It is my great pleasure to welcome all participants to the 2026 ASEAN Medical Deans' Summit, here at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. This gathering brings together leaders, educators, researchers, and practitioners who share a common commitment to advance medical education and strengthen health care systems in an ever-changing world.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Professor Tran Diep Tuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of UMP, and Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Quoc Dat, M.D., Ph.D., President of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, for their strong support in making this summit possible. My sincere congratulations also go to the Organizing Committee, led by Associate Professor Dr. Vuong Thi Ngoc Lan, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of UMP, for curating a dynamic and engaging programme for both academics and students. Their dedication and hard work have paved the way for a meaningful and inspiring summit.

The theme this year,"Innovating Together: Driving Transformation in Medical Education and Health Care,"reflects the need for collaborative and forward-thinking approaches in shaping regional health professions education. Rapid advancements in technology, evolving health challenges, and the increasing complexity of patient care demand that we continuously reimagine how we educate, train, and support the next generation of health professionals.

Innovation in medical education goes beyond adopting new technologies. It encompasses transforming curricula, strengthening interprofessional learning, fostering research and scholarship, and cultivating compassionate leadership. Equally important is the need to ensure that these innovations translate into meaningful improvements in patient care and community health.

This summit provides an invaluable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the region, we create opportunities to learn from one another, share best practices, and collectively address the challenges facing medical education and health care today.

I hope that the discussions, presentations, and collaborations throughout this summit will inspire new ideas and lasting partnerships that will drive meaningful change in our institutions and health systems. Together, we have the opportunity to shape a future where medical education remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of society.

I look forward to fruitful conversations, strengthened and sustained collaborations that lead to impactful outcomes, and not least the camaraderie and friendship born and renewed through this summit. Thank you for being part of this important ASEAN journey of innovation, transformation, and fellowship.