Dear Friends,
On behalf of the South East Asia and Oceania Zone, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the website of the 71st UICH Les Clefs d’Or Congress to be held in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand.
Three of the last four UICH Congresses have now been hosted in our region, alongside a strong run of Asia Zone Congresses in recent years. This pattern is not a coincidence, nor simply a turn in a rotation. It reflects where South East Asia and Oceania now stand as the new heart of Les Clefs d’Or International, confident and leading on the global stage.
There is no more fitting place for that leadership to be on display than Bangkok. Thailand’s reputation for hospitality is known throughout the world, built on a culture where service is an expression of respect and care for one another. That spirit is part of this city’s fabric and reflects the values we gather to celebrate.
I know what it takes to bring a Congress of this scale together, and I recognise it in the work of the Les Clefs d’Or Thailand team. Their organisation and strength in making this Congress possible deserve recognition, and I offer them my sincere thanks and congratulations.
To every delegate joining us this week, from our region and from around the world, welcome. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new colleagues, and sharing in what promises to be an outstanding Congress for our profession.
Yours in friendship,
Dean McWhinney
President, Les Clefs d’Or Australia
Zone Director, Southeast Asia & Oceania