activities and developments within the association. The session also included the election of new executive committee (EXCO) members for the upcoming term.
The event concluded on a celebratory note with a dinner accompanied by a live band, providing an opportunity for members to unwind and strengthen professional camaraderie.
MAPS expressed its appreciation to all speakers, participants, sponsors, and organizing teams for their contributions to a successful and engaging meeting. The Scientific Meeting and AGM 2026 not only highlighted current challenges and innovations in paediatric colorectal care but also reinforced the commitment of the community to advancing paediatric surgical services in Malaysia.
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