It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Asian Public Administration Forum (APAF). Founded in January 2009, APAF aims to build a transnational network of knowledge-based professionals in public administration and public policy areas in Asian countries.

APAF advocates the value of civil participation, the rule of law, transparency and responsiveness, together with equity, efficiency, and accountability. Despite some progress in recent years, the achievements of these goals have been uneven across regions, particularly in developing Asia. Situated in the early stages of economic and social development, many Asian countries are in dire need of policy leaders who can not only spell out an idea of sustainable political, social, and economic development, but can also effectively bring that vision to fruition.

In addition to developing research programs and collaborations to address various challenges that public sectors in Asian countries currently face, APAF serves as an umbrella association for individual countries' forums for public administration. The current membership covers 17 countries: Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

South Korea's geographic location at a gateway between continental and maritime Asia and its successful political, social, and economic development make the country an ideal location for an epistemic community in both private and public sectors. I sincerely hope that APAF will serve a gathering place for scholars, policy-makers, business leaders, and NGO activists in Asian countries and as a community where everyone can share his or her views and learn from each other's experience.

Warmest regards,