The 2026 Annual Scientific Congress (ASC), held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Western Australia, marked a first professional milestone for young surgeon Dr Jugang Wu as well as RACS Fellow Dr Simon Siu.

Dr Jugang Wu, a general surgeon from Shanghai, China, was the inaugural recipient of the Simon Siu International Travel Grant.

The ASC 2026 was the first time Dr Wu had visited Australia. What particularly struck Dr Wu about the Congress was the coverage of surgical diseases, variety of global issues, and the number of international speakers from developing countries. 

As part of the research papers portion of the bariatric surgery scientific session on Day 3, Dr Wu presented his poster Sleeve Gastrectomy plus Jejunal Bypass for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Body Mass Index >32.5kg/m2.

While Dr Wu has attended a few international conferences, the biggest impact for him resulted from the Convocation Ceremony and Syme Oration.

Dr Wu felt privileged to witness the graduation of Trainees into fully-fledged Fellows. “It was very moving to see so many graduates in such a grand ceremony.” As Dr Wu’s own graduation took place at his university alongside other departments, this was a special occasion that solely focussed on the RACS graduates.

He praised the Congress environment. “With a history of nearly a century, RACS ASC is highly well-established. It features a sound organisational framework and runs in perfect order. The conference offers splendid sessions delivered by top experts in the field. It also encourages participation among young scholars, serving as an ideal platform to broaden horizons and engage in in-depth international academic exchanges.”

For Dr Wu, the ASC was an invaluable learning opportunity. He has already applied a few new treatment concepts and surgical techniques into his clinical practice. Dr Wu also extended great appreciation to the College and the travel grant donor, Dr Simon Siu.

Dr Wu’s journey was made possible by the Simon Siu International Travel Grant program and the generosity of longtime RACS Fellow and general surgeon Dr Simon Siu.

Dr Siu’s journey to develop the travel grant program began 15 years ago. As a visiting professor, he attended Ruijin Clinical Medical College, part of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The clinicians were interested to learn about Australian education and surgery practices.

The travel grant’s main purpose, Dr Siu decided, was for Chinese nationals to participate in RACS ASCs to organically connect them with Australian surgeons. Dr Siu then worked with Global Health and Foundation for Surgery for two years, donating funds and developing the program parameters.

The ASC 2026 saw the first official Simon Siu International Travel Grant recipient arrive to experience the Congress. Dr Siu himself greeted Dr Wu at the ASC in Perth, proud to see his vision and hard work come to fruition.

As the travel grant’s next intake will be for the centenary ASC 2027, Dr Siu in planning for the program to allow for multiple guests from China, so others may benefit from RACS’ ASC, just as Dr Wu did.

“Fifteen years ago, not many surgeons in China could speak English, but now some young surgeons can speak quite well. They are too busy with their own work, and the system does not provide opportunities to look outside China. The travel grant will provide young surgeons a chance to do so,“ Dr Siu said.

Programs like the Simon Siu International Travel Grant are a great opportunity for Fellows and international surgeons to collaborate—no matter where they may be in their professional careers.

L to r: Prof Ung, Dr Wu, and Dr Siu