I am delighted to welcome you all to the Union Hospital's 30^th Anniversary Medical Symposium, as we celebrate distinguished accomplishments in the hospital's development.

"Marching into the future" is the theme of this Medical Symposium. With an impressive line-up of high-profile speakers from across specialties participating, it offers a platform for exchanging expertise and best practice in healthcare as well as creating impactful partnerships. I am confident that we will all come away better prepared for opportunities to turn heightened challenges we face into opportunities, and grasp insights on how we can work together towards a brighter and more sustainable future for the profession. That demands that our professionals be kept abreast of the latest medical innovations and advancements.

In reflecting back on the past three decades, the Union Hospital has continually committed to thrive with core values to provide the most caring, reliable and empathetic care to patients. Many exciting plans and new projects have consolidated the strengths of the Hospital, and it has become one of the Hong Kong's top private hospitals internationally accredited. Its extension block grandly unveiled early this year has added another 56 beds to the Hospital, and houses a state-of-art Pathology laboratory to provide comprehensive diagnostic services. I take the opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts and dedication of the Hospital's management, clinical and supporting staff, who have contributed to the success.

Continuous quality improvement measures have been in-built in hospital operations. I am confident that the Hospital would grow stronger, enabling further developments to flourish and envisioning new heights in the years to come.

My sincere thanks go to the Organising Committee for its much appreciated efforts in co-ordinating this scientific gathering, and the sponsors for their tremendous support. I wish all of you a rewarding Symposium replete with great intelligence and inspirations.

Dr Anthony K Y Lee
Chief Hospital Manager & Medical Director