In the first AGM 23 years ago at the Alumni House of the Singapore General Hospital, there were only 20 of us. Our last AGM in August at the York Hotel saw a larger crowd and Mr Laurence Wee, who presided over the meeting, was radiant when he said, "The Society has grown."

This is my second tour of duty and I took over from Laurence who has carved a name with pride for GS.

In October, Laurence accepted an office space for GS at the Golden Wall Centre - this is another milestone and we must thank Mr Henry Lim for his generosity.

The Society will continue its role in public education and to advise on issues of gerontology.

We are delighted that the annual Henry Lim Lecture has never failed to draw a large audience in the past 2 years. The 3rd Henry Lim Lecture is scheduled in March next year and details will be sent to you in due course.

In 2 years' time, we shall be celebrating the silver anniversary of GS and we are assembling a committee to plan some activities. Will keep you posted.

On behalf of the Council, I wish all readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Professor Kua Ee Heok, MBBS, MD, FRCPsych, PBM President, Gerontological Society