Singapore welcomes the 25th World Congress of Dermatology this July

Singapore will host the 25th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD2023) which takes place for the first time in South-east Asia at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 3-8 July 2023. The event will be the largest medical convention to be held in the Republic and it is expected to bring in S$28 million (US$21 million) in tourism receipts.

Why Singapore was chosen

Roy Chan, president of the 25th World Congress of Dermatology 2023, shared why Singapore was chosen for this event: “There were many reasons we put forward when we were pitching to host this meeting. Singapore has a strong track record of inclusivity and diversity, vibrancy and multicultural attractions, safety and security, ease of connectivity through air routes, central location in the Indo-Pacific area, excellent infrastructure for big events, ease of entry for international travellers, and an exciting dining and entertainment scene.

“Singapore is also a hub for biomedical sciences and is becoming known for its science, technology and innovation, which makes it the perfect setting for WCD2023. Dermatologists in Singapore have for several decades been collaborating with our colleagues in Asia and beyond.”

“Singapore also has unique and large venues that can host a congress of this scale. We are expecting over 10,000 participants for this year’s congress. For example, we are hosting our WCD Social Evening in the Gardens by the Bay, which will include a street food-themed dinner in the Flower Field Hall and Waterview room. This would enable guests to have an amazing view of the Marina Bay precinct. Guests would have the chance to visit the Flower Dome, one of our iconic attractions. We will end the night with a Supertree light show and drone show created for the WCD. I’m sure our foreign delegates would enjoy this treat.”

The hosts and programme

Hosted by the Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS) under the auspices of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), other supporting organisations are the National Skin Centre and the Skin Research Institute of Singapore. There are over 17 major sponsors and 95 exhibitors taking part.

The congress’ scientific programme will include 208 symposiums, 15 keynote talks, 24 courses, and 19 expert forums, among others. It will highlight significant dermatological advances and explore pertinent medical and scientific issues relating to the art and science of dermatology.

In line with its theme ‘Dermatology Beyond Borders’, WCD2023 aims to expand the horizons of dermatology, to increase patient and community engagement; to transcend borders, physical and societal, and to be an inclusive conference that celebrates diversity.

Green Policy

The organisers have introduced a WCD2023 Green Policy to establish clear guidelines and principles for all decision-making, event planning, production, and participation throughout the conference. For example, the organisers have created “25 nudges”, which is a list of handy sustainability tips for delegates and exhibitors during their stay in Singapore.

Exhibitors are encouraged to join the WCD Green Challenge, and congress participants will vote for exhibitors that have demonstrated outstanding waste and pollution reduction measures during product packaging and who have shared these practices in manufacturing and disposal. The winners will then be announced at the closing session of the congress.

Chan said: “We have reduced excessive or unnecessary printed materials. For example, the daily Conference Newspaper will be available on the WCD app this year. We will also reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles as much as possible and are advising participants to bring and refill their own bottles at the many water points.

“Furthermore, we are also working with the group, Divert for 2nd Life, to manage the leftover food from the congress’s official events.”

In line with this sustainability manifesto, the congress is also supporting the OneMillionTrees movement in Singapore to contribute to restoring nature and plant one million trees over the next 10 years.

National Skin Centre tour

With a very full programme over six days, participants will have their hands full in talks, meetings, symposia and exhibitions, but the organisers have prepared a small private tour of the new National Skin Centre facility in Mandalay Road which opens this July.