Embracing the Conference Buzz: My Memorable Experience

Have you ever been to a conference that left you energised and full of fresh ideas? Recently, I had the chance to dive into the vibrant atmosphere of a professional conference, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From thought-provoking sessions to countless networking moments, the event was a whirlwind of activities that expanded my perspective and ignited my passion for research. I had the privilege of attending and serving as part of the organising committee for the Asia Pacific Delivery Science Conference (APDSC) 2024, hosted by the Controlled Release Society Local Chapter of Malaysia in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, along with CRS Local Chapters from Australia, Chinese Taipei, and New Zealand.

Setting the Stage

Being on the committee gave me a unique perspective on how much effort goes into organising such a significant event. I’m especially proud to have contributed to the promotion and design efforts, with all of our designs being posted and printed on the official website, social media platforms and event materials. You can't imagine how many versions I had edited for the event brochure with all sorts of amendments or updates made. I LOST COUNT haha

Rehearsal day with other young scientist taskforce

Number of versions we had for the event brochure

Loved these designs! | P.s. those background photos were taken by me too!

Together with the team, we designed adorable badges and tote bags featuring various Malaysian local art (batik pattern) and desserts (kuih-muih), and they were an absolute hit! It was so rewarding to have participants come up to me and share how much they loved our designs! It was fascinating to see how much collaboration and communication were needed to bring the conference to life. As the event wrapped up, it felt almost surreal that months of planning, coordination, and hard work had culminated in just a few days.

Tote bags and badges designed

Tote bags and badges designed by the team

Engaging Sessions and Insights

The conference truly came alive through its diverse range of sessions, each offering fresh insights into the latest trends and best practices in the field. From captivating keynote speeches to interactive industry engagements, there was an abundance of knowledge to absorb and ideas to explore. A few scientific sessions, along with several rapid-fire pitches, particularly stood out to me. I was impressed by how the speakers engaged with the audience, transforming their research into vivid stories during their talks. Listening to these experts, especially in the transdermal sessions—my area of focus—sparked creative ideas that I’m eager to implement in my own work.

Group photo during opening ceremony

Finally got to take a picture with Dr Delly, whom we wrote a book chapter together with my supervisor as well. | P.s was running on my heels to catch him haha

Group photo with some of the organising committee

Our senior (Liching at the very right) took her annual leave and came all the way to join us in this conference! | P.s. Celebrating the beauty of Malaysia's diverse culture through traditional attire! 🇲🇾✨ From the elegant Cheongsam (me at the very left) to the vibrant Lengha (Rongrong, second from the left) and classic Baju Melayu (Dini, second from the right), each outfit tells a story of our nation's unity in diversity. Spotted Prof Amirali Popat from UQ at the back haha

Enjoyed the industrial engagement with the insights shared by Prof. Tunku Kamarul, Dr. Wan and Mr. Shi Hao Lim!

Surprise moment: this is actually the first time I’ve heard my supervisor’s presentation! I loved how he linked the research work to our hike at Air Itam Dam, Penang, making it so engaging through storytelling. There's so much more to learn from him!

His eyes sparkled with passion during his presentation—hoping I can bring that same confidence to my own presentations too! 😂

Networking Adventures

Networking is always hyped as one of the best parts of a conference, and I couldn’t agree more after this experience. Connecting with like-minded professionals, sharing stories, and making new friends were definitely some of the highlights for me. Chatting about each other's research and having meaningful conversations opened up possibilities for future collaborations and lasting friendships. One of the most fun moments was the Young Scientist Night Out. We dug into local favorites like nasi lemak and mee goreng mamak with our international friends. We even did some shopping at Central Market (Pasar Seni), picking up a few unique souvenirs. And even though it was drizzling, we still got an awesome photo in front of the Petronas Twin Towers!

Classic tourist moment with the stunning Petronas Twin Towers

Standing tall and proud with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers—Malaysia’s architectural marvel!

Group photo in front of Central Market with other young scientists from Australia, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei

Reflecting on Growth

As the conference wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I’d grown both personally and professionally during the event. The knowledge I gained, the connections I made, and the ideas that were sparked all played a part in my journey of continuous improvement. The conference truly reignited my passion for research and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I’m also grateful for the genuine feedback I received on my oral presentation. One speaker even peeked through and mentioned he saw the passion in my eyes but suggested I could be a bit more collected and calmer while presenting. Those comments have definitely motivated me to work even harder to polish it up!

Photo with my poster and my supervisor | P.s. ignore my hand gesture, tot to pose as microneedles but fail haha

Me during presentation | Wearing green to match my PowerPoint slideshow hehe

On a high note, I was super honoured to be recognised as one of the top 5 oral presenters and also to receive the Best Social Media Award with my social media posts featured on both Twitter and Facebook! ✨

This award is a significant acknowledgment of my efforts, and I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from my supervisor, Dr. Goh Choon Fu, and my amazing lab mates from the School of Pharmacy at USM. Your encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in this achievement—thank you!

Me receiving the Best Social Media Award from Prof Ng Shiow Fern

Honoured to be recognised as one of the top 5 oral presenters!

Group photo of Goh's Skin Research Group | Love the candid shot!

Final Thoughts

Attending the conference was not just a professional endeavor; it was an adventure that enriched my mind and soul. The camaraderie, knowledge sharing, and moments of inspiration have left an indelible mark on me, reminding me of the power of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences. If you ever have the chance to attend a conference, seize the opportunity with open arms – you never know what transformative experiences await you.

In conclusion, my conference experience was a vibrant tapestry woven with knowledge, connections, and inspiration. As I bid farewell to the bustling venue and the newfound friends I had made, I carried with me a treasure trove of memories and learnings that will continue to shape my professional journey. Here's to more adventures, more growth, and more unforgettable conference experiences in the future!

So, have you attended a conference that left a lasting impact on you? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below – let's keep the conversation going!

Ready to embark on your own conference adventure? Stay tuned for more insightful content and engaging stories right here on Estee Lee's blog! Remember, the next conference you attend could be the catalyst for your next big breakthrough. Let's embrace the journey together.

#conference #professionaldevelopment #networking #inspiration #drugdelivery