I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve the Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy (AASP) as its 11th President for the term 2022-2023. The year 2022 is also a historic milestone of AASP as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the official founding, registration gazette announced on 14th August 2002.

The formation of AASP began in 2001 and since then, AASP has steadily developed as an international organization with the mission to promote unity among pharmacy institutions in Asia and enhance the quality of pharmacy education and training. The Association also serves to stimulate exchanges among pharmaceutical educators in the community of higher education. Two major events by AASP have been planned, the biennial AASP Conference in 2022 and Pharmacy Education Forum (formerly Deans Forum) in 2023. However, in view of the unpredictability of the challenges that may be presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we may have to moderate our expectations and adjust our plans as the condition warrants it. Nevertheless, based on the power of sharing and working together in unity by virtual conferences, we will continue to make progress in our mission as a platform to share the expertise and to facilitate pharmacy education, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmacy practice.

In view of the historical background and current situation of AASP, I wish to propose an action plan, “Roadmap for Sustainability and Development of AASP in 2022 and Beyond”.

• To transform AASP into an active organization in Asia to lead pharmacy education, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical practice
• To recruit younger academics into AASP as members and revitalize the AASP core by a service award, the President’s Award
• To expand AASP membership by a focused recruitment drive for institutional and individual members
• To organize high quality and useful pharmacy conferences and education forums
• To nurture the Journal of AASP (JAASP) to be an index journal of the Web of Science and PubMed
• To solicit sponsors and donors for funds to improve the financial viability of AASP

Sir William Osler, the great medical doctor who lived at the beginning of the 20th century, stated that science, art, and humanity are essential elements in medicine and for all physicians. I believe that these three elements are fundamental for pharmaceutical education and pharmacists as well. With this spirit in mind, I hope that I can fulfill the above commitments.

I look forward to working together with all AASP members, Officers, and Board of Directors during my term as the President for the advancement of pharmacy education and research in Asia. Your continual support and cooperation are crucial for the sustainability and development of AASP.

Ken-ichi Inui, Ph.D.
President, Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy
Professor Emeritus and Visiting Professor, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University