3rd Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress

15 Sep 2003

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: Mandarin Singapore

It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon for the 3rd Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress. I would like to congratulate the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapy (SAOT) for organising this congress and providing this remarkable opportunity for local and overseas delegates to interact and share their knowledge, ideas, research findings and clinical experiences in occupational therapy.

As reflected in the theme for this congress, there is diversity in the practice of occupational therapy in the region, owing to the unique history, culture and beliefs of the people in each country. As this profession emerges into the global scene, such diversity will be shared and therapists will face new challenges and experiences. Nevertheless, all therapists will continue to uphold the profession's noble image and provide care and assistance to the sick and the less fortunate.

Occupational therapy has been practised in Singapore for more than fifty years. Our therapists have, over the years, built up their expertise through vigorous research, sharing of knowledge with overseas counterparts and undergoing continuing education and training. Occupational therapists here have also contributed significantly to the success of our national disease management programmes, including those for stroke and childhood developmental disabilities. These therapists form a vital part of each disease management team that aims to provide holistic management of patients with chronic debilitating conditions.

The demand for occupational therapy services in Singapore will continue to grow in the coming years, in tandem with an ageing population and rising patients' expectations on the quality of life. The establishment of a growing number of specialist rehabilitative services and facilities for step-down care is a testimony to this growing demand. To cope with this demand, the Ministry of Health has also introduced the Allied Healthcare Scholarship to encourage more students to consider occupational therapy as a career.

As patients expect faster recovery and better quality of life following chronic illnesses, occupational therapists must think of new ways to help patients adapt to their environment as quickly and smoothly as possible. Advances in medical science and technology have made this possible through the use of new equipment and gadgets. Most important of all, occupational therapists must continue to keep abreast of the latest developments in their field, and research on new ways to help patients.

In this respect, I am happy to note that the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapy has taken the initiative to provide and co-ordinate continuing education and training for all occupational therapists. I am confident that the Association will continue to provide professional leadership and organise activities to maintain high standards in the profession.

On this note, I shall conclude by wishing all delegates a pleasant and fruitful congress.

Thank you