KUCHING, Aug 17: Sarawak will once again be the host destination for the Asia for Animals (AFA) Conference in 2023, beating India and Nepal in the final round of bidding recently.
According to a press release from the Sarawak Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SSPCA), its president and local host and organiser for AFA 2023 Datin Dona Drury-Wee expressed delight that AFA will return to Sarawak for the second time after a successful AFA conference in Kuching in 2015.
“The theme for AFA 2023 is ‘Education and Engagement Evokes Change’, as education is the top concern for animal welfare in this region.
“Education plays an important role, as can be seen from the challenges Sarawak has faced since the 2017 rabies outbreak, which is still ongoing.
“We believe the lessons learned from the rabies outbreak need to be shared in AFA 2023 as it is a learning opportunity for other countries,” Donna said.
She continued, “As borders have now reopened and economies reenergised, we believe our delegates are ready to travel and return to Sarawak to enjoy a physical conference with amazing local fusion food, including specially made vegan food by the event venue Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), as well as site visits to some of our unique destinations here in Sarawak.”
Donna also stated that they are looking forward to curating an exciting and memorable programme for all attendees.
Meanwhile, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) chief executive officer (CEO) Amelia Roziman noted that AFA 2023 has the potential to leave a lasting legacy impact that will promote real change.
“The event will be a great platform to create opportunities for cross-industry collaboration, enhanced community engagement, better policies development in animal welfare, best practices sharing, and many other outcomes that focus on solving real problems,” she noted.
The Asia for Animals Coalition, the main organiser of the AfA conference, is composed of 25 respected animal welfare organisations that have a shared focus on improving the welfare of animals in Asia.
The Coalition is committed to working with, and providing support to, governments, communities, and organisations to help in tackling some of the most pressing animal welfare concerns and issues in the region.
AFA 2023 is supported by BESarawak and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak.
The event is managed by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd. For more information visit www.asiaforanimals.com. — DayakDaily
