9th Congress of the APSR

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APSR 2004 Hong Kong

This congress was held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, on 10-13 December 2004.

Congress websites remain online for a limited period after the event. Therefore for posterity, the following links are reproduced from the congress website www.apsr2004.com at the close of the congress.

Given the size and complexity of such events, it is inevitable that there were last minute changes. Consequently there is no guarantee that all the sessions detailed actually took place in the form advertised.

Localised information that is unlikely to be of further interest, such as hotel booking, transportation arrangements to the venue, etc., has been omitted.

Congress original website content

The following information appeared in the Final Announcement

Congress poster
Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Andrew Tse
of Helicopters Hong Kong Limited

Hosted by the Hong Kong Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians (Hong Kong and Macau Chapter)
Sponsor: Hong Kong Lung Foundation

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Contents

Welcome Message2
Invitation3
Local Organizing Committee4
Congress Information5
Programme at a Glance6
Faculty7
Workshops9
Registration Information11
Call for Papers12
Venue13
Hotel Accommodation14
Sightseeing15
Information on Hong Kong16

Inserts

Registration Form / Hotel Reservation Form
Abstract Submission Form

Important Dates

Deadline for Abstract Submission31 July 2004
Deadline for Early Bird Registration31 August 2004
Deadline for Hotel Reservation15 October 2004

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Welcome Message from the President of the Congress

Wah-Kit Lam

It is my greatest honour and pleasure to invite you to attend the 9th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology which will be held in Hong Kong on 10-13 December 2004.

The APSR Congress, inaugurated in 1988 in Tokyo and initially held biennially, has become an annual event since 2002. This reflects both the increase in the activities of APSR as a rapidly growing international society of respirology and the increasing challenge of respiratory diseases for clinicians and scientists in the Asian Pacific region. In this region, asthma is common, and tobacco smoking, unlike the trend in western countries, is rising, leading to a great problem of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. We did not need SARS to remind us that pulmonary infections, old and new, are always a great challenge here, be it tuberculosis, HIV-related pulmonary infections, melioidosis, influenza, or SARS. And obstructive sleep apnoea is increasingly recognized.

In 2004, the 9th Congress of the APSR is organized jointly by the Hong Kong Thoracic Society and the Hong Kong and Macau Chapter of the American College of Chest Physicians, and is supported by the Hong Kong Lung Foundation. The Scientific Committee will organize a most comprehensive and exciting programme in respirology that will be interesting and relevant to specialists and general practitioners alike. A variety of programmes and learning modes will be offered - postgraduate sessions, state-of-the-art lectures, symposia, interactive sessions, and of course, free papers and posters, and exhibitions of medical products, equipment and publications. Leading respirologists from the region as well as outside the region have been invited to participate.

Situated in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong is a most beautiful, dynamic and sophisticated city with a unique blend of East-meets-West culture. December is the best time of the year with mild and fine weather (16-24°C). Come and enjoy the vibrancy generated by the legendary shopping opportunities, internationally renowned cuisine, remarkable efficiency and friendly people.

The Organizing Committee is working very hard to put together a truly memorable congress in December 2004. The Hong Kong community comes together and looks forward to warmly welcoming every delegate with creative social programmes and exciting activities. Your attendance will no doubt prove to be a valuable and enjoyable experience both scientifically and socially.

Professor W. K. Lam
President
9th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology


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Invitation from the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee

Mary Ip

On behalf of the Organizing Committee members, I welcome you all to the 9th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

The theme of this Congress, Respiratory Counterpoint, is highly befitting of the scenario in the Asia-Pacific region. Respiratory diseases pose a heavy healthcare burden, and countries in the region are afflicted with some of the highest prevalences globally of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, and recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). While we still see a lot of suffering from diseases that are now considered uncommon in the West, such as tuberculosis and bronchiectasis, we also witness rising numbers of conditions previously thought to be uncommon in Asian populations, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. Against this regional background of respiratory health issues, we believe that the Congress will serve as a counterpoint for us to learn from each other. The Organizing Committee promises a rich assembly of international and regional experts, who will share with us an array of scientific advances and practical experiences.

