A N E W B E G I N N I N G

I S S U E # 1 7

E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E

E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E

Balance is the key to life.

Garda Widhi Nurraga is a fifth year student in Diponegoro

University, Indonesia. Being a medical student allows him

to have a deeper look on his personality. He has been

through ups and downs in life which broaden his

knowledge and perspective. That would be the advantage

particularly to strengths that he has, for being able to

observe things objectively, think out of the box and be

assertive. In addition to his natural part of being a hard-

working, strong-willed, passionate, detail-oriented, and

outgoing person. Despite them all, he needs to work on a

little harder in controlling his emotion which has been his

weakness for years.

Garda has gained tons of priceless experience that he

would not receive by listening to lectures. Growing up as a

person, in term of personality and working as a

professional, is the best part of being involved in AMSA.

AMSA helps to expand networking, ranging from juniors

to alumni, from medical to non-health professionals. Not

to mention, he can fulfill his hobby in travelling while

doing is duties in AMSA. People think that being active in

organization while pursuing dream to be a doctor is

extremely hard to conquer. Only by understanding one's

capability, weakness and priority that it becomes possible.

Therefore, he made it as the principle in life, that balance

is the key to life.

He has been active in AMSA since the first year, continued

with being a District Supervisor aiding Secretary of MnD

in Indonesia, Regional Chairperson of AMSA-Indonesia,

Secretary of MnD AMSA International, and finally Overall

Chairperson. His hope for AMSA is to be a platform and a

home for medical students, especially its members, to

chase opportunity, raise ideas, share knowledge and

experience, in order to gain the benefits and inspire

people. It is time to provide more benefits and

opportunities, expand the network and partnership, and

continue these great achievements for the betterment of

AMSA International.

O v e r a l l C h a i r p e r s o n

G A R D A W I D H I N U R R A G A

A smooth sea will never make a skilled sailor.

Ahmad Aulia Rizaly is a 5th year medical student of

Universitas Hasanuddin which is located in Makassar,

Indonesia. He is a cheerful and hardworking person. He

loves taking (or some say “making”) photographs,

designing, video-making, anything about that your eyes

love to see.

Commonly called as Auk, he has been working in AMSA

since 2012. His first year in AMSA is spent as Secretary of

External Affair of AMSA-Universitas Hasanuddin and

District Supervisor for District 6 – National Publication

and Promotion Team of AMSA-Indonesia. The next year,

he applied and was selected as Secretary of Publication

and Promotion AMSA-Indonesia. In 2014, he continued

his contribution as Advisory Board of AMSA-Indonesia

and Secretary for Publications and Promotions of AMSA

International. Today, he is the General Secretary of AMSA

International for the 2015-2016 term.

He certainly has gained numerous things from AMSA.

The opportunity to expand his knowledge, act for the

beneficence of society, and also make friends in the

process are some of the benefits he felt the most. AMSA

has also given him the chance to expand creativity by

giving opportunities to serve as Publication and

Promotion (P&P). His work in AMSA is never easy. Many

have been sacrificed; time, personal indulgence, and

sometimes relationship. It turns out that working in

AMSA is not as easy as he had in mind. But a smooth sea

will never make a skilled sailor. With that in mind, he

knows exactly how to face every obstacles in his works.

This year is going to be his last year as Executive

Committee of AMSA. He is hoping that AMSA will keep on

thriving as one family and more of its members are willing

to work for AMSA.

G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y

A H M A D A U L I A R I Z A L Y

Do your best and do not regret.

Chitsanupong Ratarat, or called as White, is a 4th year

medical student from Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok, Thailand. He is a friendly, playful and talkative

person, but at the same time serious when needed. His

favorite things can be summarized into three; eat, take

photos, and travel.

Three years before, he decided to be a staff to take the

Filipinos around Bangkok in order to practice his rusty

English. Later on, he learned that it was actually an

AMSEP. It was the first step that drives him to participate

in AMSA Thailand. He then joined AMSC Philippines and

found it really inspiring that he want to participate more

of AMSA chapter. He learned how much contribution can

be given as a medical student and as a member of

healthcare system to the society. It was an eye-opener for

him at that time, to see medical students presenting their

projects, discussing regional healthcare problem and

exchanging ideas and knowledge to solve it. This inspired

him to try and do better than before. Failing in scientific

paper did not stop him from trying. And it finally pays off

two years later when he won the public poster

competition.

So far, he has participated in numerous AMSA Thailand

activities. He has taken a number of positions in AMSA

Thailand Executive Committee ranging from school-

coordinator to Vice Chairperson for AMSC 2014,

Thailand. Being in AMSA has taught him not only to be

organized and time efficient, but also the value of

friendships. It is the reason he joined AMSA. Action.

Knowledge. Friendship. This year he is entrusted as the

Vice Chairperson Internal of AMSA International

Executive Committee 2015 - 2016. He hopes AMSA will

continue to rise to its best for years to come with more

potential new members.

V i c e C h a i r p e r s o n I n t e r n a l

C H I T S A N U P O N G R A T A R A T

S U W A N N A B O O N S I R I C H A N

Leave no regret.

