The past week has been nothing short of eventful and inspiring. From presenting at the Singapore Allergy and Rhinology Conference (SARC) to chairing a landmark session at World Sleep 2025, it has been a journey of innovation, collaboration, and representation. As an ENT surgeon passionate about advancing sleep medicine and surgery, I am grateful to share these highlights that mark a significant step forward for our community and for Malaysia.

Mixed Reality in Robotic Surgery: Presentation at SARC

At SARC 2025, I had the privilege to deliver a talk on the role of mixed reality in robotic surgery training. This technology, which blends the virtual and physical worlds, holds tremendous potential to transform how surgeons learn and refine complex procedures. By simulating real-life operating scenarios, mixed reality can enhance precision, shorten the learning curve, and improve patient safety.

This session reinforced the importance of medical innovation in ENT and sleep surgery, and it was a pleasure to engage with colleagues who share the same vision.

Chairing the ADVENT-HF Session at World Sleep 2025

One of the highlights of the week was chairing a session for Prof. Douglas Bradley, the corresponding author of the ADVENT-HF study. The study is a landmark in understanding how adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) can optimize outcomes for patients with heart failure and central sleep apnea.

The event drew a full house — a clear sign of the growing global interest in sleep-disordered breathing and its cardiovascular impact. Moderating this session was both a professional honour and a personal milestone.

Representing Malaysia at the International Sleep Surgical Society

This week also marked my role as a committee member of the International Sleep Surgical Society (ISSS). Representing Malaysia at such a global platform is a responsibility I take with pride. The future of sleep surgery in Malaysia is bright, and being part of international collaborations ensures that our patients benefit from the latest evidence-based practices.

Supporting Colleagues and Residents

Events like World Sleep 2025 are not just about lectures and symposia — they are also about mentorship and growth. I was delighted to see my residents and colleagues actively participating, presenting, and engaging with experts worldwide. Supporting them in these milestones is a privilege and a reflection of our strong academic culture at the University of Malaya.

Meeting Pioneers and Rekindling Global Friendships

Another highlight was meeting pioneers in the field, including Prof. Patrick Strollo and Prof. Arul Malhotra, whose groundbreaking research continues to push the boundaries of sleep medicine. Their work on positive airway pressure and sleep physiology remains an inspiration.

Equally meaningful was reconnecting with friends and colleagues from around the globe — from the USA to Singapore. These bonds remind us that education and innovation transcend geography, uniting us through a shared passion for improving patient care.

Conclusion

This week was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to learn, to share, and to build a better future for our patients. From mixed reality in robotic surgery to sleep surgery collaborations, the journey continues.

I remain truly grateful for these opportunities and look forward to strengthening partnerships that will bring greater value to sleep medicine — both in Malaysia and globally.