2019

asian medical students’ conference

asian medical students’

conference 2019
singapore 30 june - 7 july
 what is amsc?
Heads’ Address 3 Introduction 6
Our Singapore 7 The Theme 9

what’s cool?
Activity Highlights 11 Schedule 13
Hot Attractions 14 Living Here 17

count me in!
Registration 18 Contact Us 18
Travel Information 19 Packing List 19
 head’s address
Dear leaders of tomorrow,

On behalf of AMSA Singapore, it is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 40th AMSC (Asian Medical
Students’ Conference) held in the Garden City of Singapore!

This will be Singapore's 4th time organizing an AMSA conference, so rest assured you'll be in good hands.
The theme for this year's conference is "Healthcare without Borders: the Problem of Access".
We hope that each and every one of you will come forth and share your stories: what is healthcare
like back in your countries? What are some of the challenges and weaknesses? Most importantly,
how can we find a solution to it? Young people are indeed the hope of tomorrow, and we hope to
effect positive change to the healthcare landscape by raising awareness and generating opinions
from all of you bright minds!

As a multi-racial society, Singapore is home to a multitude of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. You will get
to experience this diversity as you stroll along our streets and witness our various festivities,
traditions, and practices! Also, you will get to enjoy our rich array of food from various communities.

Singapore is truly the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it is deeply rooted in tradition, but at
the same time, Singapore is an efficient, modern metropolis. We boast a comprehensive public
transportation system, squeaky clean streets, and cityscapes which will take your breath away.

In short, we hope to see you on our Sunny Island! Let's tap on this opportunity to meet like-minded
passionate people from all over the world. Let’s build everlasting friendships and partnerships, and
further perpetuate the AMSA spirit.

Yours truly,

Jasmine Chua
Organizing Chairperson of AMSC 2019

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 head’s address
Dear leaders of tomorrow,

It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to Singapore. Over the past few years, we have watched
ideas grow and develop over several Asian Medical Student Association conferences, addressing various
issues which ultimately point towards a single goal: to serve the people and make an impact.
This year, let us take a step back and look at health from a broad perspective . The conference line-up will
comprise experiential trails, practicum, and interaction with respected professionals in the local
medical field. We have an exciting year ahead to bring you the best experience we can offer.

During the conference, we will be looking at three aspects of health. Firstly, we will look at global health,
which involves addressing sustainable development goals that we medical students have a part to play in.
Following that, we will immerse ourselves in community health, experiencing the heart of medicine alongside
people from various walks of life. Lastly, we will explore the responsibility individuals have towards governing
their own health. Above all, we hope to better understand the importance of accessibility to healthcare
through these experiences.

Delving deeper, we see that each country has its unique set of challenges. So for your own country,
I would like to pose each of you a few questions. Healthcare sustainability and accessibility go hand in hand.
Neither can be neglected. Massive medical wastage and energy consumption is prevalent worldwide.
What can we do to effect organisational change and instill a culture of social responsibility in our
hospitals? Besides the environmental impact, we are plagued with the economic issue of rising healthcare
costs. If we do not act soon, it is only a matter of time before vulnerable populations are excluded from
affordable quality healthcare. Thinking of the demographics of your nation and public policies
at home, we need to come together to discuss the underlying motivations in the ways universal or
wide-reaching healthcare coverage is administered. More importantly, as income gaps become larger,
access to quality healthcare for the lower income groups may be jeopardised. Furthermore, social
barriers exist in our community, especially for marginalised populations. Healthcare outreach may have
improved over the years, but what more can be done?

Four years ago, the leaders of our world promised a bold change at the 2015 United Nations General
Assembly – to achieve seventeen sustainable development goals by 2030. Four years have passed, and we
still have quite some ways to go before actualising them. Four years from now, let us hope that the
young minds will step up and be part of the movement to harness change.

Let this conference be a start. Let us be part of the challenge.

I formally welcome you to AMSC 2019 Singapore:

Healthcare without Borders - The Problem of Access.

