It is an honour to be elected the President of HKIA. HKIA's role in fostering a professional forum for fellowship and scientific exchange in allergy is unique in HK. Its success is self evident, not least of which is its highly reputed international biannual conference. This has become an important part of the conference calendar for general practitioners, allergists, immunologists and related disciplines as well as for allied health professionals in HK and beyond.

The recent convention in October was an outstanding success again and we even held a press briefing to report on a new discovery about the long term detrimental effects of pollution on lung growth in children. We were pleased that the Under-secretary for the Environment in HKSAR government also spoke. As a result I am now chairing a working group of health professionals to help HKSAR government to engage the public in the battle against pollution.

I have been inspired by the vision of HKIA and I have admired its collegiality. I am confident that I speak for all members when I thank the Founders, present and previous Presidents, Dr Helen Chan and the other officers of the Institute who have given us such a worthy professional platform.

As HKIA approaches its 19th year since its launch in 1996, the challenge for us is to write the next chapter of HKIA's illustrious history. I hope we can build on the remarkable legacy to date and make HKIA an even more vibrant organization that is inclusive and forward looking.

During my tenure as President of HKIA I will honour and build on its past successes, celebrate the present and plan for the future. I am committed to helping HKIA grow its legacy; to increase its public and professional profile; and to progress a tripartite agenda to help improve allergy services, create more opportunities for training of aspiring allergists; and to promote an environment to facilitate discovery of new knowledge. In short, I will try to make my Presidency one for growth, inclusivity, vision and energy (GIVE).

I feel the timing is right as the energy and enthusiasm in HK is receptive for growing Allergy as a discipline. This will not happen overnight but the stronger we are as a professional society the more we can do to progress to our ultimate goal.

I will be publishing a strategy on the way forward for HKIA soon once Council has been able to discuss it. My ardent wish is to engender a feeling of ownership of our strategy by everyone in the HKIA; after all it is your Institute. The officers, Council and I are merely the stewards of HKIA for a brief period of time.

Please join us to shape a strong professional platform for the benefits of our allergic patients and betterment of health in HK.

Dr Tak Hong Lee - President
Hong Kong Institute of Allergy