Dr HOWE Hwee Siew
President
Singapore Society of Rheumatology
2020 was a year of tremendous disruption and change. For the second time, we were not able to hold our annual Workshops due to a coronavirus. This year, in spite of the ongoing ravages wrought by COVID-19, we decided to proceed with a virtual SSR-MSR Workshops, the conference platform now established in the era of SARS-CoV-2.
The pandemic has brought home to us the importance of renewal and continuity, in our connected world. Our combined Workshops in Rheumatology has been a constant in the Rheumatology calendar that both our countries look forward to; not only for the educational content but to renew and strengthen our ties. Although our two societies cannot meet face to face we still look forward to meeting virtually.
I would like to thank the Organizing committee, chaired by Dr Yeo Siaw Ing for putting together a thoughtfully conceived programme with engaging and authoritative speakers, in these difficult circumstances. Our theme this year “Rheumatology in the 21st Century” places emphasis on our shared world.
I would also like to express my gratitude to all the speakers for freely sharing their knowledge and experience and also, to the pharmaceutical and industry support.
Most of all, I thank you for your participation. Without your attendance, we would not have a successful meeting.
I am delighted to wish all a warm welcome to this year’s SSR -MSR Rheumatology Workshops and to have the opportunity to meet everyone again.