Suwanna Boonsirichan is a 5th year medical student,

Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thailand

who is passionate about mentoring and nurturing medical

students to become well-rounded doctors through the

international medical students' association, namely

AMSA. Her proactivity and strategic planning are her

strengths whereas she tends to overthink sometimes. This

young Thai lady are in love with reading good books and

interestingly indulging herself in the music of sea breeze

or any natural sounds. She also cannot stand any

disorganised mess. “Leave no regrets” is her life motto;

she always gives her best and all in everything she pursues.

Evidently AMSA has taken a big part of Suwanna's

medical school journey. She has been active in AMSA

since year 1 as school coordinator of AMSA Thailand

2011/12, AMSA Thailand Annual Conference Vice-

Director 2012/13, Vice Chairperson of AMSA Thailand

2013/14, Vice Chairperson of AMSC2014 (Proxy)

Thailand, 2014, Regional Chairperson of AMSA Thailand

2014/15 and the current Vice Chairperson of External

Affairs of AMSA International 2015/16. For her, AMSA is

a family. It has shaped and nurtured her in many ways,

academically and mentally. She has grown exponentially

in her interpersonal and other valuable soft skills.

Unknowingly, these skills have become her cores and

result in who she is today. The top of the list of what she

has gained through AMSA is the international network

comprising of people whom she has encountered along

this road - many professional, inspiring, motivated and

warm-hearted friends.

Suwanna's vision for AMSA International is to be a home

for all medical students in the Asia Pacific Oceania and

beyond. AMSA can provide a platform for enthusiastic

and passionate medical students to fully exercise their

research skills and foster international medical students'

network to emerge as well-rounded and cosmopolitan

doctors.

V i c e C h a i r p e r s o n E x t e r n a l

S U W A N N A B O O N S I R I C H A N

S e c r e t a r y f o r P r o m o � o n s & P u b l i c a � o n s

J E V O N D A E D R I A B A M I T H A

You won't help shoots grow by pulling them up higher.

Jevonda Edria Bamitha is a 4th year medical student at

Universitas Kristen Indonesia. Some might address her as

a very complex person. She is shy and outgoing at the same

time, ambitious but lazy as well. Her strength rises from

the passion she has, enabling her to give the best for her

works. But she also has some issues related with bad time

management. It is something she has always been trying

to fix from a long time.

She does not have a life motto, but there is this quote she

cannot forget. You won't help shoots grow by pulling them

up higher. It is a Chinese proverb telling not to always

force things, as some only need time. The meaning behind

that quote inspires her in the work she does and reminds

her of the experience she has in AMSA. AMSA has given

her a chance to explore the world of publication and

promotion, an opportunity she knows cannot be found

elsewhere. From competitions and conferences to student

exchanges, all within a very complete and meaningful

vision of AMSA.

Before becoming the Secretary for Promotions and

Publications of AMSA International, Jevo has

participated in AMSA-Indonesia's Executive Board as

Secretary of Publication and Promotion. She has also

attended several conferences including EAMSC 2015 in

Indonesia as a committee and AMSC 2015 in Singapore as

a delegate. Her hopes for AMSA is to be better and to push

the limits of medical students. She believes in her heart

that medical students can do so much for the people out

there, and the best part is that we can do it together.

S e c r e t a r y f o r P r o m o � o n s & P u b l i c a � o n s

J E V O N D A E D R I A B A M I T H A

Live your life to the fullest.

For Finland Tan, it is an honour to be Secretary of Finance

for the year 2015/2016. She is a first year medical student

at Deakin University, Australia. During the weekend, she

can be found either at the park or the beach doing different

kinds of outdoor activities. She is known as an easygoing

person who enjoys socializing. However, she is still

learning to control her short temper with varying success

so far.

Being newly acquainted with AMSA International,

Finland realized the need to learn much more. It was

through a fortunate turn of events that she learnt about

AMSA International, when she was given the invaluable

opportunity to become a general delegate for Australia for

the AMSC 2015 in Singapore. She felt how stimulating the

conference and how friendly the participants were. A big

thank you to those who made the conference a success, to

her Australia team mates and group friends.

The conference has taught her a lot, from eye-opening

knowledge on Geriatric Medicine to the excitement of

gaining many great friends. She believes in the vision of

AMSA International in bridging countries together and

augmenting knowledge. It is with all sincerity that she

looks forward to the continuous growth of AMSA. Until

that, she wishes everyone to study hard and play hard

because she believes in living life to the fullest.

S e c r e t a r y f o r F i n a n c e

F I N L A N D T A N

S e c r e t a r y f o r M a r k e � n g & S p o n s o r s h i p

If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.

James Tsakisiris is currently studying a Bachelor of

Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery degree at James Cook

University in the tropical regional city of Townsville. It is

the second largest city in the sunny state of Queensland,

Australia. He is described as success-driven, strong-

willed and determined, dedicated and loyal and above all

caring in his approach.

For him, being serious and focus on the job at hand are

integral to the positive outcome of any project.

Unfortunately, it may as well be perceived as a weak point

to others. His strengths include having strong family

values, progressive viewpoint on ethical issues and ability

to work successfully within a group of likeminded

individuals. However, he finds some difficulties to stop

working despite repeated attempts by others, over-

analysis of situations and maintain regular exercise

regime.

