The Paediatric Emergency Medicine Special Interest Group (PEM SIG) started in 2018 because Malaysia needed more people who really knew how to handle emergencies in kids. Children aren’t just “small adults” when something goes wrong, they need care that’s fast, precise, and tailored to their unique needs. The Ministry of Health Malaysia recognised this and kicked off subspecialty training to make sure our youngest patients get the highest standard of care when they need it most.
PEM SIG became the place to grow and strengthen paediatric emergency medicine as its own subspecialty. From the start, the goal was clear: train specialists who can handle anything from small cuts to major, life-threatening emergencies and do it while keeping both the child and their family calm in stressful situations.
From those early days, PEM SIG has built itself into a solid, respected group with 12 subspecialists leading the way across key hospitals in Malaysia. Having them spread out means that more families can get top-quality paediatric emergency care, no matter where they are. The steady rise in trained members shows just how tough and effective the PEM SIG training pathway is designed to match international standards but made to work in our local setting.
PEM SIG shapes how paediatric emergency medicine is practiced here in Malaysia. By creating standard protocols, guidelines, and best practices, the group makes sure care is consistent, safe, and top quality wherever it’s given.
In just under a decade, PEM SIG has grown into a respected voice in Malaysian healthcare. With strong training, clear standards, and a focus on excellence, it’s pushing paediatric emergency medicine to new heights so that when a child needs emergency care, they get the very best we can offer.
