Let's move beyond COVID-19 and into tomorrow.

Dear members of the Korean Dementia Association (KDA), patients with dementia, their caregivers, and everyone interested in dementia, how are you all doing? I am Dong-Won Yang, the chairman of the KDA.

Since late 2019, the world has grappled with a significant crisis: the Coronavirus pandemic. Our country has tirelessly strived to surmount this disaster, consolidating efforts from medical professionals and the public alike. We are now preparing for a gradual return to everyday life starting this year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the KDA successfully hosted domestic and international academic events and research meetings by promptly transitioning to online and hybrid formats, thereby fulfilling our mission.

As the chairman of the KDA, I'm pleased to share the new strategic directions we plan to adopt over the next two years.

• In 2022, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the KDA's establishment. The KDA held its inaugural general meeting in May 2002. For the long-term advancement of our association, we will reassess our progress and establish and share the mission and vision of the KDA, providing direction for our future steps.
• 2021 marked a significant year for us when the KDA was recognized as an official association of the Korean Medical Association. It's unfortunate that the pandemic prohibited us from holding a celebratory event for this milestone, achieved after years of diligent effort and patience. I extend my gratitude once again to my colleagues, including former chairman Kun-Woo Park. The KDA plans to collaborate on academic conferences and educational programs with related domestic dementia associations and will continue to evolve as a full member of the Korean Medical Association through consistent cooperation and collaboration.
• With our society aging rapidly, the number of dementia patients is expected to surge. In response, the government is implementing various policies to manage and support these individuals. The KDA will actively participate in formulating national policies related to dementia to assist patients, their families, and our association members.
• In the post-Covid-19 era, we aim to enhance our international academic capacities by establishing MOUs with international dementia associations. We are committed to spearheading the advancement and internationalization of domestic research through active exchanges with dementia researchers.
• Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), metaverse, virtual reality (VR), blockchain, and digital therapeutics are set to transform our lives within the next five years. These technologies are likely to materialize quickly due to the Covid-19 situation, and we plan to cultivate a research environment that integrates these new technologies with dementia-related studies.
• 2022 signifies the beginning of a full-fledged post-Covid-19 era. Although we expect academic events and meetings to revert to offline settings, we acknowledge the definite advantages of online formats that we've grown accustomed to, and we plan to manage our association harmoniously, utilizing both.

I assure you that I am wholly committed to guiding dementia policy, protecting the rights of patients with dementia, caregivers, and association members, and promoting the development of our association. Thank you.