Aside from studying, James loves binge-watching

television shows while procrastinating, reading various

novels in the mean time, supporting local and national

sporting teams, engaging actively with rural health club,

passionate for international and domestic travel, and

being an excellent Residential Assistant at The John Flynn

College. With tons of things he likes, there leaves a little

room for things he dislikes, including those with negative

attitudes towards life, selfishness ahead of team success

and poor driving on the road. That being said, his life

motto is “If you're walking down the right path and you're

willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.”

AMSA has never stopped giving James an unforgettable

experience. He became general delegate several times

during AMSC 2012 in Philippines, EAMSC 2013 in Japan

and AMSC 2015 in Singapore. This enable him to learn

about cross-cultural understanding, lifelong personal and

professional partnerships, also wisdom to initiate and

finish academic projects. As Secretary of Marketing and

Sponsorship, he wishes to maintain and discover new

exciting partnerships and sponsorship deals, so that

AMSA can offer more benefits for its members.

S e c r e t a r y f o r M a r k e � n g & S p o n s o r s h i p

J A M E S T S A K I S I R I S

Find what makes you happy.

Alexander Peng is a 4th year student at the University of

New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He is indeed a

unique one with this combination of nerdy personality

and a good sense of lame humour. Apart from medicine,

Alex finds himself interested in computer science,

languages and mathematics. But he also loves to do

outdoor activities such as hiking, travelling, and water

sports like kayaking.

Being recently completed his honours year, Alex is looking

forward to pursuing medical research. Alex's way of living

is clearly stating his own life motto. Find what makes you

happy. In his case, staying interested and busy, taking the

opportunities presented with and making close

friendships along the way. It is the drive that makes life so

enjoyable.

Alex cherished his moments in AMSC Singapore this year.

For him, it was a very nice experience and he enjoyed

every single minute being there. At the moment, he is

staying on to assist AMSA International in the IT position.

His job involves administration of email and website,

something he does really well from his interest in

computer science. AMSA international has done a great

job of giving students the opportunity to experience other

cultures and understand medical students of different

nationalities. He is hoping that AMSA International will

keep on doing this great job in the future.

f i c e rT O fI

A L E X A N D E R P E N G

Break a leg.

Hanum Salsabila, or generally called Ume, is the current

Secretary for Academic for Research Committee. She is a

4th year medical student in Universitas Gadjah Mada,

Indonesia but currently enrolled in Hokkaido University

as an exchange student. She is truly a friendly and also an

o v e r l y a c t i v e - m o t i v a t e d - o p t i m i s t i c p e r s o n .

Unfortunately, due to this overly active behavior, she

sometimes misses the details of her works. But she is

always open to any suggestions in order to improve her

works. She personally is interested in cardiovascular

surgery and hematology, especially about bone marrow

transplant.

Ume was the previous Secretary of Research and

Advocacy 2014/2015 in AMSA Indonesia. During her

time in AMSA, she has joined several activities such as

Asian Medical Students' Exchange Program (AMSEP)

Malaysia-Indonesia-Taiwan in 2012, Asian Medical

Student's Conference Singapore 2015 and also

participated as Group Moderator in East Asian Medical

Student's Conference Indonesia 2015.

She enjoys every single minute being in AMSA. It is a good

thing to be in the middle of people with the same goals,

striving together to achieve those goals. This big family of

AMSA has always taught her a lot of things, personally and

professionally, that makes her a better person. She is

convinced with the possibilities of having a lot of trouble

in the future. But she is calm, as she knows there is this

family who will stick with her to the end. And so she hopes

that everyone can gain valuable lessons from AMSA

especially in academics.

S e c r e t a r y f o r A c a d e m i c s

H A N U M S A L S A B I L A

We are what we repeatedly do.Excellence then, is not an act,but a habit.

Steven Philip Surya, or simply called as Philip, is the

Secretary of Academic for Education Committee AMSA

International 2015/2016. Currently, he is a 4th year

medical student in Universitas Katolik Atma Jaya,

Indonesia.

Philip is well known among his friends as a fast worker

and a highly motivated man. One who has a good prior

knowledge in various things aside of medicine. But of

course, there is always the downside of everything. Due to

his fast approach in dealing with things, he tends not to

pay attention to the details of his works. As for his medical

journey, he has some interests in orthopedic surgery and

immunology and looking forward to know more about

those departments.

Philip has joined some of AMSA International's events

such as East Asian Medical Students' Conference 2014 in

South Korea and 2015 in Jakarta, also Asian Medical

Students' Conference 2015 in Singapore. Before taking

this opportunity in AMSA International, his previous

position was Secretary of Academic AMSA-Indonesia

2014/2015. He can mention the things he has gained from

AMSA all day, but the most important one for him would

definitely be the opportunity to have a second family in

AMSA. Being able to learn about organizing such a huge

and amazing organization in AMSA is just an

unforgettable experience for him. He hopes that members

in AMSA would enjoy to be in this organization, to run this

organization, and to learn something from it.

S e c r e t a r y f o r A c a d e m i c s

S T E V E N P H I L I P S U R Y A

Always young at heart.

