Southeast Asia Journey, Part 2: Learning and Teaching in Singapore

My travels continued from Jakarta to Singapore, where I had the chance to stay in the heart of the city. Singapore is one of the most technologically advanced places I've ever visited—remarkably clean, beautifully organized, and known for being one of the safest cities in the world. During my stay, I was fortunate to be hosted by Shaun, who generously shared his knowledge of Singaporean culture, history, and food. From modern skyscrapers to the vibrant charm of old-town Singapore, every corner of the city offered something new to explore.

One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to meet Dr. Lincoln Liou at Singapore General Hospital. Dr. Liou is a thoughtful, talented surgeon, and spending the day with him in the operating room was both energizing and inspiring. We had in-depth discussions about partial and total knee replacements, robotic-assisted surgery, alternative alignment strategies, and the future of the VELYS system. These kinds of surgeon-to-surgeon exchanges—open, curious, and collaborative—are some of my favorite parts of international travel.

While in Singapore, I also gave a dinner presentation focused on robotic-assisted partial knee replacement. The group included surgeons from a range of backgrounds and experience levels, and the questions were insightful and practical. What stood out most was their enthusiasm: an eagerness to explore emerging technology, challenge traditional thinking, and understand how robotics can help deliver more consistent outcomes for patients.

Another meaningful part of the trip was spending time teaching at one of the Johnson & Johnson Institutes. There, I worked closely with a local surgeon to do a deep dive on partial knee replacement workflows and how the technology can improve precision and efficiency. These educational sessions are incredibly rewarding because they blend real-world experience with new tools, allowing surgeons to immediately apply what they learn to their own practice.

My visit ended with a wonderful dinner in downtown Singapore alongside members of the regional marketing and education teams. Sharing a meal together offered the chance to reflect on the week—what we learned, what we taught, and how each conversation strengthens the global orthopedic community. Singapore left me with new friendships, new insights, and a deeper appreciation for how innovation and culture can blend so seamlessly. I'm excited to carry this momentum forward as the Southeast Asia journey continues.