A brief overview of ASEAN PharmNET

ASEAN PharmNET—originating in 1997 as Pharma Indochina—links pharmacy schools and faculties across Southeast Asia to promote collaboration in education and research

A brief overview of ASEAN PharmNET

In 1997, the Indochina Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharma Indochina) was established by three co-founding institutions: Mahidol University (Thailand), Hanoi University of Pharmacy (Vietnam), and the Department of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
The conference is held biennially, with hosting rotating among member institutions, to create a forum for academic exchange and research collaboration in pharmacy.

1^st conference (20–23 May 1997, Thailand – Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University): Pharmacy in Harmony.
2^nd conference (20–23 October 2001, Vietnam – Hanoi University of Pharmacy & Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City): Indochina Pharmacy’s Advancement into the New Century.
3^rd conference (2003, Thailand – Silpakorn University): Pharmacy for Better Quality of Life.
4^th conference (10–13 November 2005, Vietnam – co-organizers: to be updated): Pharmacy in Cooperation for Development and Integration.
5^th conference (2007, Thailand – Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University; details to be updated): Pharmacy for Sustainable Development.
6^th conference (15–16 December 2009, Vietnam – Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy): [Theme to be updated].
7^th conference (14–16 December 2011, Thailand – Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University): Advancing Pharmacy of the ASEAN Community.

8^th conference (December 2013, Vietnam – Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City): ASEAN Pharmacy – Integration for Development.

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/1-20251025085456-e.jpg$

Figure 1. The 7^th conference in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Advancing Pharmacy for ASEAN Community.”

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/2-20251025085457-e.jpg$

Figure 2. The 8^th conference in Ho Chi Minh City, under the theme “ASEAN Pharmacy – Integration for Development.”

With a significant increase in membership, in December 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand, the conference was restructured to form the Pharmacy Education and Research Network of ASEAN (ASEAN PharmNET). Since then, the ASEAN PharmNET brand has been sustained and expanded, with broad participation from pharmacy schools and faculties across the ASEAN Economic Community.

1^st ASEAN PharmNET conference (2–4 Dec 2015, Bangkok, Thailand): Harmony in Diversity of Pharmacy Practice in the Era of the ASEAN Economic Community.
2^nd ASEAN PharmNET conference (21–22 Nov 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): Advancing the Multidimensional Role of Pharmacy Education and Research.
3^rd ASEAN PharmNET conference (14–15 Nov 2019, Yogyakarta, Indonesia – with ICPAPS 2019): Exploring Indigenous Knowledge to Enhance Pharmacy Education and Research.
4^th ASEAN PharmNET conference (12–14 Jun 2024, Bangkok, Thailand): Global Collaboration in Pharmacy Education, Practice, and Research: Connecting for Health Innovation.

This conference series underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration in driving innovation and sustainable development of the pharmacy profession within ASEAN and beyond.

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/3-20251025085456-e.jpg$

Figure 3. 1^st ASEAN PharmNET conference, Bangkok, Thailand

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/4-20251025085457-e.jpg$

Figure 4. 2^nd ASEAN PharmNET, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/5-20251025085458-e.png$

Figure 5. The 3^rd ASEAN PharmNET conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

$Media\1_TH1076\FolderFunc\202510\Images/6-20251025085458-e.png$

Figure 6. The 4^th ASEAN PharmNET conference, Bangkok, Thailand

June 12^th–14^th, 2024 marked a notable milestone as two major events were held concurrently: the 30^th anniversary of the U.S.–Thailand Pharmacy Alliance and the 4^th ASEAN PharmNET Conference. The occasion was especially meaningful as both returned after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, the ASEAN PharmNET community comprises 18 members across nine ASEAN countries.

Objectives and Priority Areas of ASEAN PharmNET

ASEAN PharmNET serves as a regional platform connecting pharmacy schools and faculties, fostering the exchange of knowledge and experience in education and research for the benefit of the ASEAN community. The conference disseminates the latest insights, best practices, and achievements; promotes professional exchange among countries; and advances the harmonization of curricula, core competencies, and pharmacy education systems, thereby strengthening collaboration and academic exchanges among its members. It also encourages student participation through oral sessions and poster presentations, nurturing passion for inquiry and building research capacity.

Student networking: A curated series of talks, forums, and networking activities helps students expand their professional networks within the ASEAN pharmacy community.

Leadership forum: The conference also convenes deans and institutional leaders from within ASEAN and beyond to discuss strategic directions for pharmacy education and to catalyze regional collaboration.