The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology is always keen to contribute to both the Asia-Pacific and international rheumatology community. It hosted the first Hong Kong Aplar (Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress) in 2010, and was pleased to have the honour of being host city for a second time in 2022. It was the first time in three years that Aplar had been held.

A multi-disciplinary group of scientists, clinical practitioners and allied health professionals from the region and worldwide gathered at the HKCEC in early December to present and exchange breakthroughs and exciting ideas relating to rheumatology. Workshops – some of them hands-on, symposiums, special interest group sessions, and abstract and plenary sessions were held throughout the congress. Around 250 experts came from around the world: many from Asia-Pacific, of course, but also from Europe and North America. A total of 1.200 delegates attended, along with 90 Hong Kong faculty members. The busy exhibition hall featured 16 international exhibitors.