The pivotal and unique role played by women in families and societies must be better understood, catered for and appreciated. Their compassion and understanding of life's complex cycle are irreplaceable. Women's contributions to development continue to be taken for granted, even by experts measuring social and economic development.

The 1st Wanita Health and Lifestyle Exposition 2004 (WHL 2004) will attempt to embrace these changes and bring about solutions to yesterday's issues. Modernisation and globalisation have erased national boundaries in terms of information exchange, education, travel, communication, entrepreneurship and entertainment. Yet many women are often denied opportunities that modernisation and globalisation has created. It is time to recognise women's contribution to society in the informal sector and to advocate their broad inclusion in the formal sector.

The borderless world requires the mobilisation of available resources, including women to be united in a common causes, to meet the global challenges for better health and lifestyle, and to better embrace the challenges that are happening in a colossal scale for the development of women in today's demanding society.

The world population is six billion and is predicted to increase to nine billion by the year 2050. Furthermore, the average life expectancy in 2000 has reached over 80.2 years for women and 73.7 years for men in developed countries. People today are living longer, and women are undeniably living longer than men. Consequently, pro-active measures and efforts must be made to instill greater sense of understanding to further educate women on how to take advantage of this fact.

WHL 2004 will be the ideal forum to concentrate on these developments and disseminate ideas for the benefit of women in a more focused manner.

It is an undeniable fact that women's market share of consumer products is significant. Women's expenses on cosmetics, health and beauty products are surging, and more women take credence in being tuned in to the latest health products available in the market. WHL 2004 provides the golden opportunity for companies to further enhance their market share and reach out to the women at all levels. A long list of brands on cosmetics, skin care, slimming products, equipments and services is on the flow, serving as the market indicator for its demand.

WHL 2004 will be the ideal gateway to showcase the latest trends and products available for the health and lifestyle of women. The health industry in Malaysia has progressed sharply in recent years. Imported and local established brands have long been popular among Malaysian women as a result of acquiring a superior buying power. WHL 2004 will provide women of all ages with the latest in slimming techniques, beauty therapies, skincare products and health supplements to name a few. This will definitely be an excellent opportunity for companies to experience and garner more publicity for their products and services available in the market.

High-powered concurrent events will enhance the importance of WHL 2004, transforming it as the most prominent and a must-attend Event for women of all ages.

There will be a high powered health symposium organised with topics related to the Health and Lifestyle Industry. Workshops, demonstrations and seminars will be organised for interested exhibitors to further expose their products and services. These will give the Exhibition more credibility and increase its effectiveness. In addition, there would also be complimentary health screenings such as Blood pressure, Blood Group, Body Fat Mass, Hearing, Vision and Bone screenings for all visitors.

Special forums and programmes for groups and associations will also be organised to further discuss on the roles and responsibilities of women today.

Women's health development cannot be fully accomplished by the health sector alone. The reciprocal relationship between health and lifestyle requires that equilibriums be established to support these processes. Effective development strategies from women's perspective would also include leadership development, the empowerment of women and the mobilisation of resources form various sources, including welfare systems. The challenges and dilemmas of the 21st century faced by today's women will be addressed in this symposium to find solutions for a healthier lifestyle and to eradicate the inadequacies faced especially in the areas of medical, health and lifestyle.

The underlining objectives of the symposium is to :

Speakers from Malaysia and worldwide will be invited from various organisations such as the government, universities, private health care providers, as well as fitness, nutritionist and wellness counselors. Foreign experts would also be invited to educate the public and provide latest updated information on important health-related issues.

WHL 2004 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia and F&R Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd.

As an annual affair, WHL 2004 will be steadfast in the promotion and expansion of women related issues and the inroads achieved by women of all ages. The synergy between health issues and constantly changing lifestyles for today's women will be the highlights of this event that will promise not only to bring the knowledge and expertise for women but also to instill greater sense of quality for women of all ages.

WHL 2004: To raise awareness about the manageable steps women can take to improve their health through the importance of simple preventive measures in which women need to choose as the most effective steps to improve their health.

WHL 2004: A strategic avenue to further encourage women to take a proactive role in making informed and educated decisions about their health and lifestyle.

WHL 2004: A high quality Exposition where exhibitors and their products will achieve maximum exposure to VIPs, Government officials, Corporate leaders, related trade visitors and the mass public.

WHL 2004: An opportunity to promote and develop businesses involving women's health and lifestyle in Malaysia and the region.

WHL 2004: will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur where it is easily accessible to a high volume of visitors with various complimenting facilities.

WHL 2004: will definitely enhance Malaysia's role in developing the image of women in today's world.

WHL 2004: will also be the perfect platform for health care providers to announce and establish new and innovative products and services to the mass community.

WHL 2004: will promote the development of a healthier living for women in today's challenging world.

Kuala Lumpur

Best known for its enchanting and unique culture, beautiful land and harmonious multi-racial citizens - Malaysia offers an unforgettable gateway to your holiday, cultural and traditional experiences with economic stability. With 23.3 million population (year 2000), well-developed infrastructure, strong economic fundamentals with attractive incentives for local and foreign investors, Malaysia provides an excellent platform for not only business ventures but also social and cultural activities. The heartbeat of Malaysia started in Kuala Lumpur, the capital. Since the young nation achieved independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur begun as the trade corridor to the country and soon became the business centre of the nation. Within a short period of time, Kuala Lumpur stood tall as it leads the nation into equilibrium of economic and social victory.

PWTC