See you soon,

Luo Yang Caleb

Organizing Vice-Chairperson of AMSC 2019

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 our committee
Administrative Committee

Lee Pei Yu Jasmine Chua Luo Yang Caleb Cheryl Kow

General Secretariat Organising Chairperson Vice Chairperson Honorary Treasurer

Programmes Directorate Outreach Directorate

Anuja Bhave Beth Jacob-Chow Caitlin Ng Xiong Zhong Hui

Academics Director Culture Director Social Director Sponsorship Director

Resources Directorate

Foon Xiang Lin Walter Lam Lai Kah Wai Lee Bing Qian
Logistics Director Accommodations Director Manpower Director Marketing Director

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 introduction

We warmly welcome one and all to Singapore for the 40th Asian
Medical Students’ Conference! We are very grateful to have the honour
of hosting this prestigious event. As with every year, we
hope to keep the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange
burning bright as a beacon of excellence and opportunity to
medical students everywhere.

This year, we have planned for you a vibrant mix of activities,

melding the academic, the social and the cultural all into one

who are we?

Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Singapore is an independent organisation that
represents medical students across Singapore, both locally and internationally. Our organisation
strives to create meaningful and enriching opportunities for medicals students. We hope to
provide a holistic and global perspective of health-related issues, in doing so inspiring the next
generation of young doctors to make a positive difference in our society.

Creating Opportunities
Participating in international conferences and exchange programmes
Contributing to the research efforts of healthcare organisations all around the world
Gaining exposure to global challenges and efforts in the global healthcare sector

Empowering Individuals
To promote meaningful discussion on global health issues
Sharing of useful resources to inspire the generations of medical students
Evolving ideas into initiatives with a positive impact on the world

Networking & Liaison

To serve as a platform for local medical students to meet other medical students
across schools and countries, including project managers and global activists
To facilitate meaningful partnerships between the medical student community and
international organisations in the areas of public health and medical education

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 our singapore
Singapore is a tiny yet vibrant country nestled in the heart of Southeast
Asia. Since gaining independence in 1965, Singapore has transformed
from a humble fishing village into a bustling metropolis known for its
flora and fauna, and economic powerhouse with a lively and dynamic
culture.

Our local heritage forms the core of our identity – we thrive on diversity
and multiracialism, all under one Singaporean flag. Proud proponents
of our melting pot culture with a uniquely Singaporean flavour, our
social fabric comprises people of all races and background, and
this is apparent in every aspect of life in our fine city. In hawker centres,
you can find Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, Western and many
more cuisines all within one food court. Our celebration of diversity
extends to religion, where churches, mosques and temples can be
easily found in every community and country-wide celebrations
of religious holidays take place. We even embrace variety when it
comes to flora and fauna, as there is no shortage of greenery to
be found in what has come to be known as ‘Singapore, the Garden
City’. Singapore’s culture is not just a sight to behold, but an experience
of a lifetime.

why we’re weird

We call strangers ‘uncle’ and ‘auntie’ as a sign of respect.

We reserve or ‘chope’ tables at hawker centres using tissue

packets, water bottles, or anything we can find.

We absolutely love queueing up for things. See a long

queue? Probably means there’s something worth we are here!
queueing for, whether its good food or a cheap sale!

We are horrified by reserved seats. These are seats on our public

transport reserved for more needy passengers, such as the disabled
and the elderly, and we avoid them like the plague.

Don’t tip servers! Singaporean restaurants already charge a service tax

for employees. If you leave some extra cash for your servers,
don’t be surprised if they try to return you the change.

Keep to your left on escalators! The right is for overtaking.

Take a look around you before you take a puff! Smoking is prohibited in
most public areas, on bridges, hospital outdoor compounds and
even within 5 metres of a bus stop.

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 our singapore
Singapore is a technology-based metropolis set in the
heart of the most vibrant expansion of ideas, culture,
liberal arts and technology in Asia. By marrying
technology with a medical system known for its
rigour, efficiency and preventive approach, we have
set a exemplary model of healthcare matched by
few of our counterparts. Our focus is to empower
communities and the individual to take control of
their own health, and this has served as inspiration
for us to think differently about some of the problems
that face us in healthcare today.

