MD2026 · Kuala Lumpur
Co-creating the future of healthcare through design
Flowing spectra and arcs evoke technology and the cycles of life; gradients connect medicine, design, people, and the future of health. This interdisciplinary forum brings together scholars, clinicians, engineers, designers, industry, and policymakers to explore digital health, AI, automation, and human-centered innovation.
The submission portal link and organizing committee roster will be announced by the organizers. If you have questions about the e-poster submission deadline, please confirm with the Secretariat (this page lists 3 October 2026 by noon for planning purposes).
Welcome to MD2026
MD2026 takes place at MRANTI Park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the interdisciplinary spirit of the MD conference series. We focus on how AI, smart healthcare, and human-centered design can support accessible, ethical, and inclusive care. The visual identity uses spectra and looping arcs to suggest technology and life in dialogue, with streamlined type and gradients bridging clinical precision and creative imagination.
Conference themes
Smart healthcare and AI integration; human-centered and inclusive design; health data ethics and policy; service and systems innovation; design research and education—building on the MD2025 theme structure for international dialogue in Kuala Lumpur.
What to expect
Keynotes, panels, workshops, and paper sessions; conference materials and proceedings formats will follow the organizers’ announcements. Download the official English extended abstract template and submit according to the instructions.
News
Please follow Medical Design Association announcements for conference updates and website news.
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Abstract submission opens
Abstract submission window: 15 April — 15 July 2026.
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MD2026 in Kuala Lumpur
Venue: MRANTI Auditorium. Nearby leisure spots such as Pavilion Bukit Jalil are listed under Places to visit in KL.
Important dates
Key milestones for submissions, registration, and posters are listed below. If anything differs from the latest notice, the organizers’ announcement prevails. Contact the Secretariat if you have questions about poster deadlines.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract submission window | 15 April 2026 — 15 July 2026 |
| Notification of acceptance | 31 August 2026 |
| e-Poster submission to Secretariat (display & judging) | 3 October 2026, 12:00 noon (confirm with Secretariat if unsure) |
| Physical poster setup (MRANTI lobby) | By 5:00 p.m., 28 October 2026 |
| Poster competition judging | 29 October 2026 |
| Physical poster dismount | By 5:00 p.m., 30 October 2026 |
| Early bird registration payment | 30 September 2026 |
| Regular registration payment | 25 October 2026 |
| Conference | 28–31 October 2026 |
Call for papers
We invite work across the same breadth as MD2025: AI-enabled, digitally empowered, and design-led healthcare ecosystems.
Submission guidelines
- Submit an extended abstract in English using the official Word template provided by the organizers.
- Accepted abstracts are typically included in the online conference book.
- Electronic proceedings are usually made available to participants via the conference website after the event.
Online submission portal — link TBA
Key themes & topics
Smart healthcare & AI integration
- AI for clinical decision-making, diagnostics, and risk prediction
- Personalized and preventive healthcare through AI
- Intelligent virtual assistants and medical chatbots
- Generative AI (LLMs) in clinical support and education
- Smart health systems for proactive care management
Human-centered & inclusive design
- User-centered design of health information technologies
- Patient safety and well-being through design
- Human factors in digital health and medical devices
- Inclusive, equitable, culturally sensitive design
- Gerontechnology and age-friendly innovations
Health technology, data ethics & policy
- Big data analytics and decision support
- Privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic transparency
- Bias, fairness, and ethics in AI systems
- Telehealth, remote monitoring, virtual care
- Wearables and IoT-enabled health tracking
Innovation in services & systems
- Biodesign for future medical technologies
- Service design and healthcare operations
- Long-term care and active aging
- Health economics, logistics, systems optimization
- Digital health equity for underserved populations
Design research & education
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in medical design
- AI literacy training for health professionals and designers
- Case studies on health system transformation
- Evaluation methods for healthcare design outcomes
- Leadership and strategy in digital health innovation
Poster guidelines
Digital and physical poster formats and timelines are summarized here to help you prepare and present on site. Physical posters must be removed by 5:00 p.m. on 30 October 2026.
e-Poster (digital)
- Format: PDF and JPEG (two versions)
- Size: 51 cm × 29 cm (16∶9); resolution 1920 × 1080 px
- Orientation: Portrait
- Font size: minimum 18 pt
- File size: ≤ 2 MB
- Single page only; place the Poster ID at the top left
- Figures, graphs, and tables allowed; no video or audio
- Authors accepted for poster presentation must supply a digital poster for display on the e-poster stands during the event
Physical poster
- Portrait A1 (594 mm × 841 mm)
- Authors are responsible for printing and mounting materials (e.g. removable double-sided tape)
- Hand-outs for judges and visitors are encouraged
- Install on the assigned panels in the MRANTI lobby before 5:00 p.m. on 28 October 2026
- Be available to present during the session; dismount by 5:00 p.m. on 30 October 2026
Registration Fee
The tables below follow the organizers’ Registration Fee schedule: Early Bird Payment (Deadline: 30th September, 2026) and Regular Payment (Deadline: 25th October, 2026). Rates are listed for International and Malaysia delegates and students, plus the 1st day workshop Combo option.
