I am honored to be elected the 3rd Director of the Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery (APTS). I think the responsibility of the Director is heavy and grave. Although humble, I will do my best to take responsibility and achieve further development of the APTS in the footsteps of previous Directors of Hiroya Kitano and Feng-Yu Chiang. I don’t know how to thank the previous Directors for their extraordinary contribution and leadership.

The APTS was established in 2014 by experts and pioneers on thyroid surgery in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary purpose of APTS is to provide a common platform for specialists in thyroid surgery, regardless of specialty, to improve thyroid surgery and to develop a spirit of friendship.

Despite its relatively short history, the APTS has grown rapidly and has now developed into one of the most influential societies in thyroid surgery. As of April 2023, the active APTS membership has increased to more than 1400 from 49 countries. From the 1st Congress to the 4th, the previous four APTS congresses were great successes with a high number of participants, excellent scientific programs, and sharing of advanced knowledge and friendship. The APTS could succeed with wonderful collaboration, participation, and contribution of multidisciplinary APTS members. Taking this opportunity, I sincerely thank all active members, the committee members, councilors, and Congress presidents for their significant dedication and contributions.

Indeed, the APTS is expected to grow and develop further. As the Director of the APTS, I will devote myself to developing society one more step further with Tsung-Lin Yang, Secretary-General, as one team. Also, to achieve our mission and vision, I hope for your continued cooperation, participation, and contribution. Sincerely,

April 2023

Kyung Tae
Director, Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery (APTS)