Despite our small size, Singapore has a lot to offer,

and we hope that you are able to get the full
experience in your time here. We are excited to show
you the sights, sounds and inner workings of our
beautiful city as we strive to innovate and pioneer
quick facts bold new ideas in healthcare.

Population: 5.8 million

Timezone: GMT +8
$ Currency: Singapore dollar (1 SGD = 0.73 USD)
Languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil,
and our local mix of Singlish!
Weather: Sunny, hot and humid, from 28-33oC
Bring your sunny wear!

singlish the basics

- added at the end of a sentence for emphasis. “No worries lah!”
- adjective or exclamation meaning fantastic. “Shiok lah! There’s aircon here!”
- shy or embarrassed, sometimes used as an apology. “Paiseh, that was my bad.”
- an exclamation, meaning ‘you didn’t invite me’. “Go buy bubble tea, bojio!”
- adjective or exclamation meaning boring or tiresome. “Sian, still so much to do.”
- afraid of losing out. “She’s very kiasu, finished reading all the textbooks already.”
- to takeaway, used when ordering food. “Auntie, one chicken rice, dabao.”
- to reserve, especially a seat. “You go order food first, we chope table.”

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 the theme
Access to healthcare is absolutely crucial. And yet worldwide, people are facing huge barriers to the
quality healthcare they deserve. These barriers are physical, social, financial, psychological and
political. There are so many angles from which to approach this issue. That is why we have
chosen this complex problem as our theme, as
we hope to bring these issues to light, at
the international, community and personal healthcare without borders:
level. Through this conference, we will discuss
these issues, showcasing some of Singapore’s
the problem of access
current efforts as case studies, and hence
explore novel solutions to move forward, in the
context of Singapore and in your own home
countries.

global community personal

health health health

The theme of access runs through Singapore’s

policies, from the global perspective down to
the community and to the personal.
On the global stage, Singapore pours millions
of dollars into providing foreign aid. We support
many international networks large and small,
such as the esteemed Singapore Red Cross
and Mercy Relief organisations. These efforts
aim to lift children and families around Asia out
of poor hygiene and rampant disease. The
quality healthcare which they provide comes in
many forms - vaccinations, mobile hospitals,
transport solutions, education and numerous
other innovations. However, more so than
foreign aid, effective global policy-making at the
level of the World Health Organisation, is key
to finding a permanent solution. As a member
of the Executive Board during the 2006 World
Health Assembly, Singapore strives to share
its policy-making experiences, as well as to
invest in healthcare systems worldwide. In
this conference, we intend to explore what
affects global health, from basic needs such
as sanitation to complex goals like the
Sustainable Development Goals, many of which
have a direct impact on our health.

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 the theme
At the community level, Singapore aggressively pushes to decentralise healthcare, from hospitals to more
regional institutions. These include polyclinics, family physician clinics, community hospitals and
home-based care programmes, which will serve as an easily accessible network of integrated health
hubs in each and every neighbourhood. We also hope to extend healthcare beyond
the clinic, into daily life. This means educating the public, as well as making healthy food and retail
options more affordable and more convenient. Kampung Admiralty is a prime example. This
regional hub runs specialist outpatient clinics, affliliated with distant hospitals, while nestled in a
heartland of lush exercise parks, elderly-friendly studio apartments and healthy hawker centres.
Healthcare is integrated seamlessly into the community. This creates a friendly, communal
enviroment where healthcare is not
just widely accessible, but even
inviting for our rapidly
aging population.

In the personal health arena, Singapore aims to empower

the individual to take control of their own health. Financial
schemes, such as our national health insurance plan
(MediCare), and healthcare savings account (the Central
Provident Fund), serve to negate hikes in healthcare costs.
A strong allied healthcare network of doctors, nurses,
social workers, pharmacists, dentists and therapists also
allows for more patient-centric care. Each patient is
empowered to set and accomplish their own personal
healthcare goals. This interprofessional approach, is
exemplified by our very own Trigenerational Homecare @
Northwest community project, which aims to deliver
home-based, holistic care for elderly patients, in a way
that promotes self-reliance and independence.

