HPB Voices Reloaded
May-June 2006
It gives me great pleasure to share with you the conference my nurses and I attended at the 11th joint Malaysia – Singapore International Nursing Conference on the 9th & 10th March 2006 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
The 2-day conference comprised plenary sessions, concurrent speakers and display booths. It was an excellent opportunity for nurses to share best practices, enhance knowledge, skills & leadership qualities and keep abreast of progress and development. It was also an eye opener for me to Sabah‘s rich cultural heritage and its natural attractions
The theme for this conference was “Big, Bold & Beautiful”
BIG - highlighted the important role of nursing & how the large number of nurses contributed to the achievement of health to the nation.
BOLD– nurses of today are empowered to boldly face the multitude of challenges in the health system
BEAUTIFUL – nurses have responded to their call of duty to make the profession attractive and thus enhance the role of nursing in the health system.
I was particularly motivated and inspired by Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. Nairimah Awin’s speech on empowerment. She said that the changing paradigm has moved the focus of leadership from “power “to “empowerment “. Leaders & senior management now have to learn how to ‘Let go”.
She said that those being led must learn to be “more responsive” than “responsible”.Thus empowerment can be seen from two angles: someone having power to influence & someone given power to be more responsive & responsible to move forward.
Apart from soaking in the natural charm of the mountainous and majestic view of Kota Kinabalu, I have fostered camaderie, renewed alliances and gained much knowledge from the conference.
I sincerely thank the Board and Ms Chor Swee Suet for giving me this opportunity to expand my nursing arena.
Below are some of our memories captured on slides.
Two of our nurses posed for a good shot.
Display Booths showing state-of–the-art patient beds.
The gala nite welcome dance.
Our nurses & the gala nite dancers.
At the Hot Springs – boy, the water was hot!
Visit to the Health Clinic at Kundasang – so much greenery, so much peace!