The Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology aims to promote and encourage the advancement of scientific knowledge and research in all aspects of nephrology, and to promote the exchange and dissemination of this knowledge in the Asian-Pacific area. It has close links with all regional national societies of nephrology, and with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN).The APSN aims to cater specifically for the needs of the Nephrology community throughout the region, especially fostering the development of high quality nephrology in the less well developed countries of the region.

A Message from the President, 2026

Dear APSN Members and Colleagues,

It is with great honor and pleasure that I begin my tenure as the President of the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology (APSN). Our new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term, beginning here at the WCN/JSN/APCN 2026 in Yokohama, comprises a distinguished group of leaders dedicated to our mission:

• Sunita Bavanandan: Honorary Secretary
• Desmond Yap: Treasurer
• Muh Geot Wong: President-Elect
• Xueqing Yu: Immediate Past President
• Motoko Yanagita: Chair, Award and Nomination Committee
• Lily Mushahar: Chair, CME Committee
• I-Wen Wu: Chair, Diversity and Equity Committee
• Yusuke Suzuki: Editor-in-Chief of Nephrology
• Jihyun Yang: Chair, Young Nephrologists Committee
• Jung Pyo Lee & Talerngsak Kanjanabuch: Co-opted Committee Members

On behalf of the 2026 executive committee, I wish to extend my appreciation to our outgoing members for their invaluable contributions. Under the leadership of my predecessor, Xueqing Yu, our Society has seen remarkable growth. Specifically, the stand-alone APCN hosted by the Taiwan Society of Nephrology in December 2025 was a landmark success, reaching an unprecedented scale of scientific rigor.

Today, our region faces a rapid surge in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), driven by aging populations and the rising prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. These challenges are complicated by the diversity of the Asia Pacific region, ranging from highly advanced medical infrastructures to emerging economies and resource-limited settings.

Because a "one-size-fits-all" approach is insufficient, the Society will prioritize programs that bridge these gaps, ensuring healthy kidney care is accessible to all. To advance scientific knowledge and research across the Asia Pacific area, the Society will focus on some of the following key initiatives. We will broaden our educational programs through online and digital platforms to ensure we reach healthcare workers even in low-resource settings and will set up mentorship pathways for young nephrologists, fostering the next generation of specialists who will carry our mission forward. The Society will act as a catalyst for research and innovation that benefits both individual practitioners and regional societies and build frameworks for technology transfer, training, and digital patient advocacy platforms for low-income countries. Last but not least, we will strengthen the APSN’s voice in international health forums, ensuring kidney health remains a top global priority. To achieve these goals, we will continue our close collaboration with regional societies and international organizations, including the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). However, the success of these initiatives ultimately relies on the commitment of our members. Within the next few months, I hope to present you with a blueprint for the coming years outlining APSN's expanded focus in its programs and activities.

Together, we will navigate the complexities of our different our healthcare systems and transform the future of kidney health in the Asia Pacific region.

ExCo and Council Meeting at WCN 2026
APSN Booth at WCN 2026		Token of appreciation presented to outgoing members for their service and contributions

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Hyeong Cheon Park, MD, PhD
President, Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology