Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is my great honor to welcome you to the Asia-Pacific Innovative Thoracic Surgery Symposium (APITS) 2026, held in the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan. As thoracic surgery continues to progress at an extraordinary pace, APITS has evolved into a comprehensive platform that brings together pioneering ideas, emerging technologies, and global expertise.

This year, APITS 2026 features a scientifically rich program built around eight major themes that reflect the future direction of our specialty:
• Frontiers in Robotic Thoracic Surgery and Emerging Surgical Platforms
• The Outside-Cage Revolution in Intrathoracic Operations
• Innovations and Future Directions in Esophageal Surgery
• Advanced Lung Surgery with VATS and RATS: Evidence-Based Practice, Complex Procedures, and Intraoperative Crisis Management
• Transforming Thoracic Care: Breakthroughs in Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology
• Delving into the mystery of thymus
• Oncology: Turning Impossible into Possible
• From Virtuality to Surgery: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) Shaping the Future of Thoracic Surgery

These sessions highlight the full spectrum of contemporary thoracic surgery—from robotics and novel access routes to complex lung and esophageal procedures, mediastinal oncology, advanced bronchoscopy, and the rapidly expanding roles of artificial intelligence and augmented reality. APITS 2026 aims to serve as a multidisciplinary platform where innovation meets clinical relevance, and where future directions are shaped collaboratively.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our scientific committee, distinguished international faculty, and partnering societies for their dedication in creating an exceptional program. We hope APITS 2026 will inspire new ideas, foster meaningful collaborations, and provide an unforgettable academic and cultural experience here in Taipei.

Welcome to APITS 2026. We look forward to meeting you in Taipei.