From National Integration to Global Partnership: Highlights of TSCAP's Growing Engagement and Contributions to IACAPAP
By: Yuan-Chang Hsu, MD, PHD¹; Chien-Ho Lin, MD²;and Susan Shur-Fen Gau, MD, PHD, EMBA3
Secretary General¹, President²,and Honorary President3
Taiwanese Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (TSCAP)
Highlight 1: Strengthening International Exchange at the 28th TSCAP Annual Conference
The 28th Annual Conference of the TSCAP was successfully held on June 13–14, 2026, in Taipei, Taiwan, under the theme "Connection and Growth: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resilience."
A major highlight of the conference was the participation of Professor Luis Augusto Rohde, President of IACAPAP, who delivered two keynote lectures, including "New Insights into ADHD Trajectories" and "Bridging Worlds in Child Psychiatry: From Global Child and Adolescent Mental Health to ADHD Research in Brazil." Drawing on his internationally recognized expertise, Professor Rohde shared emerging evidence and perspectives on the developmental course of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), enriching scientific dialogue between Taiwanese and international colleagues.
The two-day scientific program featured a broad range of academic and educational activities, including a PEERS® Social Skills Training workshop, symposia addressing artificial intelligence and Jungian approaches in adolescent psychiatry, a symposium on empowering parents in child mental health care, a dedicated training workshop for early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists, and oral or poster presentations of new research in English.
The conference also marked an important leadership transition. Following the election of the Board of Directors and Supervisors, Dr. Chien-Ho Lin was elected as the 15th President of TSCAP, and Distinguished Professor Susan Shur-Fen Gau was appointed Honorary President. Under this new leadership, TSCAP looks forward to further strengthening its partnerships with IACAPAP and the international community of child and adolescent mental health.
Figure 1. Joined members of the 28th annual conference of TSCAP.
Figure 2. Keynote speech of Professor Luis Augusto Rohde in the 28th annual conference of TSCAP.
Highlight 2: Advancing Child and Adolescent Mental Health through Policy and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Taiwan
An important milestone for child and adolescent mental health advocacy in Taiwan was reached on July 23, 2026, with the establishment of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Committee of the Legislative Yuan Health and Welfare Association. Professor Susan Shur-Fen Gau, Honorary President of TSCAP, was appointed its inaugural Chairperson.
The Legislative Yuan Health and Welfare Association promotes dialogue and collaboration among legislators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance health, public health, and welfare policies in Taiwan. The establishment of a committee specifically dedicated to child and adolescent mental health represents growing national recognition of the importance of investing in the mental health and well-being of younger generations.
Figure 3. The establishment press conference of the committee of child and adolescent mental health of Health and Welfare Association in the legislative Yuan.
At the inaugural press conference, Professor Gau emphasized the importance of bringing together multidisciplinary professionals, government agencies, educational institutions, families, and community partners to develop integrated strategies to promote child and adolescent mental health, with particular attention to students' needs.
Through the active engagement of its members in research, clinical practice, education, and policy development, TSCAP hopes that Taiwan's experiences in building cross-sector approaches to child and adolescent mental health can contribute to broader regional and international dialogue.
Highlight 3: TSCAP Expands Global Engagement through ASCAPAP and IACAPAP
TSCAP continued to strengthen its international engagement in 2026 by actively participating in major regional and global conferences, reinforcing Taiwan's connection with the international child and adolescent mental health community.
TSCAP members actively participated in the 12th Asian Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (ASCAPAP) Congress in Seoul and the 27th International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) World Congress in Hamburg. In addition to Professor Gau's keynote at ASCAPAP, Taiwanese delegates presented scientific research, contributed to symposia and academic discussions, exchanged perspectives with colleagues from around the world, and developed opportunities for future collaboration.
Beyond sharing Taiwan's research and clinical experiences, TSCAP values ASCAPAP and IACAPAP as important platforms for mutual learning and international collaboration. TSCAP remains strongly committed to IACAPAP's mission and to contributing to its scientific, educational, and professional activities, while strengthening connections between Taiwan, Asia, and the global child and adolescent mental health community.
Figure 4. Members of TSCAP in the 12TH ASCAPAP congress in Seoul, Korea.
Figure 5. Members of TSCAP in the 27th IACAPAP world congress in Hamburg, Germany.
Highlight 4: Taiwan Welcomes the International Community to the 13th ASCAPAP Congress in Taipei in 2027
TSCAP is honored to welcome colleagues from Asia and around the world to Taipei, Taiwan, for the 13th ASCAPAP Congress, December 2–5, 2027. Under the theme "Advancing Brain, Mind, and Society for the Next Generation," the Congress will bring together leading experts, clinicians, researchers, allied professionals, and emerging professionals for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and international friendship.
As host society, TSCAP looks forward to strengthening collaboration among ASCAPAP, IACAPAP, and the global child and adolescent mental health community. The official congress website (https://ascapap2027.org) will be launched soon. We warmly invite our IACAPAP colleagues and friends worldwide to join us in Taipei to share science, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of Taiwan while advancing a healthier future for children and adolescents.
Figure 6. The 2027 ASCAPAP congress will be held in Taipei, Taiwan.
This article represents the view of its author and does not necessarily represent the view of the IACAPAP's Bureau or Executive Committee.
