Dr. Deidre Anne De Silva, Scientific Committee Chair and Local Organising Committee Chair, explained why Singapore’s global connectivity and excellent infrastructure were key reasons it was chosen to host the Congress.

“Singapore is a great centre in terms of finding locations that are suitable for the Congress itself, and also for the peripheral events,” said Dr. De Silva, who is also the Head and Senior Consultant of the Department of Neurology at the National Neuroscience Institute. “Many people found that it was easy to travel to Singapore. And Singapore is my home, so I’m very happy to welcome people here for this Congress and I’m sure they had a great time.”

Across the three-day scientific programme, globally renowned physicians and researchers, young professionals and international colleagues gathered to discuss the latest science, clinical trials and breakthroughs in stroke prevention and care. In-person delegates attended dialogues, courses and panels with industry experts, while virtual attendees joined the interactive live-streamed sessions from home.

Dr. Sean I. Savitz, Co-chair of the Congress Planning Committee and panellist, believed Singapore's position as the healthcare and medical hub for the region made it a choice destination. “I think Singapore is a great place to have this conference. It's at the epicentre when it comes to healthcare, technology, entertainment, and culture,” he said.

"Something that's been very innovative at this conference is the use of the hybrid model," added Dr. Savitz, who is also a Professor of Neurology at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth Houston). "I see that this is really the future of how we will be doing medical conferences, in which people can interact both virtually as well as in person."

Organising such a large-scale hybrid event was no small feat, and Dr. De Silva shared that it was only possible thanks to the strong support from the Singapore Tourism Board. "They provided a lot of assurance and helped us with selecting venues and interacting with partners in Singapore to make this meeting a success."

One notable highlight came on its third day, in commemoration of World Stroke Day on 29 October. Over 800 participants gathered at the Bayfront Event Space for Stepping Out For Stroke — an annual fundraising walkathon organised by the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) to raise awareness for stroke and funds to support stroke survivors and their caregivers. Among the participants were healthcare professionals, members of the public, 180 volunteers and 100 stroke survivors and their families.

It was a heartwarming sight as people from all walks of life and ages — from kids to the elderly — came together to support the cause. Participants were treated to a lovely performance by the SNSA choir, made up of stroke survivors and volunteers. The choir was joined by Guest of Honour, Singapore’s Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling, who sang along before giving her opening address.

The walkathon, which took participants through 1- or 3-km routes along the scenic Bayfront area, achieved a memorable milestone: it set the record for the largest mass walk wearing superhero masks in the Singapore Book of Records. To complete the visual spectacle, 17 iconic landmarks across the country, such as the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands, were illuminated in blue as a show of support for World Stroke Day, and to shine the spotlight on stroke advocacy.

The successful conclusion of the World Stroke Congress 2022 reflects Singapore’s appeal as a choice host destination for association events and medical conferences, where global healthcare and social work professionals can network, collaborate, and work towards building a better world.