History of the Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery (APTS)
Thyroid surgery has historically been performed by a variety of specialties, including otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, endocrine surgery, and general surgery. In this context, there emerged a clear need for an international academic society dedicated specifically to the surgical management of thyroid disease, encompassing experts from all relevant disciplines.

Recognizing this need, Kyung Tae (Korea) proposed the establishment of a specialized society for thyroid surgery in the Asia-Pacific region. The concept was discussed extensively with leading experts across the region, and the proposal was met with strong enthusiasm and support from many internationally renowned specialists.

The first preparatory meeting for the Society was held on July 27, 2014, in New York, USA, during the 5th World Congress of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS). A total of 19 physicians from 10 countries participated in or endorsed the preparatory meeting, representing a broad spectrum of expertise in thyroid surgery. During this meeting, the Society was formally named the Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery (APTS).

Although initially conceived as a regional organization, APTS was established with a global vision. Its membership includes countries from Asia, Oceania, and the broader Pan-Pacific region, as well as participation from experts worldwide. Distinguished thyroid surgeons from North America—including Gregory W. Randolph, David J. Terris, Ralph P. Tufano, Brendan C. Stack, and Jeremy L. Freeman—also expressed strong support and joined the Society, further strengthening its international foundation.

The mission of APTS is to provide a common platform for specialists to advance the field of thyroid surgery while fostering academic collaboration and professional friendship. Membership is open not only to surgeons—including head and neck surgeons, endocrine surgeons, otolaryngologist, and general surgeons—but also to endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, pathologists, and scientists with a strong interest in thyroid disease and surgery.

In 2014, Hiroya Kitano (Japan) was elected as the first Director of APTS, and Kyung Tae (Korea) was elected as the first Secretary-General. At the Council meeting held in December 2018, Feng-Yu Chiang (Taiwan) was elected as the second Director, and Kyung Tae was re-elected as Secretary-General. At the Council meeting in February 2023, Kyung Tae was elected as the third Director, and Tsung-Lin Yang (Taiwan) was elected as Secretary-General. In April 2026, during the 6th APTS Congress in Singapore, both were re-elected as the fourth Director and Secretary-General, respectively.

The first Congress of APTS (APTS 2015) was held in Seoul, Korea, in November 2015, under the presidency of Kang Dae Lee. The second Congress (APTS 2017) took place in Okinawa, Japan, in November 2017, with Mikio Suzuki serving as Congress President. The third Congress (APTS 2018) was held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in December 2018, presided over by Feng-Yu Chiang.

The fourth Congress, originally scheduled for 2020 in Kochi, India, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was subsequently held successfully in March 2023 (APTS 2023) in Kochi, with Subramania Iyer serving as Congress President. The fifth Congress was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2024 under the presidency of Phakdee Sannikorn, attracting more than 1,200 participants. The sixth Congress was held in April 2026 in Singapore, with Chwee Ming Lim serving as Congress President. In addition to its biennial congresses, APTS has actively promoted academic exchange through various initiatives. These include a thyroid surgery workshop in Myanmar in 2020 and an APTS webinar in September 2021, organized during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain global academic collaboration despite travel restrictions.

All APTS congresses have been highly successful, characterized by strong participation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge. These meetings have also played a vital role in strengthening professional networks and fostering international friendship among thyroid specialists.

APTS is a truly multidisciplinary society dedicated to advancing thyroid surgery. As of April 2026, the Society has grown to include more than 1,570 active members from 51 countries. Despite its relatively short history, APTS has experienced remarkable growth and has become one of the leading international societies in thyroid surgery. This success reflects the clarity of its mission and the strong commitment of its members.

Looking forward, APTS is expected to continue its dynamic growth and further strengthen its position as a global leader in thyroid surgery. The Society remains committed to its core mission: to advance thyroid surgery and improve health outcomes related to thyroid disease.

April 2026