The Asia Physical Therapy Student Association (APTSA) is a student organization dedicated to promoting international exchange, professional development, and addressing relevant physical therapy issues  among physical therapy students in Asia. Its main objectives include:

● Promoting regional cooperation to enhance students’ international perspectives and competitiveness.

● Encouraging academic exchange to improve the quality of physical therapy education in Asia.

● Fostering international collaboration to develop unique aspects of physical therapy in different countries.

● Advocating for humanitarian care, protecting the profession, and improving the educational environment.

● Introduce  regular webinars/workshops/online forums to keep physical therapy students engaged and connected throughout the year.

APTSA originated from the “Asia Physical Therapy Student Association Promotion Group”, established in 2008 at NTU. After two years of preparation, the first annual congress was held in July 2010, where the organizational structure and bylaws were formally established.

APTSA was initiated by professors and graduate students from National Taiwan University. It was originally promoted by Professor Chai Hui-Min（柴惠敏） and, with the support of Department Chair Zheng Su-Fang（鄭素芳）, the "Asian Physical Therapy Students' Association Promotion Group" was established in 2008 to prepare for the founding of APTSA.

Two years later, in July 2010, the first "Asian Physical Therapy Students' Association Inaugural Meeting and Sports Injury Academic Symposium" was held. The conference not only included discussions on physical therapy systems in different countries but also finalized the organizational charter and role assignments for APTSA. It was also decided that APTSA’s executive headquarters would be established within the Department of Physical Therapy at National Taiwan University.

Annual Congress Themes and Locations

● 2010 (Taiwan): Inaugural Congress & Sports Injury Seminar

● 2011 (Japan – Kyoto University): Community Rehabilitation

● 2012 (Philippines): Physical Therapy Learning & Education in Asia

● 2013 (Taiwan): Integration & Impact of Traditional Medicine and Physical Therapy

● 2014 (Thailand): Successful Aging from Clinics to Communities

● 2015 (Hong Kong): The Importance of Physical Therapy in Sports

● 2016 (Indonesia): The Development of Physiotherapy Treatment Approach in Neurological Rehabilitation

● 2017 (Malaysia): Low Back Pain: A Physiotherapists’ Perspective

● 2019 (Taiwan – Chang Gung University): The OLDer, The Younger

● 2020–2021: Canceled due to COVID-19

● 2022 (Singapore –Virtual/Online): Heartware or Hardware

● 2023: Canceled due to COVID-19.

● 2024 (Indonesia – Yogyakarta Aisyiyah University): The Development of Physiotherapy Treatment Approach in Low Back Pain

●2025 (HongKong-HongKong Metropolitan University): around the corner! 2025/6/21-2025/6/22

The APTSA congress has become a crucial international platform for advancing physical therapy education and collaboration in Asia.

APTSA is composed of student representatives from various countries and operates under eight main departments, which manage the organization collectively.

Executive Committee Structure

● President: Leads APTSA, determines annual development plans, and represents the organization.

● Vice-President: Manages internal operations, and acts on behalf of the President when necessary.

● Secretary: Oversees administrative tasks and records meetings and events, and responsible for recording all meetings and events.

● Treasurer: Manages budgeting, financial planning and membership registration.

● Headquarters：National Taiwan University (NTU)

→Administrative Management: Assists with treasurer to membership registration, meeting documentation, and financial oversight.

→Public Relations: Promotes APTSA activities through social media.

→Event Planning: Supports the organization of annual congresses and academic events.

● Academic Department: Organizes seminars and academic activities, ensuring compliance with academic integrity and ethics.

● Internal Affairs Department: Ensures smooth internal operations and collaboration between departments.

● External Affairs Department: Establishes international connections, promotes exchange programs, and fosters cross-border cooperation.

● Publication Department: Assist to manage APTSA’s official website and gathers information on physical therapy programs across Asia.

The structure of the organization may be adjusted by the current leadership as needed.

#Annual Congress

Held once a year in different host countries, featuring academic seminars, practical workshops, and organizational discussions.

#Academic Seminars & Workshops

At least one academic event per year to enhance professional knowledge and research collaboration.

#Publications & Information Sharing

APTSA disseminates the latest updates through its website and social media to ensure members stay informed.

APTSA aims to:

●  Expand membership: Engage more Asian physical therapy students and encourage international cooperation.

●  Enhance academic exchange: Host more professional lectures, competition and forums to improve education standards.

●  Foster cross-border collaboration: Establish partnerships with universities and physical therapy organizations worldwide.

Step 1.  Visit the APTSA official website and complete the free registration form.

Step 2.  Participate in APTSA congresses, seminars, and networking events to expand your professional connections.

Step 3.  Join as a volunteer or committee member to actively contribute to the organization.

No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100