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Dear Fellows, Members and Colleagues,

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It is with humility and gratitude that I assume the Presidency of the Singapore Section of the International College of Surgeons from 1 August 2026. I am grateful to our past Presidents, Council members and Fellows whose commitment has sustained the College in Singapore, and I look forward to building on their work.

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The International College of Surgeons was founded in 1935 from Max Thorek’s conviction that surgery could bring people together across national, racial, religious and cultural boundaries. That vision remains remarkably relevant today. Surgery has become increasingly specialised, technologically sophisticated and multidisciplinary, yet our responsibilities extend beyond technical excellence. We remain part of an international profession united by the care of patients, the education of colleagues and the advancement of surgery for society.

 

For the Singapore Section, I see the coming years as an opportunity to strengthen these foundations while looking firmly ahead.

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​We will promote surgical excellence through education, creating opportunities for surgeons at different stages of their careers to learn from one another and from colleagues across specialties and borders. We will encourage conversations that extend beyond operative technique to include patient safety, quality of care, innovation, professionalism, ethics and surgical leadership.

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We will also remain attentive to the wider responsibilities of our profession. Advances in technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and new models of care will reshape surgical practice. Our role is to embrace progress thoughtfully, while keeping patient welfare, professional responsibility and humane care at the centre of what we do.

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Finally, we must invest in the next generation. A professional college remains vibrant when younger surgeons see value in belonging to it. I hope ICS Singapore can provide them with mentorship, friendship, international connections and opportunities to contribute.

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Max Thorek created the International College of Surgeons during an era of profound global division because he believed that professional fellowship could transcend boundaries. Ninety years later, that principle continues to give the College its identity. Our task is to give it contemporary expression through education, collaboration, service and excellence in surgical care.

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I am honoured to serve, conscious of the responsibility entrusted to me, and optimistic about what we can achieve together.

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Vishal G. Shelat
President
International College of Surgeons, Singapore Section
2026–2028