This special issue of the Journal of Thoracic Disease aims to introduce the color and flavour of thoracic surgery in Asia. It showcases the variety of clinical and academic practices in the specialty across Asia. It explores the challenges and opportunities faced by thoracic surgeons in Asia, and how those have helped shape their distinct practices. It ultimately hopes to identify areas where East and West would be able to share and collaborate to take advantage of their differences and advance clinical care. The authors are some of the most respected figures in Asian thoracic surgery, and are all great innovators and teachers. They are the ideal guides to the Asian perspective of our specialty. This in turn is a perspective that will only grow in voice in the coming years, and continue the wider trend of Asia entering the global mainstream.
