Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society

A small group of twenty orthopaedic arthroplasty surgeons from the Asia-Pacific region met on the Gold Coast of Queensland, in Australia, in 1997 to discuss the need for a scientific body to foster and represent the academic and professional needs of the

> Provide a platform for surgeons in the Asia Pacific region to present their surgical experience.

In this issue we take a retrospective of our 2026 Meeting, whilst also looking further back at the history of orthopaedics.

A small group of twenty orthopaedic arthroplasty surgeons from the Asia-Pacific region met on the Gold Coast of Queensland, in Australia, in 1997 to discuss the need for a scientific body to foster and represent the academic and professional needs of the region. The Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society Incorporated – APAS – was born out of that meeting with Wui K Chung the founding chairman. Ray Randle was elected the 1st President of the society and Chit Ranawat honored the society by accepting to be the Patron of the society.

It is a great honour and privilege to serve as President of the Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Association (APAS). Standing as the first Pakistani to lead an international orthopaedic organization in APAS history, I view this milestone not only as a proud moment for Pakistan, but for the entire Asia Pacific region, reflecting our shared commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and leadership that truly serves the community.

APAS has grown from a shared vision among arthroplasty surgeons across our region into a community that connects countries, institutions, generations, and ideas. Its true strength lies in the relationships we have built, the knowledge we have shared, and the opportunities we have created for one another. As I begin this term, my guiding principle is simple: We move forward together.