Ray Chester Ambida, or known to most of his colleagues as

“Kuya Ray” (Big Brother Ray), is currently a 4th year

medical student and clerk at the Far Eastern University –

Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF) in the

Philippines. He was also the former Research Exchange

head (SCORE) of his local member organization, and

Chapter Representative of AMSA Philippines to the

Journal of Asian Medical Students Association (J-AMSA).

Currently, he is the Editor-in-Chief of the said journal and

Publicity Officer of his national chapter.

He believes that there is more to medicine than textbooks,

lectures and exams. Joining AMSA has helped him

expand his horizon and deepen his understanding of the

many health issues that his country is facing. His dream

for AMSA is to provide avenues or opportunities for

medical students across the globe to share their projects,

advocacies and research related to health and medicine in

the local, national and international level.

One of the kindest guys you'll ever meet and a haven for

those who don't have notes in exam time. He studies hard

but still finds time to help out friends in need. A person

with an open mind and weight things justly, he manages to

find the good in everyone and remains down to earth

despite his many achievements. He also loves to crack

jokes and tell random stories about his daily activities. In

the near future he hopes to become a really good doctor,

academician and researcher. His motto in life is “Siempre

joven en Corazon” (“always young at heart”) Wishing to be

a loving son, caring brother and loyal friend.

E d i t o r i n C h i e f J - A M S A

R A Y C H E S T E R A M B I D A

Nothing worth havingcomes easy.

L i a i s o n

Lady Joy Figueroa, also called Lady or LJ, is a third year

medical student from the University of the City of Manila

with a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from the

University of Santo Tomas, Philippines. Aside from being

AMSA International's Liaison Officer for AMSAAC, she is

also an officer of the College of Medicine Student Council

and a Youth Ambassador of the National Youth

Commission. As a student, she is known to be

hardworking and goal-oriented who gives her best in

everything that she do. She loves meeting new friends

from different conferences, travelling and learning the

culture and tradition of various places, taking photos and

videos of everything worth remembering. She believes

that “Nothing worth having comes easy” thus, the

obstacle-laden road to becoming a physician which molds

all medical students to become the best physicians that

they can be in the future is a constant reminder that it will

be worth it in the end.

For two years now, Lady has been an active member

AMSA by being a researcher of the Standing Committee

on Education and Research of the Community

Development and Research Society (local/subsidiary

member organization of AMSA Philippines). She has also

been a part of the successful hosting of AMSEP

Philippines for India. Through AMSA, she learnt to think

outside of the box and view things in wider perspective.

She learnt to become up to date with socially relevant

issues and how to deal with people from different walks of

life. Most of all, AMSA taught her how to respect

everyone's differences and how to make things work

despite those differences. Thus, as an officer AMSA

International, she aims to see AMSA as the prime mover

in shaping the face of a better healthcare in the future

through the emerging leaders within the members of the

organization from various countries in Asia and the

Pacific.

L A D Y J O Y F I G U E R O A

O i c e r t o A M S A A l u m n i C l u bf fL i a i s o n

S e c r e t a r y f o r M e m b e r s h i p & D e v e l o p m e n t

Make a difference in people's lives as much as you can.

Lee Li Tng is currently in her fifth year of medical school in

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All her acquaintances

define her as a helpful person who is also hardworking,

responsible and being able to work well with people.

However, she can be quite easily distracted and love to

procrastinate at times.

Li Tng loves reading novels, swimming, sleeping and

traveling but dislikes playing computer games. Her life

motto is to make a difference in people's lives as much as

she can. She was previously the Regional Chairperson of

AMSA Malaysia for two years before being elected as

Secretary of Membership & Development for this tenure.

She has joined numerous conferences so far, be it as part

of the organizing committee for AMSC Malaysia 2013 and

as delegate in AMSC Philippines 2012 and AMSC

Singapore 2015. Not only that, she was also actively

involved in various events conducted by AMSA Malaysia.

She believes AMSA has made a huge impact in her life as

she learnt a lot of organizational skills, get to know people

from various countries and also time management. AMSA

has also made her life in medical school more colourful

and interesting as it has filled her days with activities

which are not in the medical syllabus. She really hopes

that AMSA International will continue to flourish and be

able to reach out to more medical students so that they will

be able to gain more knowledge, get to know more people

and make a difference in the lives of others in accordance

with the motto of AMSA International.

S e c r e t a r y f o r M e m b e r s h i p & D e v e l o p m e n t

L E E L I T N G

S e c r e t a r y f o r M e m b e r s h i p & D e v e l o p m e n t

Enjoy everyday life.

Midori Tanaka is also the Secretary for Membership and

Development. She is a 4th year medical student at

University of Tsukuba, Japan, currently doing her

hospital rotations. Her hobby is traveling because she

likes to visit new places. She cherishes everything about

culinary. She does not only loves eating Japanese food,

but also fond of cooking them at home. Also a big fan of

cute animals such as penguins. Friendly and outgoing

would be the best words to describe her personalities as

she likes to hang out with friends on the weekend.