Now its your turn. What is being done in your home country
now? What more can still be done? According to the WHO,
in 2015, 400 million people lacked access to essential
healthcare. With this conference, we hope to start the
conversation, and provide you with a problem-solving
platform to begin tackling this issue. We are very excited
to share with you the future of healthcare.

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 activity highlights

welcome dinner
Held on the first night of the conference, a
sumptuous dinner will be waiting for you for your
first meal in Singapore! Interposed with
a welcome address, table games and
performances, the evening will be an ideal
opportunity for you to mingle with your group
- who will stick with you for the upcoming
week!

cultural night
What better way to commemorate our time together than our unforgettable farewell
dinner which celebrates every culture and community? Join us as we enjoy
quintessentially Singaporean cuisine and enjoy special performances by
all of you, not to mention, a surprise event to bring the fun
for everyone! We guarantee a night of fun
and games, delicious food and
culture galore!

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 activity highlights
academic competitions
We invite you to share your academic insights and unique
experiences with us in our series of academic competitions!
Enjoy scientific research? Share your work with us, in the form
of a paper or as a poster. Passionate about policy-making?
Demonstrate your prowess in a white paper and a creative
video. Participate with us, for the opportunity to have your
work recognised by students and distinguished professionals,
and stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

scientific paper
Embark on a scientific research project revolving around our theme of Healthcare without
Borders: The Problem of Access, and stand a chance to present your paper before a
distinguished panel of judges at AMSC 2019!

scientific poster
Seize this unique opportunity to present your research findings in a poster format to medical
students and professionals at our poster exhibition! Shortlisted teams will have the chance
to present to our panel of judges at AMSC 2019.

white paper & video

Submit a white paper showcasing an existing problems with access to healthcare in your
society, including current policies and your own with innovative solutions. Then, blow us away
with your creativity and showmanship in the accompanying video!

submissions & format

Please refer to the academic booklet for the submission requirements for each category, and
please take note of the following important dates (submission deadline in GMT+8):

submission 10/05/19 shortlisting 10/06/19 judging 05/07/19

All submissions are to be sent to us via email at: amsc2019sgacad@gmail.com

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 schedule
30/06 01/07 02/07 03/07
Community Health
Theme Talk
morning

International Health
Arrival & Registration Opening Ceremony
Theme Talk/Workshop
Community Health
Screening Workshops
afternoon

Keynote Address Amazing Race @ Community Engagement

Country Meeting
& Lecture Series MacRitchie Reservoir @ Old Folks’ Home
evening

Welcome Dinner Sightseeing Cultural Workshops Cultural Exhibition

04/07 05/07 06/07 07/07

Individual Health
Theme Talk
morning

Academic Check-out
Closing Ceremony
Competitions & Departure
3Ms of Healthcare
MMMonopoly Game
afternoon

Individual Health Academic

Sightseeing
Theme Talk Competitions
evening

Sightseeing Cultural Night Sightseeing

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 hot attractions
the esplanade
Originally named after its neighbouring Esplanade Park, one of the oldest public parks in Singa-
pore, this iconic 60,000-square-metre Performing Arts centre is affectionately dubbed ‘The
Durian’ by locals due to its spiky architectural exterior. Having been in the works since
the 1970s, the Esplanade was set up as a hub where Singaporeans can engage with and
be inspired by the local arts and culture scene. Since opening its doors in 2002, the
Esplanade has revolutionised the Arts in Singapore and grown into a bustling hub for
shopping, dining and entertainment. The venue showcases a range of performances all year
round, from free shows held by the bay, to yearly festivals such as Baybeats, da:ns
festival, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, and many more.

merlion park
Catch a glimpse of Singapore’s most majestic icon, the
Merlion, a mythical creature that’s half-fish and half-lion.
The Merlion combines two elements of Singapore’s
identity — its body symbolises the fishing villages of Singa-
pore’s past, while its lion head is a symbol of
Singapura (‘lion city’ in Sanskrit). The Merlion, built by
local craftsman Lim Nang Seng, was unveiled on 15
September 1972 by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The icon was originally positioned at the mouth of the
Singapore River, but was later moved to its current spot
overlooking the bay at the Merlion Park.

