Greetings

It is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I introduce myself as the new President of Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO), effective from January 2026. I am Dr. Hong-Gyun Wu from Republic of Korea, currently serving at Seoul National University Hospital.

As the President of FARO, I am entrusted with the privilege of representing radiation oncology across Asia. This is a momentous responsibility, given the diversity and the varying levels of development within our region. Presently, FARO comprises 15 national radiation oncology societies. While some of our member countries have achieved standards comparable to those of the Western world, many others continue to face significant challenges, including limited resources, workforce shortages, and insufficient infrastructures.

In this context, it is essential that the radiation oncology societies of Asia collaborate and create synergies to address these disparities. Our collective mission is to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the betterment of society through the effective application of radiation therapy. However, to reach this goal, we must overcome the many ethnic, cultural, religious, and social differences that characterize our region, fostering an environment of mutual support and shared progress.

No representative can accomplish these objectives alone. Therefore, I respectfully request the active participation and collaboration of all FARO member societies. Your insights, suggestions, and feedback are invaluable as we work together to advance our field.

Though my tenure is limited to two years, I am fully committed to advancing the practice of radiation oncology across Asia. I look forward to our collective efforts in shaping a brighter future for our patients and our profession.

Thank you.

Hong-Gyun Wu, MD, PhD

President of FARO

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am honored to serve as Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) for another two years. Since 2022, I have been proud to work with our members to support FARO's growth, and I am delighted to contribute to FARO’s transformation.

FARO was founded with the goal of building strong relationships among Radiation Oncology societies and improving healthcare of patients. FARO currently consists of national organizations from 15 Asian countries, supporting them in developing radiotherapy in their own countries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, our member countries bonded over a shared mission, and collaborated online to advance radiation oncology in the Asian region. when FARO launched monthly webinars available to anyone involved in radiation oncology. I am proud to have worked with our members to support FARO's growth during a challenging time. Thanks to our hard work, FARO has gained recognition in the Asian region and beyond.

FARO recognizes the importance of collaborating with member societies in the research, education, and clinical practice of radiation therapy. The LDP Leadership Programs and the Training Travel Grant Program are two of the many programs that benefit individuals from our member societies. FARO's research committee conducts extensive research across Asia, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment in the region. FARO also support neighboring Asian countries in need by collaborating with FARO Corporate members, other regional societies and global organizations.

Due to high demand from many fields, we currently have a plan to transform its biannual conference into an annual event, where FARO will offer training sessions to young people who will play important roles in the future of radiation oncology in Asia. Furthermore, we are considering forming additional committees to encourage greater participation from our member societies in the society's activities and to strengthen the bonds among them. For the first step, Public Relation Committee has just been established and takes roles to increase FARO’s further recognitions to the world.

Needless to say, support from our corporate members make it possible for FARO to fulfill its mission of developing radiotherapy in the Asian region while benefiting each other. I would like to contribute to attracting more companies with the same mission to join us.

In November 2025, FARO 2025 x the 36th THASTRO successfully took place with more than 870 participants, bringing together radiation oncology societies from across Asia and the world. We are looking forward to the FARO-ESTRO Congress @ESTRO meets Asia in August 28-30, in Singapore.

FARO plays a critical role in improving global health by saving lives in the field of radiation oncology. Asia is a rapidly growing region, and I expect FARO to continue growing for many years to come. I promise to make every effort to contribute to its success.

Yasuhi Nagata, MD, PhD, FACR

Secretary General of FARO