Message from the President
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Asia Pacific Topic Conference 2025 (APTC 2025), held on September 27 in conjunction with Taiwan Digestive Disease Week (TDDW) 2025.
With the theme “Fostering Population Colorectal Cancer Screening in Asia-Pacific”, APTC 2025 comes at a critical juncture. Across the region, colorectal cancer has become one of the fastest-growing cancer threats, with rising incidence and mortality in many Asian countries—often affecting individuals at a younger age and diagnosed at a more advanced stage. This growing burden underscores the urgent need to transition from fragmented, opportunistic screening to well-organized, population-based colorectal cancer screening programs.
This conference aims to promote cross-country collaboration, share successful models, and inspire action among clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. As part of this effort, we will explore how new technologies—particularly artificial intelligence and information systems—can be leveraged to enhance screening accuracy, risk stratification, and program quality.
A special Roundtable Discussion: Implementing Population Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs will provide a valuable platform for delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange experiences, challenges, and strategies. This session is intended to foster learning among countries where organized screening is still evolving, as well as to showcase lessons from those where programs are already well established. In addition, the Lower GI Joint Symposium of TDDW–JDDW–KDDW will take place within APTC 2025 under the theme “Nationwide Approaches to Optimize Detection of Early-Stage Neoplasms in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea”. This trilateral collaboration underscores our shared commitment to early detection and structured nationwide approaches in colorectal cancer control.
We look forward to welcoming you to APTC 2025 and to joining hands in building a stronger, more unified approach to reducing the burden of colorectal cancer in the Asia-Pacific region.
Warm regards,
Han-Mo Chiu, MD, PhD
Chairman, APTC 2025
Asia-Pacific Topic Conference on Colorectal Cancer Screening
Brief Introduction of the Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan
The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan (DEST) represents national societies of endoscopy which was officially established in Taipei on 15th Feb 1992 by Professor Teh-Hong Wang and Professor Juei-Low Sung. The current president is Professor Han-Mo Chiu.
DEST comprises endoscopists, gastroenterologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, general surgeons, and colorectal surgeons. Over the past decades, DEST has grown in member numbers from initially 500 members to now 1,800 endoscopist members, and nearly 1,300 technician members.
DEST aims to promote digestive endoscopy research, publish academic journals, and hold various conferences, live demonstrations, and hands-on animal workshops periodically. DEST is also an active member of international societies of digestive endoscopy including A-PSDE and WEO. DEST has also cooperated with various world-leading experts in digestive endoscopy for the improvement of endoscopy knowledge and technology
To achieve this goal, we aim to hold many international conventions, conferences, and animal workshops in the upcoming future.
President: Han-Mo Chiu, M.D., PhD.
Secretary General: Chang, Chi-Yang, M.D. PhD.
Website: www.dest.org.tw
Brief Introduction of the Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan
The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan(GEST) was founded officially in Taipei on 15th March 1970 by Professor Juei-Low Sung. The current president is Professor Jia-Horng Kao. Over 54 years of dedication and progress, the GEST has evolved from a small group of practicing gastroenterologists to a thriving organization boasting more than 2500 members. Our membership encompasses practicing gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and researchers dedicated to advancing both basic and clinical aspects of our field.
At the core of GEST's mission are principles aimed at enhancing patient care, nurturing the next generation of leaders through comprehensive fellowship training, fostering cutting-edge research, and fostering camaraderie through regular conventions and educational programs. We uphold values of mentorship, knowledge exchange, and a steadfast commitment to professional growth, recognizing that our collective expertise is our greatest asset.
Furthermore, GEST is committed to facilitating communication and collaboration with international societies and esteemed experts. To this end, we are dedicated to organizing regional or even international conferences, providing platforms for cross-cultural exchange and networking opportunities. Additionally, we actively encourage and support the participation of our young and promising members in international conventions, amplifying their voices and contributions on a global scale.
President: Jia-Horng Kao, MD, PhD, FAASLD
Secretary General: Jyh-Ming Liou, MD, PhD
Website: www.gest.org.tw