marina bay sands

First opened in 2011, Marina Bay Sands has established
itself as one of Singapore’s most versatile attractions.
You can shop till you drop at The Shoppes at Marina
Bay Sands, or soak up a little art and culture at the
ArtScience Museum. Marina Bay Sands’ sloping towers
and sky-high Infinity Pool have interesting stories behind
them, too — Tower 1 of the hotel has a 26-degree slope,
which is considered prosperous since the individual
digits add up to 8, a lucky number in Chinese culture;
and the Infinity Pool is an auspicious symbol of a lake
at the top of a mountain.

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 hot attractions
gardens by the bay
Located next to Marina Reservoir, Gardens
by the Bay offers breath-taking waterfront
views. This multi-award winning horticultural
destination spans 101 hectares of reclaimed
land, and is made up of two main areas – Bay
South Garden and Bay East Garden. Bay South
Garden is the largest of the gardens. Inspired
by an orchid, the design resembles Singapore’s
national flower, Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’. You
can’t miss the massive Supertrees here. These
tree-shaped vertical gardens are between
9 to 16 storeys tall. Walk on the suspended
walkway between two Supertrees to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the gardens. In the evening, catch the
sky show of choreographed lights and sounds at the Garden Rhapsody amidst the Supertrees.
Head to Bay East Garden for the perfect picnic setting with lush lawns and tropical palm trees.
From the waterfront promenade, you will see a picturesque view of the city skyline.

orchard road
Singapore’s retail street is a treasure trove of finds that complement your identity. With a wide array
of options, visitors can enjoy a bespoke shopping experience tailored to suit any taste and budget.
Start your retail journey at Tanglin and wander along the heart of our country’s shopping belt towards
Dhoby Ghaut, with each district offering a diverse mix of shopping experiences.

national gallery singapore

What is now the National Gallery Singapore used to be two national monuments: the former
Supreme Court and City Hall. Located in the heart of the civic district, both buildings have borne
witness to several of Singapore’s historical milestones. First constructed in the 1920s and 30s, both
the former Supreme Court and City Hall are now home to Singapore’s largest museum, housing a vast
collection of artwork within its historically rich halls.

sentosa
Before it was known as Sentosa, this island just off
Singapore’s southern coast was a British military fortress.
After the Japanese Occupation in World War II, Singapore
returned to British rule, and the island was renamed
“Sentosa” which translates to “peace and tranquility.”
Over the course of its remarkable history, Sentosa has
transformed into a beloved island resort, best known for
its tropical beaches, luxurious hotels and thrilling
attractions. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline
rush or a day of bold exploration, a world of adventure
awaits you at Sentosa.

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 hot attractions
clarke quay
Wondering where to drink in Singapore? Your best bet is to check out Clarke Quay and Boat Quay,
two of the city’s liveliest nightlife spots. From iconic dance clubs to live music venues and rooftop
bars, this ultimate guide to drinking and partying in both Clarke Quay and Boat Quay is a must-have
for anyone looking to have a boozy good time in the city. Can’t turn down the chance to show
off your moves on the dancefloor? Hit up the clubs in Singapore for an electrifying good time.
You can't miss ultra-popular venues like Attica — a stylish institution known for its amazing ladies'
night deals. Lovers of R&B and chart-toppers, visit Level 1, but if you're more of a house, progressive,
or trance type of person, then head to Level 2. For even more watering holes where music is the
real highlight, there are places like Crazy Elephant and Cuba Libre. Crazy Elephant is an excellent
spot for those who like live covers of rock and roll hits. Plus, there's a fun jam session that takes
place every Sunday so if you're feeling brave, take the stage and show the audience what you've
got. Cuba Libre Café & Bar, on the other hand, is a favourite amongst Latin music fans. Dance the
night away with music by resident live bands Adrenalina and The Marisol, and of course, don't
forget to try signature cocktails like the Caipirinha and the Mojito Grande.

chinatown
Once an enclave for Singapore’s Chinese immigrant
population, the Chinatown of today is much beloved
for its blend of old and new, with historic temples and
traditional medicinal halls sitting alongside hip new
bars and lifestyle shops. Whether you’re visiting
century-old temples at Telok Ayer and Kreta Ayer or
making new friends at a bar in Duxton or Keong Saik,
there’s always a new experience in Chinatown.

little india
Originally settled by Indian labourers in the late 18th
century, Little India has transformed from a district of
racehorse tracks and lime pits to a neighbourhood
where traditional establishments and century-old
temples merge seamlessly with boutique museums
and budding art spaces. Take a walk through this
200-year-old enclave, and be inspired by vibrant
culture, traditional aesthetics and the myriad artistic
activities on offer.

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 living here
transport
Singapore has an extensive public transport network.
We often use the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) train
system, with several interconnecting lines for greater
travelling convenience. Singapore also boasts a
huge bus system, with over 300 unique routes to
service anywhere on the island. Taxis and “Grab”
rides, Singapore’s answer to Uber, are also in
widespread use, but beware of the peak hour
surcharges!

Always remember your experiences with us with the

limited edition AMSC 2019 ez-link card, exclusive to
conference attendees! Value stored in this card can be
used to travel around Singapore using our intricate
train and bus system. Remember to bring this memento
along the next time you return to visit Singapore, and
be sure to keep in touch!

accommodation
You will be housed in the cosy confines of University Town (UTown). UTown
is an educational hub complete with residential spaces, teaching facilities
and study clusters. It is furnished with stylish lounges, sky gardens
and common areas, with a beautiful centrepiece of the picturesque
UTown Green, providing the perfect environment for both work and play.
Experience a taste of the vibrancy and culture of NUS,
and you will never forget your memorable stay with us!

sim cards
We welcome you to order SIM cards with us at a good rate! With Singapore’s well-developed
information technology infrastructure, expect speedy connection and widespread coverage
throughout your stay here. Just indicate should you need one when filling in your registration
details. More details on SIM card bulk order prices will be available at a later date.

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 registration
The Regional Chairperson (RC) for each AMSA Chapter will be responsible for the selection process of
delegates for AMSC 2019. Please contact your Regional Chairperson (RC) for further details. Prices
are tiered by country as follows:

Early Bird from 18/02 - 31/03 Regular Period from 01/04 - 30/04

tier 1
Early Bird: 560 USD
Regular Period: 580 USD

tier 2
Early Bird: 500 USD
Regular Period: 520 USD

tier 3
Early Bird: 420 USD
Regular Period: 440 USD

Payment details will be relayed to you by your RC upon successful registration. If we do not receive your
payment within 7 days after the registration deadline, your registration will be nullified. Please
note that cancellation is NOT allowed after registration. Only substitution is allowed.

contact us
Queries: amsc2019sgofficial@gmail.com
Registration: amsc2019sgreg@gmail.com
Academic Submissions: amsc2019sgacad@gmail.com

Asian Medical Students’ Conference 2019 Singapore

@amsc2019 @amsc2019

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 travel info
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months

visa information
You will need to apply for a visa if you are from the following countries:

You may apply for a visa via local authorised dealers in your country
within the Visa Application Period, with:
(1) Visa Application Form 14A
(2) A recent 2-inch colour passport photograph
(3) Letter of Introduction Form V39A - Do email us with the relevant
(3) details if you need us to issue you a letter of introduction
(4) Any other documents required by your local dealer

Visa Application Period: 2/6/2019 - 23/6/2019

In the event you are unable to obtain a visa locally, you may email us
with your forms and credit card details by 16/6/2018, so we may submit
an application on your behalf for a fee of 30 SGD (21.89 USD).

packing list
passport 30/0
6 visa flight ticket

$ singapore currency electronics* toiletries

formal clothes
casual clothes sunny wear
(blazer included)

*Singapore uses type G 230V 50Hz plugs

for muslims
We have planned time and space to ensure that you are able to fulfil your daily prayers amidst
our activities. On 5/7 (Fri), transport to and from the nearest mosque in Singapore
will be arranged.

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 2019
asian medical students’ conference

see you soon!

singapore 30 june - 7 july