Malaysia association launches arthritis awareness campaign

The Malaysian Orthopaedic Association (MOA), the oldest and largest fraternity of orthopaedic surgeons in Malaysia, has launched the Live to Move 2023 fundraising event around Penang Island on 14 June 2023. The event, supported by the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), aims to raise funds and awareness for arthritis, a debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The Live to Move 2023 fundraising ride will kick off from the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, embarking on a 90km cycling journey around the scenic Penang Island. This initiative not only supports a worthy cause but also promotes cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice. “We extend a warm welcome to all conference delegates and the cyclists participating in the Live to Move 2023 fund-raising event,” said The Hon. Yeoh Soon Hin Penang, state exco for tourism and creative economy, Penang. He added that, “by enabling the elderly to stay healthy, engaged, and connected, we foster a society that values and cherishes the contributions of every generation.” Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM), a leading advocate for the rights and well-being of the arthritis community, is actively supporting this event. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of the PCEB, highlighted the significance of this event, stating: “Penang has been making concerted efforts to escalate the business events industry within the state, especially the medical field. To date, the medical conferences have yielded close to RM285m (US$61.6m) with a total of 40,653 delegates.” He added: “Medical conferences, such as this 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting, play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare knowledge and fostering innovation. They provide a platform for experts to exchange ideas, present groundbreaking research, and discuss the latest developments in medical practices.” The Live to Move 2023 fundraising cycling event provides a chance for individuals to back a worthy cause, make a contribution towards arthritis research and education, and also enjoy the scenic atmosphere of Penang.