History of League of ASEAN Dermatological Societies (LADS)

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The globe is made up of the ASEAN map superimposed on histology of the skin and represents dermatology in South-East Asia. The outer ring comprises people of different colours linked together in a circle of friendship, signifying our unity, connectedness and cooperation regardless of race.

By Dr. Wong Su-ni, Member of the National Organising Committee, 25^th WCD

History of League of ASEAN Dermatological Societies (LADS)
Dr. Wong Su-ni, Member of the National Organising Committee, 25^th WCD

The globe is made up of the ASEAN map superimposed on histology of the skin and represents dermatology in South-East Asia. The outer ring comprises people of different colours linked together in a circle of friendship, signifying our unity, connectedness and cooperation regardless of race

The League of ASEAN Dermatological Societies (LADS) is a non-profit organization comprising national dermatological societies in South-East Asia, devoted to training, service and research in dermatology, as well as establishing linkages and collaborations and fostering camaraderie with each member society. ASEAN, acronym for Association of South-East Asian Nations, is an economic union established in 1967 with 5 member states (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) which has since increased to 10, the additional members being Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The importance of regional cooperation to support the progress and development of the discipline of dermatology in SE Asia was recognized in 1972 by the leaders of the various ASEAN national dermatological societies. With this common goal and vision of promoting the highest professional standards for dermatologists in the region, the Regional Conference of Dermatology (RCD) was proposed. The Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS), newly established on 21 June 1972 from its predecessor Singapore Dermatological Society (formed in 1960 under the umbrella of Singapore Medical Association) was ready to take on the challenge and the 1^st RCD was held in Singapore in 1974.

Subsequent RCDs were hosted in rotation by the other national dermatological societies, namely, Indonesian Society for Dermatology & Venereology (PERDOSKI), Dermatological Society of Thailand (DST), Dermatological Society of Malaysia (PDM) and Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).

In 1986, during the 7^th RCD in Thailand, leaders from the above national dermatological societies agreed to set up a formal body in the region – the League of ASEAN Dermatological Societies (LADS). On 20 June 1988, during the 8^th RCD held in Bali, Indonesia, the founding members formally signed the “Bali Declaration”, reaffirming their commitment and common interest in the development of dermatology in the region.  Malaysia was elected permanent secretariat for LADS in 1990, with attendant role of Secretary General fulfilled by Dr Steven Chow, a role he performed for the next 24 years until 2014.

In 2012, at the 20th RCD in Manila, Philippines, formalisation of LADS was proposed and in 2014, the new constitution of LADS was accepted and adopted at the 21st RCD in Danang, Vietnam. The inaugural elected LADS council comprised Dr Wong Su-Ni (President), Dr Goh Boon Kee (Vice-President), Dr Nopadon Noppakun (Secretary) and Dr Rataporn Ungpakorn (Treasurer). Member societies, now expanded to include Vietnamese Society of Dermatology & Venereology and Cambodian Dermatological Society, committed to greater collaboration and resource-sharing, reciprocal privileges at Annual Scientific Meetings and other dermatological conferences hosted by member societies, and the development of trainees by LADS scholarships to attend RCD and prizes for best free papers.

The spirit of cooperation and vision of our founding leaders continue on today as Singapore is poised to host the 25^th World Congress of Dermatology in 2023 — for the first time in SE-Asia —  with the full support of LADS and its member societies. The inclusion of delegates and speakers from diverse cultures in SE-Asia, and of SE-Asia in WCD delegates’ travel itinerary, would surely enrich your experience at the 25^th WCD – a true demonstration of “Dermatology without Borders” and a confluence of “Science, Care and Communities”.