The 13th Asia-Pacific Conference of the Order of Malta took place in Singapore from 5–7 November, bringing together representatives from National Associations, Delegations, and the Order’s accredited Ambassadors across two continents.

The three-day gathering, themed “Anchored in Faith, Ablaze with Hope, Serve with Love,” featured sessions on the growth of activities across the region, spiritual formation, international fundraising, and communications.

In his opening address, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo highlighted the Order’s steadfast commitment to serving some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions — including Africa, Lebanon, Palestine, Timor-Leste, and areas of emergency such as Gaza and Ukraine.

“The true force of the Order is embodied in the universality of our presence,” he said. “Even where we do not run an excellent hospital like the one in Bethlehem, we must still commit to serious, structured, and ongoing projects. Everywhere we are present, we are close to those who suffer — and it is there that our flag flies.”

Grand Hospitaller Josef Blotz presented an overview of the Order’s principal humanitarian efforts, paying special attention to crisis zones in Gaza and Ukraine. Within the Asia-Pacific region, he commended the dedication of staff and volunteers at the Order’s clinics in Dili, Timor-Leste, which provide essential healthcare to thousands each year.

“The clinic stands as a beacon of hope and stability,” he said, “offering not only treatment but dignity and compassion to all who come through its doors. In a country that has known hardship and reconstruction, the clinic represents the tangible expression of our faith in action.”

He added that, through Malteser International Asia-Pacific and regional humanitarian partnerships, new proposals are underway to expand healthcare services to reach even the most remote communities.

The conference also featured presentations by the Order’s Prelate, Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, and Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, along with representatives from Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Malteser International, as well as Ambassadors accredited to Thailand, Micronesia and Nauru, Timor-Leste, and Cambodia.

Discussions spanned topics such as member formation, fundraising strategies, and the fight against disease, poverty, and social marginalisation.

A major highlight of the conference was the signing of a joint declaration between the National Associations of Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, together with Malteser International, to establish a dedicated Asia-Pacific branch.

The declaration reaffirms the shared commitment:

“To renew the bonds of fraternity, with the firm intention of working together in the service of the poor and the sick in the region, with a focus on impact, sustainability, and appropriateness of our work.”

It continues:

“Together we will use the instruments at our disposal to fulfil this commitment. Most especially, we will strengthen our collaboration through the structure of Malteser International Asia-Pacific, established specifically for this purpose, particularly in response to major emergencies to which the region is exposed due to environmental and climatic factors.”

The joint commitment was entrusted to the intercession of Our Lady of Philermo, protectress of the Order of Malta.

Among the 62 delegates, 17 were Australian members. Notably, Chaplain Fr Gerard McMorrow was surprised with a promotion to Conventual Chaplain ad honorem in recognition of his extraordinary service and commitment to the Order, while Confrere Alastair Furnival received the Malteser International Medal of Merit in Silver for his outstanding contribution to the Order’s mission in Timor-Leste.

The Order of Malta Asia-Pacific Conference is a biennial event. All participants self-fund their travel, accommodation, and conference expenses, seeing their attendance as an essential part of advancing the Order’s mission throughout the region.