Midori's life in AMSA started with joining EAMSC Tokyo

in December 2012 as a general delegate. It was such an

excited experience that she decided to attend AMSC

Malaysia in July 2013. After that, she became a member of

AMSA Japan Executive Committee as PnP Officer 2013-

2014. Last tenure she worked as RC Japan 2014-2015 and

participated in EAMSC Indonesia in January 2015 and

AMSC Singapore in July 2015.

Through all those numerous experience in AMSA, she

learned many things that she wouldn't have gained by just

studying in medical school. She has made many friends

from all over Asia. Being involved in many different

activities inside AMSA Japan, she learned how to take

charge in holding events both for medical students and

general public such as health promotional events. As a

Secretary of Membership and Development, Midori's

hopes for AMSA is to get more new chapters in Asia to be

involved in AMSA International. She promised to do her

best to support each chapter and open up for any

questions regarding members' chapters.

S e c r e t a r y f o r M e m b e r s h i p & D e v e l o p m e n t

M I D O R I T A N A K A

A M E L I A V I C T O R I A T A M S I L

Live the moment.

Amelia Victoria Tamsil is a medical student from

Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi,

Indonesia. Being in her 4th year, she is still in preclinical

period and will go to clinical period next year. She is a very

friendly and cheerful person who knows just the way to

light up the moment. She is really hardworking and

always puts 100% in everything she does. Although

s o m e t i m e s s h e m i g h t g e t t o o s e r i o u s i n h e r

responsibilities, find it hard to believe in others and

choose to work it by herself.

Amelia is crazy about music and travelling. For her, the

best part of traveling is to know new culture, experience

other atmosphere, and taste new food. She always does

everything with a mindset of living the moment and

enjoying every second of life. Her favorite quote is, ”I

either eat too much or starve myself. Sleep for 14 hours or

have insomnia. Fall in love very hard or hate passionately.

I don't know what grey is. I never did.” That's just exactly

how she lives her life.

Before working as Director of AMSEP in AMSA-

International, Amelia is an active member of AMSA-

Indonesia. She started her first year in local AMSA, then

took a higher responsibility as National AMSEP Director

for Indonesia in the second year. It was a year with so

many up and down, a lot of lessons learned and experience

gained that can only be felt in AMSA. She was able to learn

about time management, setting priority between AMSA,

family, friends, and study, also new friendship in

Indonesia and International. All of the experience that

would never be found in other moment.

Nobody can question Amelia's love for AMSA. She hopes

that AMSA will always be a better organization, where all

members can experience the best from it, especially in

experiencing AMSEP.

D i r e c t o r o f A M S E P

A M E L I A V I C T O R I A T A M S I L

There is no best choice, only better choice.

Ashimoto Kensuke is the current Liaison Officer for

Association of Medical Doctors of Asia. He is in the 4th

year of Okayama University in Japan. Having lack of

English proficiency does not stop him from participating

in AMSA. With a heart that always seek for challenges and

a spirit of leadership, he managed to push himself deeper

into AMSA.

Assy, his nickname, was Vice President of AMSA Japan

and now the chairperson of global health studying

organization in his university. He likes playing

badminton, usually 3 days a week, and belongs to

badminton club of his university. He also enjoys watching

movies especially Marvel comics series. He wishes not to

even have a single encounter with cockroach in his life

because he just hates it so much. Up until now, he has

visited several places such as India (Kolkata), Thailand

(Bangkok), South Korea, and Palau. His life motto is

“There is no best choice, only better choice.” This means

that every choice has its advantages and disadvantages, so

learning to grab the chances and be positive about the

choice would be best in his mind.

Assy first met AMSA in EAMSC 2013 in Tokyo. Then he

decided to work as Academic chapter and Vice President

of Interior in AMSA Japan during the 1st grade. He gained

a lot of job skills, managerial ability, and precious friends

all over the world through AMSA activities. It motivates

him to study medicine and be active at the same time. His

dream is to work for maternal and child health in global

field such as AMDA and UNICEF, in sync with his interest

towards obstetrics and neonatology. His hopes for AMSA

is to keep growing and connecting more and more medical

students in Asian countries. By realizing how much power

AMSA students have when gathered and thus serve our

purpose to its maximum.

O i c e r t o A M D Af f

A S H I M O T O K E N S U K E

L i a i s o n

M I C H A E L S H I E S H U N L I N G

Face the world with a smile.

Michael Sie Shun Ling is the Liaison Officer to ASEAN for

AMSA International 2015/2016. Some might have known

him from previous events, as he participated as Grup

Moderator for EAMSC 2015 Indonesia, delegate for

AMSC 2015 Singapore and also Chief of Delegate during

the unforgettable AMSEP in Japan in the same year.

Born and raised in Jakarta, he is a proud Indonesian who

is currently on his 4th year of medical school in Atma Jaya

Catholic University. Aside from studies, he enjoys

culinary activities both the cooking and eating part,

making new friends, watching movies, and trying out new

experiences. One motto that helped him throughout the

challenges of medicine was to "face the world with a

smile", to maintain a positive attitude no matter what

obstacles life has to offer. Three words people may use to

describe him are optimistic, approachable and honest.

Inherently sanguine, he is a driven opportunist who can

be rather whimsical and clumsy at times.

An AMSA member for 4 years and counting, Michael has

gained tons of amazing experiences. Going back to

AMSA's roots, he developed the joy of learning newfound

knowledge, the love of being proactive, and learned the

greatest gift of friendship. Yet above all, he also received

the blessing of a new AMSA family in local university,

nationally and internationally. It's been a roller-coaster

ride, aspiring many things for the next generation of

AMSA members. His hopes for AMSA are to grow

substantially, maintain that awesomeness, and bring

about bigger impacts to the society and the world of

medicine. A final note to all members to take every

opportunity that AMSA offers and have that full AMSA

experience.

M I C H A E L S H I E S H U N L I N G

O i c e r t o A S E A Nf fL i a i s o n

R E G I O N A L C H A I R P E R S O N

R E G I O N A L C H A I R P E R S O N

Laraine Liu is a fourth year medical student in Fudan

University, double majoring in Clinical Medicine and

Public Health. As a person full of passion, she made her

life interesting, substantial and meaningful. She loves

doing sports and singing in the meantime. But she is

always ready to help and do volunteer work when needed.

She is a future doctor filled with love and a current patient

suffering from AMSA addiction.

Her journey with AMSA started from the time of AMSC

2014 Thailand. Then she participated in EAMSC 2015

Indonesia and AMSC 2015 Singapore, both as the Chief of

Delegates of China. At first, she thought the conference

was just about discussion of abstruse topics. But it turned

out to be totally the opposite. The one week meeting highly

impressed her and broadened her view. She truly had a

fun time and established long-term relationships with the

friends she met there.

From Laraine's perspective, AMSC or EAMSC is a great

chance for current medical students as future medical

professionals to enrich the knowledge and keep up with

the times, to better serve fellow citizens and possess a

global vision. Specifically for Asian students, it is a

platform where learning from each other, borrowing ideas

and approaches, and developing a better model for the

country become possible. She expects AMSA to be a larger

platform for medical students worldwide in spreading

cutting-edge progresses, useful thoughts and applicable

approaches. It is truly a great honor to be a part of AMSA.

C h i n a

L A R A I N E L I U

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

Emiliana Kartika, or Emily for short, is a third year

medical student in Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma

Jaya Jakarta. In the spare time, she explores her interest

in graphic design and jazz music. She collect pens and

Moleskines for she like doodling and designing. Well,

design is the thing that brought her here, to AMSA. Back

then, she worked as local PnP team in university,

designing posters and writing articles. As she learn and

explore, she got promoted to work in AMSA-Indonesia

National Team, exploring a whole lot of interesting things

about AMSA through activities in national and

international events, yet that was before she is trusted to

hold the position as the Regional Chairperson. Three

years exploring her interests in AMSA, she has gained

beyond great friendship and knowledge. It is the passion

that drives her to go beyond the extra mile for everything

she do, be it related to AMSA or not.

Besides AMSA, her spare time is spent by reading

nonfiction books, especially about philosophy and

happiness neuroscience. She has a great interest in

Stoicism philosophy, as brought by Marcus Aurelius.

Once he wrote, “The happiness of your life depends upon

the quality of your thoughts.” This sentence somehow hits

her in ups and downs. She lives by this practically-found

sentence in every act she does.

She found herself developed significantly and happily,

hoping that AMSA keeps in inspiring more people and

have an even larger family across Asia. That every single

thing AMSA does would be an inspiration for us, future

leaders, to work towards community betterment and

thrive for the best of everything. She is confident that all of

us can do great things on this tenure.

I n d o n e s i a

E M I L I A N A K A R T I K A

Once I hold a dream, I strive really hard to fulfill it.

Kento Minami is a 2nd year student at Chiba University

which is located to the right of Tokyo. He is known for his

friendly and laid-back personality that makes getting

along with others an easy matter. That being said, he does

not have confidence in himself. It is something he wants to

improve by participating in AMSA Japan's activities.

In the meantime, he loves to travel all around Japan while

treating himself with various delicacies. He cannot stop

eating Japanese Shaving Ice this summer. He is not fond

of playing sports because the lack of physical strength. But

nowadays, he goes swimming to build up his strength.

Kento was appointed as the new RC Japan this September

after being a Public Relations Officer in 2014-2015. He felt

so grateful being in AMSA for he has gained so much

thing. Firstly, he is able to make a lot of friends not only

from Japan, but also abroad. Secondly, AMSA members

have always inspired and motivated him to be a good

doctor. Thirdly, he has the opportunity to learn article

editing for AMSA Japan's annual magazine and

publication images. That is something he would never

experience if he does not join AMSA. He would love to

broaden his potential by trying new activities especially as

the new RC of Japan.

He hopes that medical students across Asia could

strengthen mutual relationships and be inspired through

the works of AMSA. He truly believes that AMSA

contributes to the development of medical situation in

Asia. It will not be easy for sure, but it is one of his dreams.

And with the motto he has, “Once I hold a dream, I strive

really hard to fulfill it”, we can rest assured that he will try

his best to make it come true.

J a p a n

K E N T O M I N A M I

V A N N E S E W O N G P H E Y J I A

Stay calm, speak less and work harder, be smarter and stronger.

