APAFRI-Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions

Background

The Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI) is a non-profit regional organization that promotes collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in forestry research across the Asia-Pacific region. Its mission is to enhance research and technology development capabilities in supporting conservation and management of forest resources.

APAFRI was formally established in February 1995 in Bogor, Indonesia, following earlier collaborative efforts under the Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA), which began in 1991. The organization was created to provide a more permanent and self-sustaining platform for networking among forestry research institutions. Its Secretariat was initially based at the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok, later moved to Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997, and has been hosted by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kuala Lumpur since 2001.

Since its establishment, APAFRI has achieved significant progress in strengthening regional cooperation in forestry research in its extensive network of member institutions. APAFRI has also played a key role in promoting knowledge sharing and technology transfer, particularly in areas such as forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable resource management. The partnerships with regional and international organizations, including the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), and Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet), have further supported research development in the region.

Currently, APAFRI continues to organize workshops, conferences, and online training programs to support professional development and knowledge exchange. It also facilitates thematic research networks and promotes collaboration on emerging issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and urban forestry. Through these ongoing activities, APAFRI remains an important platform for advancing forestry research and supporting sustainable forest management in the Asia-Pacific region.

General Assembly

Consists of representatives of member institutions and will meet at least once in three years. The General Assembly is responsible for drawing up the policy of the Association, reviewing the programme of work and the budget prepared by the Executive Committee, as well as monitoring the progress in the attainment of the Association's objectives.

The Sixth General Assembly (2012)

The Seventh General Assembly (2015)

The Eighth General Assembly (2018)

The Ninth General Assembly (2021)

The Tenth General Assembly (2024)

	Minutes of the Eighth General Assembly
	Minutes of the Seventh General Assembly

APAFRI's Constitution

APAFRI's Constitution, as amended on 29 November 2018 at the Eight General Assembly.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee elected by the General Assembly, consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and ordinary members. The immediate past Chairperson also continues as an ordinary member for another term in the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for the management of the Association including preparation of the annual programme of work and budget and formulation of rules and procedures governing the Associations management. The number of ordinary members (beside the Immediate Past Chairperson ) has been increased to six as proposed and endorsed during the Third General Assembly 2003.

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Secretariat

APAFRI is managed by a Secretariat headed by an Executive Secretary, an Executive Director and supporting staff. The Executive Secretary is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Executive Committee, while the Executive Director is responsible for the operation of the Secretariat in providing support and advice to the Executive Committee and the Executive Secretary. More...

Secretariat Members

Fellow		Dr. Gan Kee Seng Email: ganks [at] frim.gov.my
Executive Secretary		Dr. Pin Kar Yong Email: pin [at] frim.gov.my
Information Officer		Ms. Syuqiyah Abdul Hamid Email: syuqiah_apafri [at] frim.gov.my; syuqiyah [at] apafri.org
Administrative Officer		Ms. Nazratul Raudzah Abd Rahman E-mail: rauzah_apafri [at] frim.gov.my; rauzah [at] apafri.org

APAFRI Vision

Our Vision is to be recognized as a dynamic, strong and self-reliant forestry research association in the Asia-Pacific region which promotes innovative research and development efforts in support of national and regional development.

APAFRI Mission

APAFRI aims to promote and assist in the development of the region's scientific research and development culture and capacity and to foster the establishment of institutional and professional collaboration among the region's forestry researchers. APAFRI's activities support sustainable management and utilization of forest resources at the local, national and regional levels.

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