KUALA LUMPUR, 23 SEPTEMBER 2023 – With a dedication to positioning Malaysia as a hub for medical aesthetic tourism, KO Academy, an in-house training facility under DR. KO Skin Specialist (DR. KO), proudly hosted the second edition of the Asia Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Summit (ADAMS). The event saw the participation of prominent industry players, including the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA), the Malaysia Society Of Aesthetic Medicine (MSAM), the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Officiated by Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director of Package Development, Nurushama Abdul Hanan on behalf of its Director General, Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, ADAMS 2023 was held from September 23 to 24, 2023, at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, attracting over 600 local and international medical experts and industry professionals. The summit featured more than 50 exhibition booths by leading medical brands, solidifying its position as the premier regional event in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
In his speech, Dato’ Dr. Ammar highlighted that Malaysia welcomed more than 800,000 healthcare travelers, generating around RM1.3 billion ringgit of revenue in 2022 alone, emphasizing the strong recovery in medical tourist arrivals in the post-pandemic era. “It is about time that we bring this community to the next level and ADAMS, this year in its second edition, has become an excellent avenue for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic doctors, and other specialists to network, exchange knowledge, and discuss the latest trends and technologies.”
A standout event at ADAMS 2023 was the forum titled “Making Malaysia the Regional Destination for Medical Aesthetic Tourism.” The diverse panel included experts and public figures such as Dato’ Dr. Ko Chung Beng (Founder & CEO of KO Academy), Dr. Edmond Lau (President of ADAMS 2023), Dato’ Dr. Khalid Mohd Harun (President of MATA), Dr. Masilamoney Asirvatham (President of MSAM), Ms. Tutie Ismail (Vice President of Communications, MHTC), Dr. Lim Ing Kien, more popularly known as Dr. Ingky (Founder of Medii Skin Studio, Skynfyx, and TikTok Content Creator), and Miss Serene Claire (Miss Universe 2020 Runner Up, Actress & Influencer).
The forum deliberated on strategies to enhance Malaysia’s global reputation in aesthetic treatments. These strategies included marketing efforts to spotlight Malaysia’s expertise, affordability, and cultural attractions; forging partnerships with international healthcare organizations, universities, and medical associations; and providing financial incentives, tax breaks, or grants to stimulate investment in the medical tourism sector.
Dato’ Dr. Ko mentioned Malaysia’s cost-effective services in his speech saying, “Compared to countries with higher costs of living and greater overheads, Malaysia can offer the same level of expertise and technology but at a fraction of the price. This affordability extends across a wide range of procedures, from non-invasive treatments to more complex surgeries. Patients worldwide are discovering that they don’t need to compromise on quality to achieve their aesthetic goals—Malaysia offers world-class care at a price that makes achieving those goals both feasible and financially sensible.”
Dr. Edmond Lau said, “It is my hope that each session, discussion, and interaction will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, propelling us to new heights in our professional endeavors.” Lau also stated that ADAMS 2023 was not a regular medical conference, highlighting its purpose to achieve the common goal of propelling Malaysia as the region’s destination for medical aesthetic tourism.
Additionally, ADAMS 2023 donated RM12,000 to the Malaysian Skin Foundation (MSF), facilitated multiple symposiums by doctors and specialists, on-ground engagement initiatives, and networking sessions where attendees were provided with a conducive environment to establish direct interactions, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations. Moving forward, ADAMS will be adopting a bi-annual schedule as part of its efforts to continue its contributions to the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine while offering attendees a more comprehensive and impactful experience at each event.

OPENING SPEECH by DR Edmond Lau, Organizing committee president.
Good morning and Salam Malaysia Madani. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Asia Dermatology and Aesthetics Medicine Summit 2023.
- First of all, I would like to extend my thanks to Yang Berusaha Puan Nurushama Abdul Hanan, Deputy Director of the Package Development Division at Tourism Malaysia, who is here today on behalf of the Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, for making the time to officiate the second edition of the ADAMS convention.
- I would also like to thank Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ko Chung Beng, Founder and CEO of KO Academy, for your advocacy, passion and outstanding dedication to the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine that will continue to spur others in the industry to emulate your remarkable career.
- ADAMS 2023 stands as a testament to the power of unity, knowledge-sharing, and innovation. This weekend, we will be immersed in a world of cutting-edge research, transformative breakthroughs, and the exchange of ideas that will shape the future of our industry.
- Therefore, on behalf of the organizing committee, it is my pleasure to welcome over 600 delegates composed of doctors in dermatology and aesthetics medicine as well as esteemed speakers, distributors and principles from the aesthetic medicine industry from various countries across the globe.
- It is my hope that each session, discussion and interaction will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, propelling us to new heights in our professional development.
- On top of that, ADAMS 2023, is not just a regular medical conference, It is a platform where we unite to achieve a common goal, which is to propel our medical aesthetic industry forward and make Malaysia the regional destination for Medical Aesthetic Tourism.
- We are honoured that prominent representatives from Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), and Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) are with us here today to support our vision to attract more medical aesthetic tourists to this beautiful nation.
- As we pursue development in our careers, we must also remember to give back to the society that we serve. It is my honour to announce that on behalf of the Aesthetic Medicine industry, KO Academy and ADAMS will be contributing a sum of RM12,000 to the Malaysian Skin Foundation to help needy patient overcome their skin problem.
- In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, partners, and the incredible team behind the scenes whose dedication has made ADAMS 2023 possible.
- I wish you all a very productive summit. Thank you and Salam Malaysia Madani.