Vibrance is not the only attraction in Hong Kong. Our city also has natural scenery and rich architectural heritage, although not often introduced to our visitors. One is drawn inevitably into the vibrant throb of this City of Life, which displays a dynamic cosmopolitan outlook but which has also maintained many local flavours from our Chinese heritage.

We look forward to meeting you all in Hong Kong in December 2004.

Professor Mary Ip
Chairman
Local Organizing Committee


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Local Organizing Committee

President
W. K. Lam
Vice Presidents
Christopher Lai
Alfred Tam
Loretta Yam
Chairman
Mary Ip
Secretary General
Thomas Mok
Executive Secretary
W. M. Chan
Treasurers
H. S. Chan
C. Y. Tam
Scientific Programme
David Hui
Kenneth Tsang
Publication
K. S. Chan
P. C. Wong
Publicity
Maureen Wong
W. C. Yu
Exhibition & Congress Facilities
Kahlin Choo
C. M. Chu
Social Programme
S. S. Ho
Joseph Pang

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Congress Information

Theme
Respiratory Counterpoint
Congress Date
10-13 December 2004
Congress Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Congress Secretariat
MediMedia Pacific Limited
Unit 901-903, AXA Centre
151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2559 5888 Fax: (852) 2559 6910
E-mail: meeting@medimedia.com.hk
Web-site: www.APSR2004.com
Official Language
English is the official language of the Congress.
Academic Accreditation
Continuous medical education (CME) accreditation and continuous nursing education (CNE) accreditation will be applied from related Colleges in Hong Kong and the American College of Chest Physicians.
Letter of Invitation
Letters of invitation to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries will be sent upon request. It must be understood that such letters do not imply any financial or other support from the Local Organizing Committee.
Exhibition
In conjunction with the Congress, an exhibition featuring the latest products, equipment and educational materials in respiratory medicine will be held on 11 - 13 December 2004. Admission to the exhibition is free for all registered participants.
Liability
The Local Organizing Committee is not responsible for personal accidents or damages to the private property of registered participants. It is suggested that participants make their own arrangements with respect to medical, accident and other necessary insurance.

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Programme at a Glance

10 Dec 2004 (Friday)
MorningBusiness Meetings
LunchRegistration
AfternoonWorkshops
  1. Interventional Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
  2. Molecular and Cell Biology for Clinicians
  3. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
  4. Recent Advances in Thoracic Imaging
  5. Respiratory Care
Business Meetings
Ann Woolcock Memorial Lecture
EveningOpening Ceremony
Cocktail Reception (GlaxoSmithKline)
Satellite Symposium 1 (GlaxoSmithKline)
Dinner (GlaxoSmithKline)
11 Dec 2004 (Saturday)
MorningPlenary Lecture 1 (Tuberculosis)
Parallel Session 1A (Respiratory Tract Infections)Parallel Session 1B (Lung Cancer)Poster Viewing Session 1
LunchSatellite Symposium 2 (AstraZeneca)Satellite Symposium 3 (Eli Lilly)
AfternoonPlenary Lecture 2 (Asthma and COPD)
Michiyoshi Harasawa Memorial Lecture
Parallel Session 2A (COPD)Parallel Session 2B (Radiology Grand Round)Poster Viewing Session 2
12 Dec 2004 (Sunday)
MorningPlenary Lecture 3 (Lung Cancer)
Parallel Session 3A (Asthma)Parallel Session 3B (Sleep Disordered Breathing)Poster Viewing Session 3
LunchSatellite Symposium 4 (HK Medical Supplies & Daiichi)Satellite Symposium 5 (Boehringer Ingelheim & Pfizer)
AfternoonPlenary Lecture 4 (Respiratory Tract Infections)
Parallel Session 4A (Tuberculosis)Parallel Session 4B (Critical Care Medicine)Satellite Symposium 4 (HK Medical Supplies & Daiichi)
EveningCongress Dinner
13 Dec 2004 (Monday)
MorningPlenary Lecture 5 (Sleep Disordered Breathing)
Parallel Session 5A (NIPPV)Presidential Best Papers Presentation
LunchPresidential Symposium
Closing Ceremony

Whilst every attempt will be made to ensure that all aspects of the Congress programme will take place as scheduled, the Local Organizing Committee reserves the right to make last minute changes should the need arise.


