Foreword: The Value of Collaboration

A short note on the principles behind regional scientific collaboration.

An idea worth remembering

The history of neuro-oncology in Asia is, at its heart, a story about people choosing to work together. Beginning in the early 2000s, clinicians and scientists across very different countries — different languages, health systems, and traditions — built a shared forum to improve how brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. That kind of voluntary, cross-border collaboration is easy to take for granted and easy to lose. The story deserves to be remembered.

What we hope it offers

We hope this site improves understanding between individuals, communities, and the wider public through their shared interest in neuro-oncology. For medical, nursing, and allied-health staff — as well as scientists, care coordinators, and students — it aims to be a clear, reliable orientation to the field's regional history. Just as importantly, for patients and their families, it aims to be a calm starting point and a bridge to trustworthy support organizations.

Our principles

• Independence. We are not the official voice of any society and we never claim to be.
• Accuracy. We document public, sourced history and link to authoritative organizations for anything current.
• Respect. We do not publish private contact details, and we treat patients, families, and the professional community with care.
• Education first. Everything here exists to inform, not to sell or solicit.

With gratitude

The field stands on the work of countless clinicians, researchers, nurses, and volunteers across Asia and around the world. To begin exploring, read the history or browse the meeting chronology.