It is with great pride and a shared sense of purpose that I welcome you to the Malaysian Occupational Therapists National Conference (MOTNC) 2026.

As we gather under the theme “Transforming Practice, Empowering Communities: The Future of Occupational Therapy,” we are reminded that our profession stands at a pivotal crossroads. In Malaysia, the landscape of healthcare and social well-being is shifting rapidly. From the integration of digital health to the rising demand for community-based rehabilitation, the challenges we face require us to be both visionary and grounded in evidence.

This conference is more than an annual meeting; it is a testament to our resilience and our collective ambition. As the President of OT Malaysia, I have witnessed the incredible strides our members have made in pushing the boundaries of traditional practice. However, our journey toward truly empowering communities requires a unified effort to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and social impact.

In line with our national agenda, we must continue to advocate for the visibility of occupational therapy in policy-making and public health strategies. By strengthening our research output and embracing data-driven practices, we ensure that the value of our intervention is recognized at every level of society. MOTNC 2026 provides the perfect arena to showcase these advancements and to align our professional goals with the evolving needs of the Malaysian population.

Furthermore, I encourage you to look beyond the clinical setting and explore the potential of social entrepreneurship and advocacy within our field. As the “architects of participation,” we have a unique opportunity to lead initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility in every corner of our nation. Let this gathering be the spark that ignites new ways of thinking about how we deliver care and support to the diverse communities we serve.

MOTNC 2026 serves as our premier platform to synchronize our efforts. Whether you are a seasoned clinician, a dedicated educator, or an aspiring student, your presence here is vital. I urge you to use these few days to challenge the status quo, embrace emerging technologies, and forge partnerships that transcend professional silos.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Organizing Committee for their tireless work in curating such a robust program. To our delegates, your passion is the heartbeat of this profession. Let us move forward with a renewed commitment to not only adapt to the future but to actively design it.

Welcome to MOTNC 2026. Let’s transform the future of Malaysian Occupational Therapy together.

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to the Malaysian Occupational Therapists National Conference (MOTNC) 2026. We are honoured to host this annual national gathering of occupational therapy professionals under the theme “Transforming Practice, Empowering Communities: The Future of Occupational Therapy.” This theme reflects our collective commitment to advancing professional practice while responding meaningfully to the evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities.

As occupational therapists, we play a vital role in promoting participation, independence, and well-being across the lifespan. In an era marked by rapid demographic changes, technological advancements, and increasing complexity in health and social care, the profession continues to evolve beyond traditional settings. MOTNC 2026 provides a timely and important platform for clinicians, educators, researchers, policymakers, and students to come together to reflect on current practices, share evidence-based knowledge, and explore innovative approaches that will shape the future direction of occupational therapy in Malaysia.

Throughout the conference, participants will have the opportunity to engage in keynote addresses, symposiums, workshops, and research presentations that highlight innovation, community empowerment, and excellence in practice. We hope these sessions will stimulate meaningful dialogue, encourage critical thinking, and foster professional collaboration across disciplines and sectors. More importantly, we aspire for this conference to inspire new ideas that can be translated into practice, education, research, and policy to enhance the impact of occupational therapy services nationwide.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our distinguished speakers, partners, sponsors, and organizing committee members for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions. Your commitment, expertise, and support have been instrumental in making

MOTNC 2026 a reality. I would also like to acknowledge all participants for your enthusiasm and continued dedication to the growth and advancement of the profession.

As you take part in this conference, I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, share your experiences, network with colleagues, and take full advantage of the learning and collaborative opportunities provided. May this conference serve as a catalyst for professional growth, innovation, and renewed commitment to transforming practice and empowering the communities we serve.

Once again, welcome to MOTNC 2026. I wish you a rewarding, enriching, and memorable conference experience.