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Faculty

Prof. Peter BarnesProfessor of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, UK
Prof. Eric BatemanHead of Division, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The University of Cape Town, South Africa
Prof. Norbert BerendDirector, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
Prof. William BusseHead, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, USA
Prof. Moira ChanChair Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Prof. R. C. ChenVice Director, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, China
Dr. S. T. CheungResearch Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. C. M. ChuSenior Medical Officer, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. Neil DouglasProfessor of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
Prof. Donald EnarsonDirector, Scientific Activities, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, France
Prof. David EttingerAlex Grass Professor of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
Prof. Yoshinosuke FukuchiHead of Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
Dr. Peter GibsonAssociate Professor, Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Australia
Dr. James HoHonorary Clinical Assistant Professor, University Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. P. L. HoAssociate Professor, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. David HuiAssociate Professor, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Prof. Mary IpProfessor of Medicine, University Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. P. L. KhongAssociate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Prof. Sumalee KiathoonsriChief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand
Prof. Paul KvaleProfessor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, National Cancer Institute, USA
Dr. Henry KwokRespiratory Medicine Specialist, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, Hong Kong
Prof. Burkhard LachmannProfessor of Anaesthesiology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Dr. Christopher LaiHonorary Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. B. LamAssociate Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. W. K. LamChair Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head, University Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Prof. K. H. LeeAssociate Professor and Senior Consultant, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
Prof. C. K. LiamHead of Respiratory Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia
Dr. John LukAssociate Professor, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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Prof. William MacNeeProfessor of Respiratory and Environmental Medicine, ELEGI Colt Laboratories, The University of Edinburgh, UK
Dr. Judith MakResearch Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. Walter McNicholas NewmanProfessor, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, UK
Dr. Matthew NaughtonAssociate Professor and Head of General Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Australia
Dr. Alan NgHead and Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
Prof. Michael NiedermanChief, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Winthrop-University Hospital, USA
Dr. Clara OoiAssociate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Prof. Allan PackDirector, Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, USA
Dr. Amanda PiperSenior Physiotherapist and Research Fellow, Centre for Respiratory Failure and Sleep Disorders, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
Prof. Udaya PrakashConsultant in Pulmonary, Critical Care and Internal Medicine Department, Mayo Clinic, USA
Prof. Klaus RabeProfessor of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Leiden, The Netherlands
Prof. Sharon RoundsProfessor of Medicine, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown Medical School, Brown University, USA
Prof. Hidetada SasakiProfessor and Chairman, Department of Geriatrics and Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University, Japan
Prof. Y. S. ShimDirector, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Republic of Korea
Dr. S. Y. SoConsultant Respiratory Physician, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. Colin SullivanHead, David Read Laboratory, University of Sydney, Australia
Dr. C. M. TamConsultant, Tuberculosis & Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong
Dr. George TipoeAssociate Professor, Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Kenneth TsangAssociate Professor, University Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Trevor WilliamsAssociate Professor and Clinical Director, Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Australia
Dr. Ivy WongHonorary Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Maria WongAssociate Professor, Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Loretta YamChief of Service, Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. P. C. YangChairman, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Dr. K. M. YaoAssistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Y. Y. YauMedical Director, Diagnostic Imaging Services, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong
Dr. W. W. YewChief of Service, Tuberculosis and Chest Unit, Grantham Hospital, Hong Kong
Dr. Michael YiuMedical Officer, Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Prof. Victor YuChief of Infectious Disease Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Prof. N. S. ZhongDirector, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, China

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Workshops

Workshop 1: Workshop on Interventional Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Chairpersons: Dr. C. K. Liam and Dr. Kenneth Tsang
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004
Time: 13:30‑16:20 (2.5 hours)
Preliminary Programme:

