Asia and Oceania, regions that host nearly 60% of the world's population, are a vibrant mosaic of cultural heritage and diverse medicinal wisdom. From cutting-edge modern medicine to time-tested traditional and folk remedies, these areas possess an abundance of knowledge contributing significantly to the broader field of rehabilitation medicine.

Rehabilitation medicine has evolved to emphasize humanistic and personalized approaches, reflecting the importance of culturally-aligned programs. Success in this field now largely depends on the adaptability of interventions to individual needs, reinforcing the importance of knowledge exchange among rehabilitation practitioners in Asia and Oceania.

Recognizing the need for a collective academic society for Asian physiatry, a landmark proposal was made in 2004 by Prof. Leonard Li of Hong Kong and Prof. Jianan Li of China. Their vision led to the establishment of a new organization, the "Asian Oceania Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine" (AOSPRM). 

Fast forward to today, AOSPRM proudly hosts the Asia-Oceanian Conference of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (AOCPRM) every two years. Initiated in Nanjing, China, in 2008, AOCPRM has since been convened in numerous locations, including Taipei, Bali, Thailand, Cebu, Myanmar, and Korea. In 2022, the 8th AOCPRM was postponed due to the global pandemic, but it is now poised to make a strong comeback in Chengdu, China.

From its inception in 2008, AOCPRM has been dedicated to advancing rehabilitation medicine worldwide. Emphasizing knowledge exchange, fostering clinical experiences, and celebrating cultural diversity, continues to have a lasting impact on the global medical community.

Now, in 2023, we eagerly anticipate the next AOCPRM in Chengdu, China. Set in a city with a rich cultural heritage, this conference promises to be a milestone event, fostering dialogue and innovation in rehabilitation medicine. As we move toward AOCPRM 2023, we look forward to continuing our collective journey in improving rehabilitation medicine globally.