Dear friends and colleagues,

In this era of unprecedented advances in the use of genetics in healthcare, there is vast improvement in diagnostics and precision treatment across a spectrum of diseases but with new opportunities, comes new challenges. The need for genetic counselling has increased exponentially and role of genetic counsellors to manage emerging counselling issues is evolving. In Malaysia, the use of genetic testing in diagnosis and treatment is following the trends as seen in many other developed countries and we will need to prepare to meet the challenges of using genetic profiles in our population. Genetic information has to be used in an equitable and fair manner without discrimination for those who have inherited genetic conditions.

GCSM acknowledges that there is a great need to have more genetics counsellor in the country.  These counsellors are expected to be in high demand in the oncoming years because of the new breadth and depth of analyses thanks to the advancement in research, resource and technology. To that end, GCSM aims to lead in developing national best practice policy statements, the setting up of an effective certi­fication and registration process in partnership with the Ministry of Health and partner organisations. This step forward will provide a platform for the safe delivery and accurate interpretation of genetic information to patients and their family members.

This year will be an exciting year for GCSM as we launch the 3rd Genomics and Genetic Counselling Conference organised by Genetic Counselling Society Malaysia (GCSM) and Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in partnership with Persatuan Genetik Malaysia (PGM). The conference is aimed at both healthcare providers and the public with different objectives and presentations delivered by different speakers, both internationally and locally. We encourage you to join us at both events to understand about the utility of genetic counselling and the role of genetic counsellors as we move forward in a genetic based future.

Yoon Sook-Yee
President of GCSM