About Us
Who We Are
The Asian Board of Veterinary Specialisation (AIVBS) is a regional, non-profit professional body established to advance veterinary specialisation across Asia. It serves as the overarching organisation responsible for setting standards, recognising veterinary specialty colleges, and conferring professional specialist titles in the region.
AIVBS was formally established on 2 November 2015, following several years of regional collaboration among veterinary specialists. It emerged from earlier efforts under the Asian Meeting of Animal Medicine Specialists (AMAMS), which began in 2009 to address the growing need for structured veterinary specialisation in Asia. The Board was founded by four pioneering specialty groups: the Asian College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Ophthalmology, and Conservation Medicine
AIVBS addresses the need for a regionally relevant, credible, and harmonised framework for veterinary specialist training and certification—one that reflects Asia’s diverse professional, educational, and regulatory landscapes while maintaining international standards.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see veterinary specialisation in Asia recognised, trusted, and accessible—delivering high-quality, evidence-based veterinary care that advances animal health, public health, and professional excellence across the region.
Our Mission
AIVBS is committed to:
Specialist Certification
Leading and promoting veterinary specialist training and certification in Asian countries
Setting Standards
Establishing and maintaining high professional standards for veterinary specialisation
Accrediting Specialty Colleges
Accrediting and supervising veterinary specialty colleges in accordance with agreed policies and procedures
Specialist Recognition
Recognising qualified veterinary specialists through the conferment of Asian specialist titles
Strategic Professional Collaboration
Supporting collaboration and alignment with national, regional, and international veterinary organisations
What We Do
- Accredits and supervises veterinary specialty colleges in Asia
- Grants permission for qualified specialists to use the title
“Asian Veterinary Specialist in [Specialty]” - Maintains an official register of AIVBS-recognised veterinary specialists
- Develops and oversees policies, procedures, and standards for specialist training, certification, and re-certification
- Reviews and approves residency training frameworks and examination standards through recognised colleges
- Facilitates regional collaboration and mutual recognition of veterinary specialist expertise
- Provides information on veterinary specialisation to governments, veterinary organisations, professionals, and the public
Governance & Structure
AIVBS is governed by a Board comprising representatives from each AIVBS-recognised veterinary specialty college. Each college appoints one representative and one deputy representative to the Board.
Executive Committee
The Board elects an Executive Committee every three years, consisting of:
- President:
Dr. HAN Hock Siew DVM, MRCVS, Dip. AiCVD, Dip. ECVD - Vice President:
Dr. Miyoko SAITO DVM, PhD, Dip. AiCVIM (Neurology) - Vice President:
Dr. Alice LAU DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACCM - Secretary:
Dr. Kenji TANI DVM, Phd - Treasurer:
Dr. Naoki TAKIYAMA DVM, PhD, Dipl. AiCVO
The Executive Committee provides strategic leadership, oversees governance matters, and manages operations between Annual General Meetings. Additional non-voting members may be co-opted to support specific functions or expertise areas
