The Asia Pacific Society of Association Executives (APSAE) will release its inaugural State of Asia Pacific Associations report on July 24, 2026, at the APSAE Summit at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
The first-of-its-kind report highlights a critical disconnect: while the Asia Pacific region drives over half of global economic growth, its association sector – spanning tens of thousands of organisations across more than 20 economies – remains highly fragmented, siloed, and overly dependent on membership dues.
Additionally, the report addresses a severe regional talent shortage, with 80 per cent of APAC employers struggling to find skilled workers. While associations are ideal vehicles for professional development and certification to bridge this gap, many lack the digital infrastructure, governance, and regional connections to do so.
Key areas analysed in the report include AI adoption and digital transformation; non-dues revenue models; volunteer and leadership pipelines; and cross-border collaboration and advocacy
“This report is the first serious attempt to understand the state of association leadership across our region on its own terms… The findings will challenge assumptions, surface urgent priorities, and give association leaders the evidence they need to make the case for investment, relevance, and impact,” said Prasant Saha, president of APSAE.
The report will be presented to summit delegates on July 24 before its public release.