13:00‑13:30Registration
13:30‑14:00Overview of Ablative Techniques for Interventional Bronchoscopy (Professor Paul Kvale, USA)
14:00‑14:30Role of TBLB in the 21st Century (Professor Udaya Prakash, USA)
14:30‑15:00Bronchoscopic Intervention for Intraluminal Airway Obstruction (Dr. Alan Ng (Singapore)
15:00‑15:30Coffee Break
15:30‑16:30Bronchoscopic Case Presentations (Professor Paul Kvale & Professor Udaya Prakash, USA)
Workshop 2: Workshop on Molecular and Cell Biology for Clinicians

Chairpersons: Dr. Judith Mak and Dr. George Tipoe
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004
Time: 13:30‑16:10 (2 hours)
Preliminary Programme:

13:00‑13:30Registration
13:30‑13:50Principles and Applications of Immunohistochemistry and In-situ Hybridisation (Dr. George Tipoe, Hong Kong)
13:50‑14:10Cell Culture for Airway Epithelial Cells (Dr. Judith Mak, Hong Kong)
14:10‑14:30Reverse Transcription PCR and Molecular Diagnostics (Dr. Ivy Wong, Hong Kong)
14:30‑15:00Coffee Break
15:00‑15:20Clinical Implication of Gene Expression Profile by Microarray (Dr. S. T. Cheung, Hong Kong)
15:20‑15:40Confocal Microscopy in Cell Biology (Dr. K. M. Yao, Hong Kong)
15:40‑16:10Medical Proteonomics: From Laboratory to Bedside (Dr. John Luk, Hong Kong)

-

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Workshop 3: Workshop on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Chairpersons: Professor Takashi Horie and Dr. David Hui
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004
Time: 13:30‑16:20 (2.5 hours)
Preliminary Programme:

13:00‑13:30Registration
13:30‑14:05Treatment with Nasal CPAP: For Who and Why (Dr. S. Y. So, Hong Kong)
14:05‑14:40Technical Aspects of CPAP Titration and How to Deal with Side Effects (Dr. Amanda Piper, Australia)
14:40‑15:10Coffee Break
15:10‑15:45Clinical Ways to Improve CPAP Compliance (Dr. David Hui, Hong Kong)
15:45‑16:20Treatment Alternatives other than CPAP (Dr. B. Lam, Hong Kong)
Workshop 4: Workshop on Recent Advances in Thoracic Imaging

Chairpersons: Dr. Hecta Ma and Dr. Clara Ooi
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004
Time: 13:30‑16:30 (2.5 hours)
Preliminary Programme:

13:00‑13:30Registration
13:30‑15:00Thoracic Imaging Workshop - Multislice CT in Lung Diseases (Dr. Clara Ooi, Hong Kong) - Applications of PET in Lung Cancer (Dr. Y. Y. Yau, Hong Kong)
15:00‑15:30Coffee Break
15:30‑16:30Film Viewing and Quiz (Dr. P. L. Khong & Dr. Michael Yiu, Hong Kong)
Workshop 5: Workshop on Respiratory Care

Chairpersons: Dr. C. M. Chu and Dr. Henry Kwok
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004
Time: 13:30‑16:30 (2.5 hours)
Preliminary Programme:

13:00‑13:30Registration
13:30‑14:15Acute Applications of NIPPV (Dr. Henry Kwok, Hong Kong)
14:15‑15:00Domiciliary Use of NIPPV (Dr. C. M. Chu, Hong Kong)
15:00‑15:30Coffee Break
15:30‑16:30NIPPV Titration: Acute and Chronic, Choice of Machines and Trouble-shooting (with Hands-on Demonstration) (Dr. Amanda Piper, Australia)

