Dear Fellow Nurses, Good morning.
This is the first time in history that we have to conduct our AGM via teleconferencing. I am sure you are aware that our AGM was supposed to be held in March but with the global pandemic in full swing we have no choice but to defer it till now, and to conduct it in this manner – a virtual AGM. I will always miss the face to face interaction with all of you, nevertheless, it provides us with the opportunity to move forward in carrying out our work and businesses as required.
As President of the Association, I would first like to briefly shared our achievements and the progress we made in 2019.
SNA hosted the ICN Congress 2019, from 27 June to 2 July, at the Marina Bay Sands. Attended by more than 5300 delegates from 130 countries, this international gathering provided opportunities for nurses to build relationships and disseminate nursing and health-related knowledge. The Congress would not have been so successful without the help provided by all of you, who in one way or another participated in the congress, contributing as volunteers or supporters of various events. The Chapters and BOD also put in many hours to prepare for the various programs and activities, and we also received tremendous support from the nursing leaders and CNO, Ms. Tan Soh Chin.
Feedback on the experience and learning from the Congress were very positive from all the participants and delegates. There was also good feedback and media exposure with the very successful Student Assembly, held on 26 June 2019 at The Academia in SGH Campus that was led by our V.P Mr Yong Keng Kwang.
I am glad to report that with generous sponsorship and our prudent spending, we were able to make a small financial gain in hosting this event.
Secondly, as you must all be aware that this year is our election year for new BOD and President. It has been my privilege to contribute and work closely with all of you for the past 3 terms as President and 1 term as a Vice President. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and as an advocate and believer of succession planning, the BOD has well been informed that I will not stand for election this year. I would like to assure everyone that I will give my support to the new BOD and next President.
Finally, I would like to register my gratitude and thanks to the Board of Directors, Chapter Chairs, SNA members, Nursing Leaders and their Nurses as well as CNO for coming together, in supporting each other and rising to the challenges that we faced and continuing to be facing. I am extremely proud of your selfless and tireless commitment to keep our profession held in high regards, especially during this period that has been particularly challenging.
Thank you All for contributing your time, talent and efforts to bring SNA and Nursing together.
I truly treasure our friendship.
To the soon to be elected President and Board of Directors, I am confident that you will all do well and lead Nursing to the next greater height. Continue to work closely with our nurses and CNO.
Stay Well, Stay Safe.
A/Prof Lim Swee Hia