Dear Colleagues,     

In 2025, members of the Vascular Society of Malaysia (VSM) participated in a broad range of educational and training initiatives under the leadership of the VSM President, Dr. Naresh.

Programs

The VSM educational programme commenced in January with the continuation of the monthly VSM webinar series, initiated in 2021, featuring relevant topics and complex issues in vascular surgery. In addition, the monthly fellowship tutorial sessions conducted by Datuk Dr. Benjamin continued to attract trainees and early-career general surgeons.

A series of workshops was conducted throughout the year, ranging from basic vascular anastomosis benchwork and endovascular simulation to cadaveric dissection and real-time surgery on live patients. The workshops covered venous disease, vascular access creation and maintenance, aortic procedures, and peripheral arterial disease. Speakers and facilitators were primarily VSM consultant surgeons, complemented by invited surgeons from the region and neighboring countries.

The highlight of the educational programme was the 3^rd Borneo Vascular Conference, held in Kota Kinabalu in conjunction with National Vascular Awareness Month, which marked the third anniversary of the initiative since its launch in 2023. In parallel, other VSM members organised awareness activities within their respective institutions, featuring public forums, educational talks, and hands-on workshops for healthcare providers.

In view of the high mortality associated with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) initiated a screening programme to identify aneurysms meeting established thresholds for timely intervention prior to rupture.

VSM members also contributed to regional conferences and scientific meetings as delegates and invited speakers. Notably, the ASVS meeting held in August featured several VSM members as invited faculty. During the meeting in Singapore, VSM represented by its President Dr Naresh, successfully secured the bid to host ASVS 2028 in Kuching, Sarawak. The Society anticipates participation from local, regional, and international delegates, and welcomes continued engagement and support from industry partners in the lead-up to 2028.

Training

In addition to the 11 existing trainees, a further five surgeons were enrolled into the MOH vascular fellowship programme in 2025. This programme was initiated by the late Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin more than 20 years ago. The current faculty comprises senior vascular surgeons from public, university, and private vascular centres. Earlier this year, an additional five general surgeons were interviewed for intake into the programme in July 2026. These trainees will contribute to the future vascular surgical workforce in Malaysia.

Loss of a Senior Member

It is with deep regret that 2026 marked the passing of a senior VSM member. Dr. Murli Lakhwani Naraindas was among the founding members of VSM. The Society extends its sincere condolences to his family.

New VSM Executive Committee

The 2026 AGM was convened in April and, in accordance with the Society’s constitution, an election was held following the completion of the previous committee’s three-year term. Datuk Dr. Hanif Hussein was elected President, and Datuk Dr. Benjamin continued as Vice President. Dr. Michael Arvind and Dr. Khang Nan Chuang were elected Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Dr. Putera Mas Pian, Dr. Muhammad Syafiq Idris, Dr. Kishen Raj, and Dr. Karthigesu Aimanan were elected as Executive Committee (Exco) members. Dr. Naresh Govindarajanthran will continue to serve as Immediate Past President. The Society appreciates the continued support and cooperation of all members in the coming term.

In closing, VSM extends its sincere appreciation to all members who have worked closely with the Committee to ensure a productive and successful year. The Society looks forward to the year ahead.

VSM records its sincere appreciation to our industry partners for their steadfast support since the Society’s inception. Their contributions have been instrumental in sustaining our educational programmes and in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care. VSM looks forward to continued collaboration from them.

Sincerely,

Datuk Dr. Hanif Hussein
President 
Vascular Society Malaysia