The two days of APRM Rest Day were a happy time for me to feel the warmth of the Asia-Pacific. When switching to host the event online, we struggled to find ways to create an enjoyable experience even under the circumstances. Nearly 100 IFMSA-Japan staff devised ways to form a new online international conference from scratch. In addition, the warm support from associations such as the JNTO and the Japan Medical Association, and the advice from Seniors Club Office of IFMSA-Japan are to thank for this successful event. Our theme for this event was “Pandemics in a Digital Era”. COVID-19 will not be our last pandemic, but I believe that we can unite and overcome them in Asia-Pacific. And to everyone in Asia-Pacific, I can’t wait to see you all the next time we host an international conference or event in Japan. Again, thank you all! ありがとうございました！
OCC _ Aya Murakami
APRM Rest Day was one of the most memorable events for me. We were able to share the excitement at the same time, even though we were not gathered in one place. Even though it was held in an online format, all participants were able to experience deep emotions, and we believe that we made an enormous impact on the Asia-Pacific community. All of the above things would not have been possible without the hard work of Organizing Committee members and heartwarming smiles from delegates from the Asia-Pacific Region. I hope all of you enjoyed APRM Rest Day, and this relationship we have made here will be eternal. Thank you very much.
Organizing an event in a time of such uncertainty was definitely not an easy one. When we first signed our contract to host, we hoped that in a years time, we would be able to welcome you all in person. However, with many restrictions in place, we were hit time and time again with obstacles. Making the decision to switch to an online event was one of the hardest things we had to do, but a great event was made nonetheless. The enthusiasm of the participants definitely made all the hard days worth it. Thank you all for your participation, and I hope to see you all in person in the near future!
Vice OCC _ Risa Sugimoto
Vice OCC _ Megumi Yoda
Given the current limited circumstance, I have endeavoured to make the event more satisfying for all of you as much as possible on behalf of the vice organising committee chair. Maximising the level of satisfaction in this event was our team’s goal. I treasure the experience of gathering expertise with my bright colleagues on how to create something that is close to and beyond what is possible via offline. As for my personal growth throughout this event, I have developed my abilities, more specifically, to grasp the overall movement, to find inadequate parts, and to respond quickly. There is only the thing that an individual is capable of, but we can accomplish large-scale events like this time that you could never have imagined when many people work together.
Vice OCC _ Takahiro Hara
