My dream came true when I embarked on my international fellowship in South Korea. This journey has been both prestigious and profoundly memorable at Seoul National University Hospital Bundang. Guiding me through this transformative experience was Professor Sung Bum Kang, an esteemed mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping my knowledge of colorectal surgery.
 

Under Professor Kang's expert guidance, I, Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, representing Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, India, had the privilege to work on a groundbreaking research project in colorectal cancer. His unwavering support and mentorship helped me overcome every obstacle, culminating in the presentation of our work at the international Colorectal Research Summit (iCRS) conference in Seoul in September 2023. Thanks to his mentorship, I was honored with the Excellence Oral Presentation Award for my work titled "Total Mesorectal Excision in ypT2 Rectal Cancer After Transanal Local Excision Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: Is it Essential?" This achievement brought immense pride to Professor Kang and my parents in India.
 

Throughout this journey, my greatest source of support has been my wife, Dr. Jill Singhi. Her unwavering understanding and support propelled me through every high and low, keeping me motivated. Together with my family and my wife's unwavering encouragement, they made it possible for me to deliver a presentation on the international stage.

iCRS stands as a remarkable educational platform, masterfully organized by the Chairman and Board of Directors, Professor Sung Bum Kang, bringing together international scholars from across the globe. It offers an invaluable opportunity for surgeons of all levels, from the most senior experts to junior practitioners, to both learn and teach. During my time there, I had the pleasure of meeting brilliant colorectal surgeons from countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and more, some of whom have become cherished friends.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family for their unwavering support, Saifee Hospital in India for nurturing my aspirations, and South Korea for providing the opportunity for my surgical training. This journey underscores the power of dedication, mentorship, and support, turning dreams into a tangible reality.