The Coloproctology 2026 Conference, held in conjunction with the Biennial Congress of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCS), will take place from April 24–26, 2026, in Penang, Malaysia. The event will gather experts, scientists, and surgeons from across the region and around the world. Under the theme “Moving Forward with Collaboration and Research,” the conference highlights the pivotal role of regional collaboration in improving the quality of treatment and research in colorectal surgery.

The scientific program is diverse, including plenary sessions, thematic symposia, hands-on workshops, and in-depth discussions. It focuses on updated topics such as colorectal cancer, minimally invasive surgery, multimodal treatment, and personalized therapeutic strategies. Notably, the participation of leaders from regional professional societies, including the Vietnamese Society of Colorectal Surgeons (VSCS), contributes to strengthening academic dialogue and sharing practical experience among countries.

A key highlight of the conference is the Presidential Panel Discussion on colorectal cancer screening and treatment coordination within ASEAN, clearly reflecting the direction toward building a regional collaborative network. Discussions will center on standardizing treatment guidelines, developing transnational training programs, and promoting multicenter research across Southeast Asia.

In the current context, collaboration among colorectal surgical societies in Southeast Asia is being progressively strengthened through academic exchange, training, and joint research activities. In the future, stakeholders aim to establish a regional data system, implement multinational clinical trials, and develop joint fellowship programs, with the goal of enhancing patient care quality and aligning with international standards. The Coloproctology 2026 Conference serves not only as an important scientific forum but also as a milestone for fostering cohesion and sustainable development within the colorectal surgery community in Southeast Asia.

Programme