The role of the APSIC in the future of interventional cardiology

The Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology (APSIC) was officially formed during the third live demonstration course held in Singapore in July 1993, in the presence of 35 representatives from the region. Founded initially by 11 eminent cardiologists who were convinced that the growth in interventional cardiology in the 21st century would be in Asia, the group had the vision to provide a forum in which Asia-Pacific experts could share knowledge and expertise in the field of catheter-based therapies, and to develop a joint academic research and education programme. Membership of APSIC was to be conducted through their national cardiac societies. It would come under the umbrella of the Asian-Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) and the President would be a member of the APSC Council.

Drs Richard Ng and Arthur Tan were elected to be the first President and Secretary General of APSIC, respectively, for a term of three years. An APSIC newsletter was first published on 29 September 1993, designed to feature regular updates of scientific development, and to share interesting cases and literature reviews among the interventional cardiology fraternity. The APSIC website (http://www.apsic.net) was set up in 2006 to facilitate information flow among members and others.