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NUCOT Launches the 'Tree of Life' Project

In a heartfelt tribute to organ donors, the National University Centre for Organ Transplantation (NUCOT) initiated its first-ever Tree Planting Legacy Project, titled "Tree of Life: Where New Life Takes Root," at the National University Hospital (NUH) on May 26, 2025. This project is a part of the lead-up to the upcoming International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) Annual Congress 2025.

The Tree of Life Project serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it commemorates the selfless contributions made by organ donors and encourages public awareness regarding the profound impact that organ donation can have on individuals and families. Each tree planted symbolizes a living legacy, representing growth, hope, and the life-changing potential of organ donation across generations.

As of now, there are over 400 individuals on Singapore's waiting list for an organ transplant, highlighting the pressing need for awareness and increased rates of organ donation. Living organ donation can significantly reduce waiting times and improve health outcomes for those in need of transplants. Data shows that over 90% of liver transplant patients make successful recoveries within a year after surgery when they receive a transplant. Moreover, research indicates that individuals receiving a living-donor liver enjoy a substantial survival advantage compared to those receiving organs from deceased donors.

Adjunct Associate Professor Mark Muthiah, Medical Director and Senior Consultant of the Adult Liver Transplantation Programme at NUCOT, stated, "Trees symbolize renewal and a new lease on life, made possible through the precious gift of organ donation. Through enhanced public education and advocacy efforts, we hope to inspire more people to consider becoming organ donors."

Shaping the Future of Liver Transplantation

The Tree of Life Project coincides with the ILTS Annual Congress 2025, which will be hosted in Southeast Asia for the first time from May 28 to May 31, 2025. The event will be officiated by Guest of Honour Professor Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health at Singapore's Ministry of Health. The symposium aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation in liver transplantation, strengthening collaboration within the global liver transplant community.

Supported by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Liver Transplant Centre and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, the conference will include contributions from local experts and discussions focusing on advancements such as ABO-incompatible transplants and minimally invasive living donor liver transplantation techniques. Associate Professor Alfred Kow, Senior Consultant at NUCOT and Local Chair of the ILTS Scientific Programming Committee, emphasized the significance of this Congress by stating, "Today, owing to the commitment from our healthcare community and the advent of new technologies, Singapore has developed one of the most advanced liver transplant networks in Southeast Asia."

Embracing Innovation and Honoring Pioneers

A key highlight of the 2025 Congress is its innovative structure, encouraging further integration and collaboration among global specialists in the field. The theme, "Advancing Liver Transplantation: Embracing Innovation for the Future," aims to underscore the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing precision medicine decisions in liver transplantation processes.

The Congress will feature presentations of new innovations, including minimally invasive surgical methods and next-generation solutions revolving around biomaterials and biosensors. Recognizing the increasing contributions of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), a dedicated workshop will promote collaboration across their globally diverse roles in liver transplantation.

Additionally, the prestigious ILTS Distinguished Service Award for 2025 will be presented during the opening ceremony to accolade notable trailblazers in liver transplantation. This year’s honorees will include Professor Sung-Gyu Lee, a pioneer in implementing modified graft techniques for living donor liver transplants, and Professor Lo Chung-mau from The University of Hong Kong, who has contributed significantly to the field.

The Congress will comprise 60 scientific sessions with over 200 presentations from leading experts worldwide, offering unique insights into advancements in liver transplantation.

Participants at the Tree Planting Legacy Project will include Professor Nazia Selzner, President of ILTS, and Professor Valeria Mas, the ILTS President-Elect, among representatives from NUH, organ donors, and recipients. For further details on the ILTS Annual Congress 2025, please visit the official website at ilts-congress.org.

In a society where organ donation still faces misconceptions, initiatives like the Tree of Life provide necessary visibility to this critical conversation, emphasizing the essence of hope, renewal, and the possibility of saving lives through the simple act of giving.