Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you.

Today, we come together to celebrate the “Establishment of Radiology Sub-Alliance of the South and Southeast Asia Medical Education and Service Alliance (SSAMESA-RA) and The 1st SSAMESA-RA International Conference on Radiology," co-hosted by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Kunming Medical University, and organized by Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place from October 18th to 20th, 2023, in the picturesque and climate-friendly city of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. With the theme "Unite in Exchange, Gather in Collaboration, Win the Future," this conference will bring together a diverse group of experts and professionals in the field of radiology, with over 50 renowned domestic and international experts delivering specialized academic lectures. We are committed to providing our attendees with an unparalleled academic feast and a platform for fruitful discussions.

A single thread cannot make a cord, nor a single tree a forest. In response to and in active participation in China's 'Belt and Road' initiative, and to promote exchange and collaboration between Chinese medical institutions and healthcare organizations with countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, the 'South and Southeast Asia Medical Education and Service Alliance' was established in 2019 under the leadership of Kunming Medical University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The alliance adheres to the principles of 'Consultation, Construction, Sharing, and Mutual benefit.' It has received enthusiastic responses from relevant universities and medical institutions in several countries. Currently, the alliance comprises more than 40 member units from over 12 countries. It has embarked on cooperative efforts in areas such as talent development, faculty capacity building, research collaboration, community service, and student exchanges. The alliance has established the first regional international cooperation platform in China that seamlessly integrates medical education and healthcare cooperation. This marks a new era of international collaboration in Chinese medical education and healthcare.

"Empowering Patients and Partners in Care". As we mark the 10th anniversary of China's "Belt and Road" initiative and the 90th anniversary of Kunming Medical University, we are proud to establish the Radiology Sub-Alliance of the South and Southeast Asia Medical Education and Service Alliance and convene this academic conference. Our goal is to forge strong connections between Chinese higher medical institutions, healthcare organizations, our South Asian and Southeast Asian neighbors, and the global medical imaging community. Guided by the principles of mutual learning, complementing strengths, cooperation for mutual benefit, and sharing achievements, we are committed to high standards, patient well-being, and sustainable collaboration. Together, we aim to advance regional medical imaging and build a community for the development of medical imaging in our region.

As the saying goes, "Friends from afar bring happiness." Yunnan, with its breathtaking landscapes, serves as a natural bridge for China's engagement with the world, fostering deep and enduring friendships with our neighbors in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Kunming, our gracious host city, offers a temperate and inviting climate, with year-round blooms and evergreen surroundings. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all of you to join us in Kunming, Yunnan, for this momentous occasion. We anticipate a conference filled with insightful discussions, valuable connections, and a rich exchange of knowledge. With your participation, we look forward to a successful and productive event. May your stay in Kunming be not only intellectually stimulating but also a source of joy and well-being. Once again, welcome, and let us together embark on this remarkable journey of collaboration and discovery. Thank you.

Prof. Fuhua Yan,

Director of the Department of Radiology,

Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Prof. Bo He

Director of the Department of Radiology,

First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University