The Taipei Veterans General Hospital-Show Chwan Memorial Hospital Master Forum was held on October 23, 2023. This was an engaging and insightful lecture event. The event took place at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and featured three distinguished speakers from the University of Strasbourg, including Nobel laureate Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, Dr. Jacques Marescaux, and Mr. Michel Deneken. While Professor Jean-Marie Lehn joined the event remotely via video conference, Dr. Jacques Marescaux and Mr. Michel Deneken graced the venue with their presence.

The superintendent of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Wei-Ming Chen, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and expressed immense pleasure in hosting this collaborative event between Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Show Chwan Memorial Hospital. The event was attended by numerous members and guests, including Shi-Wei Huang, Superintendent of Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital and Director of IRCAD-Taiwan; Lian-Rui Mou, Vice President of Show Chwan Health Care System; and Guo-Chao Liao, Vice President of Show Chwan Health Care System.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital stands as a prominent healthcare institution, not only in Taiwan but across Asia. The hospital provides exceptional medical care to domestic and international patients and has a rich history of pioneering clinical and translational research. The strong partnership between Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, represented by President Chi-Hung Lin and Chair Professor Chain-Shu Hsu, underpins their commitment to excellence in healthcare and research. The forum aimed to explore potential collaborations with the University of Strasbourg, covering various aspects of healthcare and research, alongside their esteemed partners at Show Chwan Memorial Hospital.

The event featured three renowned speakers, each with their own exceptional achievements:

(1) Professor Jean-Marie Lehn: Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry, Professor Lehn, delivered his lecture titled "Advancing Towards Life: The Power of Chemistry!" He explored how the universe evolves through self-organization, transforming from inanimate molecules to living entities with cognitive capabilities. Professor Lehn emphasized the critical role of chemistry in this process and discussed the concept of supramolecular chemistry, shedding light on the control of complex molecular structures' formation. His insightful talk provided profound knowledge for the scientific community. Although Professor Lehn couldn't be present in the venue, his online presence enriched the forum.

(2) Dr. Jacques Marescaux: Celebrated for his innovative contributions to laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Marescaux delivered a talk on "Next-Generation Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery." He discussed how technological advancements are revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery, paving the way for the concept of automated surgery. Dr. Marescaux highlighted three key developments, including virtual 3D imaging, robotics, and artificial intelligence, which promise to reshape the field of surgery, ensuring precise anatomical analysis, personalized surgical simulations, augmented reality, and 3D visualization. His emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence with robotic technology in surgical decision-making and management was notable, heralding a new era in surgical medicine.

(3) Mr. Michel Deneken: Serving as the President of the University of Strasbourg, Mr. Michel Deneken, offered insights on "The Key to Successful Universities." His speech focused on the pivotal role of universities in societal transformation, with an emphasis on their contribution to regional economic development and international standing. Mr. Deneken underlined the social responsibility of universities, promoting academic freedom, innovation, and collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of breaking international boundaries and fostering cross-border cooperation for expanding a university's global reputation and positively impacting regional economies.

Before the lectures, the Taipei Veterans General Hospital organized a tour for Dr. Jacques Marescaux and Mr. Michel Deneken to visit the Intelligent Surgical Building Simulation Training Center and the Heavy Ion Cancer Treatment Center. Both distinguished guests were deeply impressed by the facilities and the application of advanced technology and knowledge for providing optimal treatment choices for patients.

The three renowned speakers epitomized excellence in their respective fields. The master forum provided an exceptional platform for the exchange of profound ideas and collaborative opportunities that will significantly influence the future of healthcare and research.