Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Distinguished Guests, and Friends,

 

It is both a great honour and a true pleasure to welcome you all to our 6th Congress of Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery (APTS 2026) happening from 9 – 11 April 2026 in Singapore. Whether you are a medical student, resident, researchers, early-career professionals, physicians, surgeons or allied health colleague, your presence here today speaks to your commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity in thyroid healthcare. We are gathered not only as professionals in our respective specialties, but as a united global community working toward a common goal of strengthening collaboration to achieve equitable care for all.

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Thyroid surgery has evolved significantly over the years. We have added minimally invasive and robotic techniques into our surgical armamentarium besides open surgeries. We have seen substantial growth in molecular diagnostics, precision imaging, and patient-cantered approaches. Anaplastic thyroid cancer, a previously highly lethal cancer, can potentially now be treated with considerable success in some patients.  Additionally, there has been a significant move towards “lesser” treatment for thyroid cancer, balancing the swing towards “over-treatment”. Yet, there are disparities in access, training, and outcomes remain between countries. Therefore, our APTS’s theme, “Strengthening Global Collaborations for Equitable Care” is a timely call to action, reminding us that the benefits of modern thyroid care should reach everyone, regardless of geography, resources, or background.

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As we embark on the next few days together, we’ll explore not only the science and skill behind thyroid surgery but also the structures and systems that shape its delivery. We will engage with a rich programme featuring world-renowned speakers and rising stars in the field, covering advances in surgical techniques, updates on thyroid cancer management, the role of AI in diagnostics, and innovations in thyroid care and delivery.

 

To our international attendees, your insights and experiences are invaluable. Please don’t hesitate to share the unique challenges and solutions you have encountered in your practice. Your voice is essential to shaping our global dialogue. And to our local colleagues, I encourage you to listen actively and generously, and to consider how your resources, expertise, and networks might contribute to the larger mission of equitable thyroid care worldwide.

 

I would also like to express heartfelt appreciation to our organizing committee whose hard work has brought this conference to fruition. Please join our 6th APTS website and APTS social media for follow-up on an exciting programme coming your way.

 

On behalf of our host country Singapore, I look forward to welcoming you to this meeting!

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Yours sincerely,

Chwee Ming LIM

Congress President, 6th Congress of Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery