Mycology is the study of fungi, their genetic and biochemical properties, taxonomy, and various uses to humans, as well as the dangers they pose, such as poisoning and infection. The Kingdom Fungi includes some very important organisms, due to their vital roles in ecology and the economy. Fungi are known to break down dead organic material perpetuating nutrient cycling through ecosystems. Similarly, most vascular plants could not grow without mycorrhiza. This is a symbiotic relationship of the fungus, which locates itself at the roots of plants, providing them with a supply of essential nutrients. Other fungi are known to produce drugs and antibiotics, serve as a source of food like mushrooms, truffles and morels and also creating bubbles in bread, champagne, and beer.

A large community of mycologists in Asia under the wing of the Asian Mycological Committee, a Chapter of the International Mycological Association devoted their research in the study of the Kingdom Fungi. The diverse disciplines that are encompassed by these experts help us create a broader view of fungi in ecology, industry, medicine and agriculture. In December this year, mycologists from around the world will convene in Penang, Malaysia for the Asian Mycology Congress (AMC 2007) and The Xth International Marine and Freshwater Mycology Symposium (IMFMS). The theme for the symposium is "Changing Scenario in Fungal Research And Innovation". The symposium will be a highlight of the progresses and contributions of fungal research in the region.

Prof. Dr. Vikineswary Sabaratnam of University Malaysia will be playing host to our esteemed guests from abroad as the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee. “We are very pleased that we are given the privilege to organize the conference. The AMC conferences are organized every 3 years, and rotated within Asian countries, with the last being held in Chiang Mai in 2004,” noted Prof. Viki. “It is a chance for our (like-minded) scientists from around the world to gather, and exchange their research findings, thoughts, views and opinions, while providing other interested parties a glimpse into mycology research.” It will also be a good opportunity for budding mycologists to listen and interact with eminent mycologists.

The conference will be held at the Parkroyal Penang from the 2nd to the 6th of December, and will highlight the various aspects of mycology research, with concurrent sessions devoted to the various disciplines in mycology. Topics will range from Metabolite Profiling, Nutraceuticals, Fungal Diversity, Solid State Fermentation, Bioremediation, Forest Pathology and also a tribute to distinguished mycologist E. J. H. Corner. Throughout the conference, there will be an exhibition by partners and industries in mycology. There would also be an Information Session and Round Table Discussion under The Consortium for the Barcode of Life for a comprehensive approach for the DNA Barcoding of Fungi. The session will summarize discussions and conclusions from the meetings and indicate guidelines for the inclusion of Asian mycologists within the international. The follow-up Round Table will consist of identifying common goals and funding opportunities to reach these goals across political boundaries. Please visit the conference website for more details.

There will be a post conference hands-on workshop on Agaricales and Polyporales by Dr. T. Hattori and Dr. H. Neda of the Mycological Society of Japan from 8-11 December at the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. “We are excited that our collaborators are very willing to provide us with such informative sessions. We truly wish to provide a conducive environment that will allow our participants to utilise the conferences as much as possible, as it is not every day that such leading scientists across the field of mycology would congregate in our country,” enthused Prof. Viki. “I hope that through the conferences, our scientists would be able to benefit greatly from what we have in store.” Prof Viki and her team of organisers extend a warm welcome to all of you to AMC 2007 and Xth IMFMS from 2-6 December 2007 in Parkroyal, Penang and look forward to seeing all fellow Malaysian interested in fungi.

Prof Viki said that collaboration is vital to study the cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms including the domestication of many varieties not found in Malaysia and the validation of the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of these mushrooms. Other areas of Prof Viki’s current research include the search for biocontrol agents against fungal pathogens such as Fusarium and Ganoderma wilt as well as ecology and diversity of actinomycetes and phototrophic bacteria as sources of food, feed, fuels and fine chemicals.