IDDSI Chairperson and CEO Mr. Peter Lam addressing questions from the delegates at the Masterclass Workshop.

The Asia IDDSI Festival 2024 concluded successfully on 29-30 Nov 2024 at @IMU University, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by the IDDSI Committee under the leadership of IDDSI Chairperson and CEO Mr Peter Lam, Pharm-D was honoured to play a role as the Festival’s Secretariat this year.

The IDDSI Festival is a specialised event dedicated to advancing knowledge and practices using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. It is designed to bring together healthcare professionals, caregivers, culinary experts, and industry leaders to promote safe and enjoyable eating and drinking for individuals with dysphagia, a condition that affects swallowing.

This year, the Asia IDDSI Festival featured an interactive Masterclass Workshop, where participants learned to prepare IDDSI Level 4, 5 and 6 food under the expert guidance of professional chefs @Preston Walker and @James Ball from OHK (previously known as Oakhouse Kitchen) who specialised in food services for health and social care. Delegates gained hands-on experience in preparing texture-modified meals, safe food thickener usage, and proper storage and reheating techniques.

Chef Preston Walker demonstrates how to transform the iconic Malaysian dish, Nasi Lemak, into a dysphagia-friendly meal, with Chef James Ball offering detailed insights.

IDDSI Chairperson Mr. Peter Lam delivering his closing remarks during the Festival.

The festival also hosted a diverse range of sessions, including a multidisciplinary approach to dysphagia assessment and patient-caretaker sharing, showcase of cutting-edge IDDSI implementation techniques and the latest innovations in dysphagia management.

Pharm-D extends its heartfelt gratitude to the IDDSI Committee, IMU University, and all attendees for making this festival an extraordinary success together. As a healthcare partner committed to advancing medical nutrition and dysphagia care, Pharm-D looks forward to supporting more future initiatives that empower professionals and enhance patient outcomes.

The Pharm-D team with IDDSI Chairperson and CEO Mr. Peter Lam