Vannese Wong Phey Jia is a 24-year-old Malaysian with

the height of 1.64 meter or average for Asian lady.

Currently she is in her final year at The National

University of Malaysia. Words that describe her would be

outgoing, friendly and responsible. Some even address

her as the 'iron lady' as well. She likes to travel and enjoy

food from different cultures, as well as baking and

cooking. Participating in volunteering and charity

program is a must. For her, spreading love to every corner

of the world is the happiest thing.

Being a final year medical student and active student at

the same time is not easy. Undeniably, stress is

everywhere. Hence, she has her own stress kit. When she

is in bad mood, she plays the guitar, write calligraphy, or

even go for physical activities like jogging, badminton,

swimming and basketball. She believes these actions can

calm her soul. She always says “stay calm, speak less and

work harder, be smarter and stronger”.

Vannese has joined AMSA since her 1st year in medical

school. She has been AMSEP officer in the 2nd year, Vice

President of AMSA Malaysia in the 4th year and currently

the Regional Chairperson. She was given the opportunity

to join AMSC Philippines and AMSEP to Japan in 2012,

host 3 exchange programs and be a student advisor for it

in her university. She was also the bidder who won

EAMSEP hosting.

For her, AMSA has given uncountable learning

experience, especially in leadership and communication

skill. She would have never imagined herself being a

leader of such important committee, as she was always the

secretary before. She was also able to make friends from

various countries and learn about different cultures

through conferences and exchange programs. The most

amazing part is the friendship never fades, and that is

what she likes best from AMSA.

M a l a y s i a

V A N N E S E W O N G P H E Y J I A

Rohit Rauniyar is currently pursuing his career as an

Intern doctor in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital,

Institute of Medicine. Being a doctor, he believes he has a

social responsibility towards his community and is

committed to do any hardships in his capacity to

accomplish this. He is known among his friends and

family as a cheerful and friendly person with firm

dedication and commitment towards work. He has a great

zeal in life and loves to travel, for it allows him to learn

about different cultures and lifestyle.

His journey in AMSA began with being a general member

in his first year of medical school. After that he served in

the Executive Board of AMSA-Nepal as Secretary of

Finance in his third year of medical school. Finally, he

stepped up as the new Regional Chairperson of AMSA-

Nepal recently. He attended his first conference in July in

AMSC Singapore.

Rohit's experience with AMSA in the past few years has

been a mesmerizing one with AMSA, acting as a platform

to unleash his potential. It has transformed him from an

ordinary person to a leader with the quality of compassion

to work for community. From just a part of Nepal, he has

now developed a network of friends from across the globe,

justifying the philosophy of AMSA 'Knowledge, Action

and Friendship', thanks to AMSA. He hopes that AMSA

will one day make a significant impact in the healthcare

system of people across the globe by producing world class

leaders and innovators.

N e p a l

R O H I T R A U N I Y A R

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Caroline Shie is an aspiring doctor at the University of

Otago in Wellington, New Zealand, who has a passion for

community and a heart for the world. She is known for her

inability to sit still for an extended period of time, her

constant pursuit of new challenges and adventures, and

anticlimactic jokes. Apart from being a fourth year

me d i c a l s t u d e nt and e ng ag i ng i n p ro d u c t i ve

procrastination, she is a musician, a big fan of tau sar bao

or steamed red bean buns and the current Regional

Chairperson of AMSA New Zealand.

Her journey with AMSA International has been a truly

exciting one thus far. Despite having not known about the

organisation, she attended her first conference in January

2015 in Indonesia as the sole New Zealand delegate. She

subsequently stepped up as the Regional Chairperson,

with the vision of empowering New Zealand medical

students to impact the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, for

the better of health and health care.

The past seven months have taught her that there is no

progress without unforgiveness, and there is no success

without failure. Through consistency, dedication and

vigour, she believes that our philosophy of Knowledge,

Action and Friendship will be one day captured and

actualised by every medical student. And she looks

forward to the day AMSA International would be world

leaders and great influencers in Medicine.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

N e w Z e a l a n d

C A R O L I N E S H I E

Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.

Muhammad Salman Haider Qureshi, or simply called

Salman is known for many things. He is a diligent medical

student, an aspiring Public Health Specialist, a passionate

researcher, an empathetic social worker, a mission-

oriented writer, an energetic declaimer, an avid poet, a

fast n' furious driver, a careless cyclist and a freestyle

swimmer.

He is studying at Peshawar Medical College which is

situated in the province of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa in the

neighborhood of Afghanistan. Currently he is a student of

Fourth Professional MBBS serving as the Regional

Chairperson of Pakistan Chapter. He got associated with

Asian Medical Students' Association four years ago.

Originally working as the Director of Publication and

Promotion of AMSA Pakistan, his appointment as the

Regional Chairperson has broadened his horizons and

since then devoted himself to strengthen the Pakistan

Chapter. Pakistan has succeeded to secure an appreciable

number of milestones in a short period of time. There are

always pros and cons in every leadership. He received

praises from colleagues for his leadership qualities but at

the same time critics for being lenient with College

Representatives. After securing the Best Chapter Award,

he is now looking forward to further strengthen and

expand the family of AMSA. Due to his continuous

engagement with AMSA, the name AMSA has even

become the nickname used by his friends instead of

Salman.

