Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We are very proud to announce to the world that Malaysia is now ready to host one of the world’s most important scientific events, THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL POSTHARVEST SYMPOSIUM (IPS 2012). The Symposium will be held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25th – 29th June 2012. It is jointly organised by Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) with strong supports   from many local and international agencies, academic institutions, private companies and NGOs. The world’s biggest and most important postharvest event under the Commission of Quality and Postharvest Horticulture of ISHS is held once in every four years; the last one was held in Antalya, Turkey. It is a great honour for Malaysia for being selected to host the coming IPS 2012, the first in Asia.

The Organising and Scientific Committees have arranged highly interesting and world class programmes. All aspects related to postharvest handling of horticultural crops will be discussed and presented by some of the world’s best scientists and experts from 50 countries. More than 500 abstracts have been received from all over the world. It is a journey and exploration into the world’s most recent scientific and technology advancements. The Symposium will also provide opportunities to establish and strengthen international networking with world renowned scientists, research institutions and industries. The programme will include 4 plenary sessions, 12 concurrent oral sessions, 2 poster sessions, 4 workshops, exhibitions and technical tours. Thirty six world renowned speakers have been invited to deliver keynotes, lead papers and workshop presentations. Post-symposium tours have also been arranged to several technical and tourists places of interests in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Borneo.

Participants to the IPS 2012 will also have the opportunity to appreciate Malaysia, the host country which is so diverse and colourful with numerous physical, cultural and social attractions. Its excellent weather, stable political and economic environment, and excellent modern infrastructure draw numerous visitors to its shores. Through the years the country has been gaining prominence in Southeast Asia as a premier destination for international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. Bear in mind that June is also a perfect time to visit Malaysia and other South East Asian countries. By attending the Symposium, you will have the opportunity to experience this exciting tropical Asian paradise and discover the dynamic and yet tranquil atmosphere of truly Asia. This is the Symposium that you cannot afford to miss and please come to the IPS 2012, PWTC, Kuala Lumpur, 25th – 29th June 2012. We promise you that it is going to be one of the world’s most exciting and memorable events.

Kuala Lumpur is a modern and highly attractive capital city of 2 million people. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), one of the world’s best, is served by 54 airlines to over 100 scheduled destinations. It is located about 70 km south of Kuala Lumpur and very well connected by public transports including high speed trains.

In case you have not registered for the IPS 2012 yet, please do so at http://postharvest2012.mardi.gov.my. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this great world event. We look forward to welcome you to beautiful and friendly Malaysia. We wish you SELAMAT DATANG.