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Registration Information

Registration Fees
Early Bird
(on or before 31 Aug 2004)
Regular
(after 31 Aug 2004)
On-site
(after 4 Dec 2004)
Congress
APSR MemberUS$350US$400US$500
Non APSR MemberUS$400US$450US$550
Workshop (per workshop)
APSR MemberUS$60US$80US$100
Non APSR MemberUS$80US$100US$120
Congress Dinner
APSR MemberUS$80US$100US$180
Non APSR MemberUS$100US$120US$200
Registration Procedures
Registration must be made with the registration form provided. Payment of registration fee should be made by bank draft in US Dollars payable to "Hong Kong Thoracic Society Limited - APSR". For credit card payment, only Visa or MasterCard will be accepted. Registration form and payment should be sent to the Secretariat:
9th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
Secretariat: MediMedia Pacific Limited
Unit 901-903, AXA Centre
151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Entitlements
Registered participants are entitled to attend all scientific sessions. They are also invited to participate in the opening ceremony, exhibition and closing ceremony. Only registered participants are eligible to register for the workshops.
Cancellation and Reimbursement
If written cancellation of registration is received before 30 September 2004, 50% of registration fee will be reimbursed. There will be no refund for cancellations received after this date.
Free Paper Presenters
All free paper presenters are required to register with the Congress for presenting their work.

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Call for Papers ***1

The Scientific Programme Committee would like to invite abstract submission for the Congress. All aspects of respiratory medicine are welcome. Only poster presentations will be offered at the Congress. Accepted abstracts will be published in the official Journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology named "RESPIROLOGY". The Committee reserves the right to reject abstracts and edit the language. Presenters who wish to submit more than one abstract can photocopy the original abstract form attached to this brochure.***1
Application
Presenting author should fill in the attached abstract submission form and send to:
9th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
Secretariat: MediMedia Pacific Limited
Unit 901-903, AXA Centre
151 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Submission
Abstracts must be written in English. The length of the abstract should not exceed 250 words. A computer-generated Times New Roman 10-point font in single line spacing and justified right margin is recommended. Please submit 1 hard copy and a computer file of the abstract to the Secretariat before the deadline. On-line abstract submission is available at www.APSR2004.com Kindly note that abstract forms sent by facsimile will not be accepted.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is 31 July 2004.
Notification
Notification of acceptance will be sent out in August 2004. Details of the poster presentation will be sent together with the notification.
Travelling Fellowship
Travelling fellowship will be offered to APSR members from developing countries based on the merits of the submitted papers. Candidates must be younger than 40 year of age. Interested candidates must indicate their wish to apply for the fellowship on the Abstract Submission Form. A reference letter from their supervisor, a brief c.v. and mission statement must be submitted to support the application.
Scholarship for Best Paper
To encourage outstanding scientific research, scholarships will be offered to the 4 best papers based on their merits. The awardees will be informed before the Congress and oral presentations of their papers will be required at the "Presidential Best Paper Presentation" Session on 13 December 2004.
Award for Best Poster
Best Poster Presentation Award will be presented to the author(s) of the best poster(s) in each poster session in recognition of their outstanding work.
Scholarship from The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) will offer a scholarship to a young scientist or clinician (less than 15 years post medical doctor graduation) selected on the basis of his/her presentation made at the Congress. The award is to enable the recipient to participate in the subsequent Annual Scientific Meeting of TSANZ (20-23 March 2005 in Perth) where he/she will present his/her work. A TSANZ subcommittee will attend the Congress to judge and select the candidate.

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Venue

Hong Kong
- the heart of Asia
Equidistant from North America and Europe, Hong Kong is conveniently located at the very heart of Asia - it is halfway between Japan to the north and Indonesia to the south, and within two or three hours' flight from all its Asian neighbours. It is the region's top single travel destination with almost 70 airlines connecting it to more than 120 cities around the world. Millions of visitors arrive annually by air, on board cruise ships which dock at a downtown cruise terminal, and by road and train across its border with mainland China.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
- the largest integrated complex of its kind in Asia
The Congress will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). HKCEC is a state-of-the-art conference venue with magnificent views across Victoria harbour to Kowloon. Located in the Wan Chai district on Hong Kong Island's waterfront, it is conveniently located within easy walking distance of many major hotels, restaurants and shops.
Map of Hong Kong