Besides his role in AMSA Pakistan, he also actively

participates in academic organizations including Society

for Undergraduate Medical Research, National Academy

of Young Scientists, Pakistan Medical Students Research

Society, Students' Literary Society, and few academic

conferences like 8th Undergraduate Medical Research

Conference, AIMS Meeting, LIMSC and YES Meeting.

There is a quote from George Bernard Shah that always

inspires him. “Some men see things as they are and say

why. I dream things that never were and say why not.” And

that is what makes him so devoted in everything he does.

P a k i s t a n

S A L M A N Q U R E S H I

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of

others, said Gienah Evangelista, the Regional

Chairperson to AMSA International of AMSA Philippines.

Currently, she is in her clerkship year at the University of

the Philippines, Manila. Aside from the interest in

obstetrics and gynecology, she is having a particular

inclination to theater, music, photography, books, art and

puppies. In between duties, classes and extracurricular

activities, she still manages to find some time to develop

her passions. Currently she is starting to rediscover the

world of painting, yoga, aftereffect and football.

Gienah's passion for AMSA dates back in 2012 during

AMSEP Malaysia for the Philippines where she started to

see and experience AMSA International as defined by

Knowledge, Action and Friendship. Since then, she has

been heavily involved in many AMSA Philippines and

AMSA International activities, serving as AMSEP

National Director of AMSA Philippines in 2013-2014,

Regional Chairperson in 2014-2015 and also in 2015-2016

as her second term.

Truly, AMSA is a great avenue for medical students

divided by geographical borders and cultural differences

to connect, build lasting connections and grow holistically

into excellent future medical professionals. She hopes

that AMSA can focus on the three core values on which it

was built upon. That is for the organization to strongly

uphold encouraging, extensive and dynamic knowledge,

socially relevant action and long lasting friendships.

P h i l i p p i n e s

G I E N A H E V A N G E L I S T A

Try to be a bright person and just be thankful for this life.

Hyunyoung Park is a 4th year medical student at Yonsei

University who will graduate on 2018. She has joined

AMSA since 26th EAMSC in Tokyo and participated 34th

AMSC in Kuala Lumpur, 27th EAMSC in Seoul, and 28th

EAMSC in Jakarta. She loves traveling by herself and

really looking forward to visit Taiwan before 29th EAMSC

in Taipei starts.

As an active person, she enjoys experiencing and planning

new things. It is the reason that drives her to become

executive committee every year in Korea. Being executive

committee enables her to plan the next activity or even

create a new one that she finds attractive. Some examples

of annual activities by AMSA Korea are teddy bear

hospital, wine party and debate competition for high

school students.

Nevertheless, she actually is quite a shy person. She had a

hard time making relationship especially with someone

new. Three years of AMSA life has definitely made some

changes in her personality, but there is still one problem

she was not able to overcome. She has the tendency to

cram up every tasks like test or report. She knows it is hard

to fix, but she always try to be a bright person and just be

thankful for this life.

She prefers to hold a position. By holding one, she feels a

sense of belonging and responsibility. Since the 34th

AMSC, she always hold a position both in conference and

in Korea. She has also joined lots of AMSA activities in and

out of Korea. This numerous experience enables her to

make good friends around the world and in different

universities in Korea. She is curious to see what AMSA

International does during this one year as RC of Korea and

thus has a big picture if she decided to join AMSA

International next year.

S o u t h K o r e a

H Y U N Y O U N G P A R K

P A T C H A R A W A N C H A T R O M Y E N

Don't take anything for granted because one day it'll be everything you wish you had back.

Patcharawan Chatromyen, or usually known as

Nampueng, is AMSA-Thailand's Regional Chairperson

from 2015-2016. Currently she is a 3rd year medical

student from Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital,

Navamindradhiraj University. Before taking this position,

she was the Secretary of Recreation in AMSA-Thailand.

She can be described easily as a cheerful and adventurous

girl. She finds herself smiling, laughing, being friendly and

very funny most of the time. Then she has this excitement

for traveling and exploring new things. She is the youngest

in her family of four, with her sister being a medical

student as well, and has no boyfriend. Her interests are

traveling, reading books, listening to music and cooking.

Being an animal lover, she enjoys her free time by playing

with them in cat or dog cafes. She wishes to keep a dog

when she has graduated. She dislikes having exam every

week and no free time to enjoy life.

“Don't take anything for granted because one day it'll be

everything you wish you had back.” It always reminds her

that every minute is worthy whether it is to be spent with

someone you love, discover places worthy of visiting,

explore new experiences and simply follow her heart. She

is best known for her kindness, friendliness, creativity and

responsibility. Nevertheless, when there are too much

stresses, she feels the need to be alone and get her own

space to sort them out. She loves working in AMSA

because for her, life would be very boring if spent only for

studying, reading or being a nerd. This is her driving force

to always find more challenging things, more exciting

activities and more new friends. That is the reason she

loves AMSA so much and she hopes AMSA would always

grow to be better and better.

T h a i l a n d

P A T C H A R A W A N C H A T R O M Y E N

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