Dear APFP colleagues and friends,

I am honoured and privileged to serve as President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists (APFP). I take on this role with deep appreciation of APFP’s history, gratitude to those who have led before us, and great optimism for what we can achieve together.

APFP’s roots go back to 1976, when Professor M.K. Sim (Singapore), with the support of Professors Mike J. Rand (Australia) and Koroku Hashimoto (Japan), envisioned bringing together pharmacologists across Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Fifty years later, it is especially meaningful that APFP’s leadership once again brings together representatives from these three countries—a fitting link between our heritage and our future.

Today, APFP brings together 10 member societies, with strong affiliations to the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT) and the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR). This reflects our shared commitment to advancing pharmacology through collaboration across borders.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Professor Alastair Stewart, 2021 APFP President, for stepping forward as Interim President and for providing steadfast leadership and dedication to APFP. I also acknowledge Presidents Naohiko Anzai and Kersara Na-Bangchang, our Executive Committee, Councillors, member societies, and all those whose contributions continue to strengthen our Federation.

As we look ahead, pharmacology is entering an exciting new era. Artificial intelligence is transforming our discipline, creating new opportunities across drug discovery, precision medicine, and emerging therapeutic technologies. APFP has an important role in connecting our region with these advances, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and strengthening the international voice of Asia-Pacific pharmacology.

Connect. Inspire. Represent.

These three priorities will guide my presidency and our efforts to build an active, connected, and inclusive APFP community.

CONNECT
Strengthen connections among our member societies and build new relationships that deepen scientific collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

INSPIRE
Support the next generation of pharmacologists by creating opportunities for students and early-career scientists to engage in education and scientific exchange, and to have a greater voice and role within APFP.

REPRESENT
Raise the regional and international visibility of our member societies and their scientists. Through an APFP Experts Network, we aim to promote regional events, speakers and emerging leaders; facilitate scientific exchange; and create opportunities for stronger regional and global partnerships.

I invite all our member societies and members to help shape these initiatives. Share your ideas, get involved, and help us build the next chapter of APFP together. Our strength lies in the collective expertise, enthusiasm, and participation of our community.

Together with the Executive team—Secretary-General Professor Dean Thumkeo, Past President Professor Alastair Stewart, our Councillors, and representatives of our member societies—I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Our next APFP meeting in 2028 will be an opportunity to come together again—to share our science, celebrate new collaborations and friendships, reflect on our achievements, and collectively shape what comes next.

Until then, let us stay connected, collaborate boldly, and continue to inspire a healthier future for the Asia-Pacific and beyond through pharmacology.

Associate Professor Thai Tran, Ph.D.
President
Asia-Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists (APFP)