With the theme ‘Coral reef science and management in a rapidly changing world’, the 5th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium (APCRS) was held in Singapore from 19th to 23rd June, 2023. This symposium was hosted by the National University of Singapore, with the National Parks Board Singapore as a supporting agency. It served as an interdisciplinary forum for workers within coral reef systems of the Asia-Pacific region to present current data, discuss urgent threats, and integrate knowledge for conservation of reef systems. The symposium welcomed 860 participants from 41 countries and territories in eight regions. During the symposium, scientists, conservationists, managers, and policymakers came together to network, exchange ideas, and discuss all things coral reef. Seven plenary speakers anchored sessions that discussed contemporaneous themes of restoration, governance, policy and education. Attendees exchanged ideas over 11 workshops and 10 themed sessions comprising 462 oral and 230 poster presentations.

With its highly urbanised shoreline and intensively utilised coastal waters, Singapore exemplifies how coastal development exerts pressure on coral reefs and other marine habitats. It also provides a useful case study of environmental management, and adoption of management practices that aim to balance development and conservation of natural resources.

We thank the symposium sponsors and donors for their commitment towards advancing marine science in the Asia-Pacific region, and look forward to the 6th APCRS!