Introduction

The Asia Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB) was formally established in 1982 with originally just 5 member societies. Today in 2023, after more than forty years of growth and development, the APFCB is a massive regional federation whose member countries contain approximately half the world’s population; currently there are 18 Full Members, 5 Affiliate Members and 22 Corporate Members.

Apart from the size, a feature of the APFCB is the diverse range of laboratory practices. As a Federation committed to raising the quality, equity and sustainability of Laboratory Medicine region throughout our region, this enables a unique position for drawing on the expertise of the more developed societies to assist the less developed.

The APFCB also has a good history of collaboration with other international federations, particularly a long-standing partnership and vital support from the IFCC. In addition, the APFCB has on-going MoUs with the World Association of Societies of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (WASPaLM) and the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC).