By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 6: The Asia for Animals (AFA) Sarawak Conference 2023 will take place from Oct 11 to 14 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching.
Asia’s largest gathering of animal welfare organisations, is a four-day conference aiming to promote animal welfare and wildlife management in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to a press release, the conference, themed ‘Education and Engagement Bring Change,’ is being organised by the AFA Coalition in collaboration with the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and is being supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
“The AFA biennial conference is the largest gathering of animal welfare organisations in Asia.
“Its purpose is to share information, highlight best practices, and build strategies to improve the lives of the animals of Asia,” SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee said today at the AFA 2023 press conference at BCCK.
She said Sarawak is proud to have won the bid to host the conference in Kuching for the second time, ahead of two other bidders in the process.
“We find that the AFA conference provides us with a platform to inspire and educate our own people, volunteers, staff, council workers, whilst at the same time engaging with and getting our message across to the youth of today,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian stated that AFA 2023 has a comprehensive programme that covers a wide range of animal welfare topics.
“Our conference will cover five main areas: human and animal health, communication, education and research, animal and human interaction, trade in wildlife, and rescue centres and animals in captivity,” Dr Sim said, when speaking at the press conference.
“AFA 2023 is an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and explore innovative solutions to animal welfare challenges.
“We believe that education and engagement are the keys to bringing change and progress in animal welfare.”
Among others present at the press conference were Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and Director of Department Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS Sarawak) Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.
Early bird registration for AFA 2023 is now open, with CPD points available. For more information, please visit the conference website at asiaforanimals.com/conference-2023 or email alcila@placeborneo.com. This event is managed by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd. — DayakDaily
