Asia is getting to be one of the most attractive regions in the world, not only due to its rising economy but also due to the diversity of its culture and history, implying both challenges and opportunities to Asian countries and the region as a whole. In response to such a change and to better adapt to sustainable development and globalization of economy, cooperation between Asian countries becomes increasingly important.

In the 21st century, science and technology will play a more and more critical role in facilitating social and economic development. In addition to direct contributions to sustainable development by supplying necessary technologies, national academies bear consultative responsibilities in selecting sound strategies for their countries, and for the whole region they live in. This is because of the increasing complexity in economic and social systems, which is beyond the capability of any single group, single academy and even single country to deal with. Integration of knowledge and resources of different countries becomes a necessity.

Stimulated by this necessity, the Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA) was established in 2000. Since its establishment, AASA has been devoted to the promotion of scientific exchanges and cooperation among the member academies, and active participation in events of international scientific communities. Strategic studies on some important issues have also been initiated. AASA is growing to be a forum of collaboration between Asian academies of sciences. The efforts made by the late Professor Mu Shik Jhon of Korea and Professor Nikolai Debretsov of Russia in the establishment and development of AASA should be highly applauded. In addition, many people have been making significant contributions to the development of AASA. Special thanks should be given to Professor Ruth Arnon, Professor Namik Aras and the team of the Secretariat.

I am honored to serve as the current President of AASA and to take the duty of further accomplishing the mission of AASA in contribution to the people in this region.

Global challenges call for global solutions which need integration of knowledge and resources from different countries and cooperation between different communities. This represents the continuing theme to be followed by AASA.