Macao’s dynamism and blend of modernity and heritage create an environment that encourages interaction beyond the conference hall. Photo Credit: AdobeStock/joeyphoto
Long celebrated for its entertainment and resort appeal, Macao is now revealing a formidable strength: its ability to convene medical minds from China, Asia and beyond in ways few destinations can. Beneath the city’s vibrant exterior lies a distinctive proposition for high-impact medical meetings – one that blends geographical ease, cultural fluency, and world-class infrastructure to facilitate meaningful medical exchange.
In an era where medical conferences are indispensable platforms for collaboration, peer learning and the cross-pollination of ideas, the choice of host city has become a strategic decision rather than a logistical one. Recent landmark gatherings are demonstrating that Macao is no longer a peripheral option but a serious contender for medical congresses.
Asian Congress of Surgery
Macao’s versatility was on display in October 2025 when the city hosted two major medical meetings concurrently. It marked the first time the Asian Congress of Surgery (ACS) was staged in Macao and the first occasion on which it was held side by side with the Annual Conference of the World Association of Chinese Doctors (WACD).
Two premiere medical conventions were recently held at Macao, proving the city’s versatility and capability to host medical conferences.ACS's Macao debut was led by Professor Manson Fok, president of the WACD and dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). An expert in minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, he also holds numerous other senior leadership and academic roles including professional committee member of the Macao Academy of Medicine, chairman of the Sino-Luso International Medical Forum and visiting professor at the Beijing Cancer Hospital.
Prof Fok successfully championed for Macao as part of the Macao Conference Ambassadors programme, an initiative offered by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM) that empowers respected figures across sectors – from healthcare and finance to technology – to advocate for international meetings and anchor them locally. In this case, the programme proved instrumental in bringing a long-established surgical congress to a new destination. It also exemplified how local leadership can translate institutional ambition into international outcomes.
Professor Manson Fok: the Macao debut of ACS saw an ‘incredible’ response from membersNetwork effect in action
The joint congress underscored Macao’s value as a bridge between international and Chinese medical communities. A strategic meeting ground, the city offers a geographically accessible and culturally intuitive setting for engaging Chinese medical experts, whose clinical experience and research perspectives are increasingly influential in global discourse.
A visit to the Surgical Simulation Training Centre and a Medical Simulation Training Workshop showcased innovative research and cutting-edge surgical techniques.Organised
by the Asian Surgical Association (ASA), the World Association of Chinese
Doctors (WACD) and the Faculty of Medicine at the Macau University of Science
and Technology, the joint conference attracted more than 500 delegates from 16 Asian countries and featured around 100 speakers spanning multiple surgical specialties.
Over three days, delegates engaged in workshops, panels, and sessions dedicated to innovative research and cutting-edge advancements in surgical techniques. The collaborative exchange culminated in a joint agreement among representatives from multiple countries to promote the exchange of knowledge and to elevate medical standards across Asia and beyond.
Importantly, WACD – founded in Macao – reaffirmed the city’s growing role in connecting Chinese doctors worldwide. The
8th Fok Ying Tung World Outstanding Chinese Doctors Awards ceremony was held
to recognise top Chinese doctors for their medical contributions.
The conference concluded with a joint agreement among medical professionals from multiple countries to advance knowledge sharing and raise medical standards across Asia and beyond.Injecting life
Already a proven MICE destination in Asia, Macao brought an energy that is less often seen in serious medical conferences. Its compact geography, lively setting, and blend of heritage and modernity create an environment that encourages interaction beyond the proverbial lecture hall – an increasingly valued attribute for organisers seeking to drive engagement.
Indeed, one conference speaker pointed out: “Macao is a mix of tradition and vibrancy. Everywhere you see huge hotels and massive shopping complexes that make the experience very, very worthwhile.”
A delegate added: “Macao is an excellent place for a symposium. There are so many great places to visit. It was fantastic how easy it was to visit a mix of cultural sites and dynamic attractions all in a few hours.”
Culture meets care in Macao as medical professionals brought their surgical precision to the conference sidelines.A new epicentre on the medical meetings map
The joint ACS–WACD congress demonstrated how Macao’s strengths – cultural positioning, access to diverse medical expertise, and established MICE capabilities – can converge to support serious scientific exchange. It also illustrated the catalytic role of targeted government programmes and academic leadership in reshaping a destination’s meetings profile.
Discover how Macao is connecting the world as an epicentre of high-impact knowledge exchange. Visit mice.gov.mo.
This article is brought to you by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM).