Bali, Indonesia – A moment of pride graced the Asian Pacific Digestive Week (APDW) 2024, held from November 20 – 24, 2024 in Bali, as Professor Ari Fahrial Syam was honored by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). The award recognized his Outstanding Distinguished Lecture on H. pylori Management, highlighting his expertise and significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology. The award was personally presented by Professor Guilherme Macedo, President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), making the occasion even more special.

Professor Ari Fahrial Syam is the first doctor from Indonesia to receive this prestigious award. Below is the list of doctors who have previously received the WGO Distinguished Global Lecture Award:

• 2023: Professor Siew Ng (Hong Kong) with the topic “Gut Microbiota in Clinical Practice”
• 2019: Professor Nageshwar Reddy (Hyderabad) with the topic “Metabolic Endoscopy: Is it only about obesity?”
• 2018: Professor Suk-Kyun Yang (Seoul) with the topic “Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A New Health Problem in Asia”
• 2017: Professor Joseph Sung (Hong Kong) with the topic “Artificial Intelligence and Gastroenterology: Is there still a role for gastroenterologists?”
• 2015: Professor Khean-Lee Goh (Kuala Lumpur) with the topic “Emerging GI and Liver Diseases in the Asia Pacific – Implications for Healthcare in the Region”
• 2012: Professor Kwong-Ming Fock (Singapore) with the topic “GI Cancer in the Asian Pacific Region Implications to the Global Cancer Burden”

Professor Ari Fahrial Syam, currently the President of the Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, has built a distinguished career centered on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) research. His commitment to this field dates back to 2001, when he began publishing papers on the subject. Before 2012, Professor Ari had authored 20 papers on H. pylori indexed on PubMed, establishing himself as a respected authority in the field.

On August 30, 2012, he received a pivotal email from Professor Yoshio Yamaoka of Japan, inviting him to collaborate on H. pylori research under a project funded by the Japanese government. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, which led to numerous groundbreaking studies. Notably, in 2015, the two professors published a significant paper titled Helicobacter pylori virulence genes in the five largest islands of Indonesia in Gut Pathogens.

Building on this collaboration, Professor Ari spearheaded a Multicenter Study of Helicobacter pylori in Indonesia, conducted between 2015 and 2017. The study spanned major regions across the archipelago, from Aceh to Pontianak, Makassar, Ternate, and concluding in Palu. This initiative further solidified his role as a leader in H. pylori research in Southeast Asia.

Since 2013, Professor Ari has authored 28 additional papers on H. pylori and collaborated with over five PhD researchers, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and improving management practices for this global health challenge. His extensive research portfolio has become a cornerstone for advancing gastroenterological health in Indonesia and beyond.

The award, presented at APDW 2024, underscores the global recognition of his work. In his acceptance speech, Professor Ari expressed gratitude to the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) and his collaborators, emphasizing the need for sustained research and innovation to tackle H. pylori-related diseases.

“This award is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the power of collaboration and dedication to improving healthcare standards,” Professor Ari remarked.

Professor Ari Fahrial Syam’s illustrious career and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire the next generation of researchers and practitioners, solidifying his legacy as a luminary in gastroenterology.