On behalf of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME) I am pleased to welcome you to the APAME convention 2012 which will be held in the University Malaya of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The programme and workshops that have been planned by the Association of Malaysian Medical Journal Editors (AMMJE) would be an enriching experience to anyone interested in medical scientific writing, medical publishing, or being a reviewer. The programme, excluding the business meetings of the APAME and the Western Pacific Regional Index Medicus (WPRIM), is spread over 3 days with several renowned speakers and exciting activities. Of significance will be the presence of, among others, the President of the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) that adds special value to this Conference.

APAME is delighted that AMMJE, that is the youngest among the many National associations under APAME, so willingly took up the challenge of organising this conference, and we wish to congratulate them on adding yet another milestone in the history of APAME. We wish to also thank the Vice Chancellor of University of Malaya for allowing us to meet in his beautiful campus.
The Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors, following its launch in 2007, has steadfastly pursued its vision of promoting health care through the dissemination of high quality knowledge and information on medicine in the Asia Pacific Region. Its mission is to contribute to the improvement of health in the Asia Pacific Region by ensuring the quality of health-related information published in medical journals, which are utilized for better decision-making and effective delivery of health services. In this pursuit, the Association values its close affiliation with the W.H.O. Regional Office for the Western Pacific, which has ensured that APAME’s development has been smooth and progressive. The W.H.O. Regional Office for the Western Pacific, which also hosts WPRIM, has conducted several joint meetings of APAME and WPRIM and provided invaluable guidance and support. I would like to also acknowledge the important role that EMAME played in sharing their experiences in setting up their Association so that APAME benefitted from these experiences.

Throughout these past four and a half years, APAME’s dynamic development would not have taken place if not for KAMJE’s (Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors) significant support throughout. APAME is grateful also to JAMJE (Japan Association of Medical Journal Editors), and now AMMJE and the other national Associations for their continuous support in one way or another.

In conclusion, we look forward to as many of you joining us in the vibrant and charming city of Kuala Lumpur during the weekend that Malaysia celebrates its national day, giving you the opportunity to also experience the multicultural and multiethnic character that the nation so uniquely offers. I am certain that this Conference will further promote exchange among authors, editors, librarians, researchers and publishers, and also assist in upgrading the quality of medical and health journals in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thank you.
Yours sincerely,

Prof Dr. John T Arokiasamy
President
Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME)