The challenges faced by pharmacy educators in our (Asia) region are not unique. Around the world, changes in technology, health care and student and community expectations require expert and timely responses from all of us. Students increasingly expect their awards (degrees) to be globally recognised, which in turn requires complex harmonisation between governments, pharmacy regulators and pharmacy schools.  The pace of change is accelerating and international associations such as AASP can help our members to share experiences and prepare our schools and faculty for the future.  Pharmacy schools must meet society’s demands for patient-focused health professionals, whilst at the same time maintaining our traditional strengths in the pharmaceutical sciences. We must strengthen our capabilities in pharmacy practice and pharmacotherapeutics, so that our graduates are able to assume current and future roles in patient care. Depending on health workforce issues and government regulation, such roles may include delivery of primary and preventative health care services such as vaccinations and monitoring of chronic illnesses. We need to provide our students with an understanding of the social and lifestyle determinants of health and illness, and to ensure that life-long learning is part of their DNA on graduation day. I look forward to meeting as many AASP members as possible during my term as President, and hope that you will contact me or members of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors with your ideas and priorities.