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Hotel Accommodation

For the convenience of participants, the organizer has pre-booked hotel rooms at the following hotels which are located in close proximity to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotels have offered special conference rates which are only available for reservation made through the Secretariat.
Reservation
Reservation of accommodation must be made on the hotel reservation form provided. Reservations will not be confirmed unless they are accompanied by a one night deposit. Payment of one night deposit should be made by bank draft in US Dollars payable to "Hong Kong Thoracic Society Limited - APSR". Reservation forms should be sent to the Secretariat.
Deadline
Reservation must be made before 15 October 2004, or the availability of rooms cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellation and Reimbursement
All cancellations or changes must be made in writing. Cancellations of hotel reservation made after 31 October 2004 will result in the initial deposit being forfeited. If notice of cancellation is received before 31 October 2004, 50% of the one night deposit will be charged as handling fee.
Room Rate per
night per room
(Single/Twin/Double)
Facilities
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
1 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
US$205A 6-star hotel with a full range of food and beverage outlets. It is just next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Renaissance Harbour View Hotel
1 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
US$175A 5-star hotel that offers a selection of restaurants and bars. It is just next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Novotel Century Hong Kong
238 Jaffe Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
US$90A 4-star hotel with a covered walkway connecting to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Empire Hotel
33 Hennessy Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
US$88A 4-star hotel within walking distance from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Harbour View International House
4 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
US$80A newly renovated 3-star hotel opposite to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Sightseeing

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with exciting and diversified sights for all tourists. The nearby cities of Macau and Shenzhen are attractive day-visit destinations. Local tours of the island and cruises are highly recommended.

A day spent in Hong Kong is a lifetime spent anywhere else in the world. There is so much to do in such a small area. More information can be found at the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. (discoverhongkong.com)


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Information on Hong Kong

Hong Kong
With a land area of only 1,090.91 square km, Hong Kong is ranked as one of the largest trade entities in the world. The estimated population is 6.8 million, almost 98% of whom are Chinese. The official languages are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin dialect is also spoken. In 1997, Hong Kong reverted to China and became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. Its existing capitalist system and lifestyle has been guaranteed for 50 years after 1997.
Airport
The new international airport at Chek Lap Kok commenced service on 6 July 1998. It is situated on Lantau Island, which is an outlying island of Hong Kong, 34 km away from downtown. The Airport Railway operates to link the new airport and Lantau Island with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The Airport Express train takes 23 minutes to get to Central, Hong Kong, and the round trip fare is HK$180 (US$23).
Climate and Clothing
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. Daytime temperatures in December vary between 14°C and 18°C. Warm clothing is suggested during the day. Evening temperatures vary between 10°C and 16°C. A jacket or sweater is required in the evening.
Currency
The Hong Kong Dollar is the unit of currency. The official exchange rate of the Hong Kong Dollar to the US Dollar is 7.78. The Hong Kong Dollar is available in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations. Coinage is in 10, 20, 50 cents and $1, $2, $5 and $10. Most currencies and travellers' cheques can be changed at banks and hotels. Major credit cards are readily accepted in Hong Kong. There are no restrictions on the type or amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Hong Kong.
Electricity
The electricity is supplied at alternating current and the voltage is 220 volts/frequency 50Hz. Most hotels provide adapters.
Public Transportation
Public transport is inexpensive, efficient and frequent. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR), or subway train, allows easy passage throughout the territory. The Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR), or overland rail service, also operates a service to the New Territories. Ferries run regularly between Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the Outlying Islands. Buses, trams and metered taxis are inexpensive and easily available.
Visa and Other Requirements
Hong Kong has a very liberal entry policy that allows nationals of most countries entry without visas - even though they may require visas for Mainland China. Requirements for visitors to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region remain much the same as they were under British sovereignty. The only difference is that Chinese, rather than British, consulate offices now accept visa applications. The independent Hong Kong Immigration Department continues to process and approve applications for visas for those that require them. (Fax: (852) 2877 7711; E-mail: enquiry@immd.gov.hk) For participants who want to explore China on their own, China visas can be obtained from the Consulate Department of the Commission of People's Republic of China, HKSAR. (Tel: (852) 2585 1794; Fax: (852) 2827 4557)

***1: Update note (January 2007). Abstracts from the Congress have been published in a special Supplement of Respirology and can be seen online.