| Features | Early Bird Payment (Deadline: 30th September, 2026) | Regular Payment (Deadline: 25th October, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| International | ||
| Delegate | USD 250.00 | USD 300.00 |
| Student | USD 150.00 | USD 200.00 |
| Malaysia | ||
| Delegate | MYR 500.00 | MYR 650.00 |
| Student | MYR 300.00 | MYR 400.00 |
1st day workshop Combo
| Features | Early Bird Payment (Deadline: 30th September, 2026) | Regular Payment (Deadline: 25th October, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| International | ||
| Delegate | USD 350.00 | USD 500.00 |
| Student | USD 250.00 | USD 400.00 |
| Malaysia | ||
| Delegate | MYR 700.00 | MYR 900.00 |
| Student | MYR 500.00 | MYR 650.00 |
Online registration link: TBA
Organizing committee
Official roster and roles will be published on the website.
General chairs
To be announced
Technical program
To be announced
Workshops & publications
To be announced
Places to visit in KL
Exploring Kuala Lumpur during the conference? Below are suggested sights and half-day itineraries (travel times are approximate from MRANTI / Bukit Jalil). Mix and match to suit your interests.
Lifestyle & easy leisure
- Pavilion Bukit Jalil — about 5–10 minutes from MRANTI; large mall with local and international dining
- Bukit Jalil Recreational Park — scenic walks and jogging
- Mid Valley Megamall & The Gardens — about 15–20 minutes from Bukit Jalil
- Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang — shopping and nightlife hub
Iconic highlights
- Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) and KLCC Park
- Saloma Link Bridge — LED-lit, great for evening walks
- Merdeka 118 — landmark supertall tower
Night & food
- Jalan Alor — street food destination
- KL Tower — night observation deck with city views
Culture & heritage
- Batu Caves
- Thean Hou Temple — especially scenic at sunset
- Petaling Street — market stalls and local food
Adventure
- Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur — gravity luge ride
- ESCAPE Petaling Jaya — outdoor obstacles and zip lines
Suggested half-day itineraries
Accommodation & venue
This section brings together the conference venue, Google Maps, and transport options (Transport Guide to Conference Venue), plus nearby hotel suggestions to help you plan travel and accommodation.
Venue — MRANTI Park
MRANTI Park
Auditorium MRANTI Building, Pusat Sumber MRANTI
Bulatan Inovasi, Taman Teknologi MRANTI
Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Transport guide to conference venue
1. E-Hailing (Recommended ⭐)
Use Grab. Enter destination: “MRANTI Park / Auditorium MRANTI” — most convenient for international delegates.
Estimated travel time
- From Bukit Jalil hotels: 5–10 minutes
- From Mid Valley / Bangsar: 15–20 minutes
- From KLCC / Bukit Bintang: 25–30 minutes
Tip: Set drop-off at “MRANTI Auditorium / Pusat Sumber” for direct access.
2. LRT (Light Rail Transit)
Take Kelana Jaya Line or Sri Petaling Line. Stop at: Bukit Jalil LRT Station.
From station to venue: Grab 5–8 minutes. Walking is not recommended (distance & road access).
3. Driving / Taxi
Easily accessible via MEX Highway and Bukit Jalil Highway. Parking available within MRANTI Park.
5. From Airport (KLIA / KLIA2)
Best option: Grab / taxi (direct) — about 35–45 minutes, approx. RM65–90.
Alternative: KLIA Express → KL Sentral → Grab to MRANTI.
Accommodation
Suggested hotels near the venue are listed below. Rates are indicative ranges for a twin room; confirm with the hotel or booking platform.
| Hotel | Address | Twin room (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Place KL Bukit Jalil | M-1, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 1, 57000 Kuala Lumpur | RM 350 – 500 |
| Courtyard by Marriott KL South | 137, Jalan Puchong, 58200 Kuala Lumpur | RM 380 – 500 |
| Espira Kinrara | 6, Jalan Kinrara 6, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong, Selangor | RM 280 – 400 |
Contact
Medical Design Association (MDA) contact details. For Kuala Lumpur venue questions, you may also reach out to the Secretariat.