Magnanimous and significant ASA Silver Congress held in Thailand

• Sri Lanka Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (SLAAPS) will be hosting the 26th ASA Congress in 2025 

The Silver Congress, of the Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals in Asia Pacific (ASA), held from 8 to 12 September 2023 at the Berkeley Hotel, Bangkok, was a momentous occasion, with over 350 participants, expertly hosted and organised by the Administrative Professional and Secretary Association of Thailand.

ASA/APSAT President is Khun Sukanya Nimmanhamenda, and Chairperson of the organising team is Khun Puntip Suwannarojn. Lillian Coloma (Philippine) is General Secretary and Alvina Chung (Brunei) is the Treasure. Honorary Life Presidents and Association Presidents form the ASA Council.

The proceedings commenced with dinner to the Council of Presidents, followed by the CP meeting, the following day. The decisions reached during the meeting reaffirmed the objectives of the association. The opening ceremony was a delightful interactive occasion for participants dressed in their distinctive cultural attire. The congress was formally inaugurated with an enlightening segment, by Ven. Piyasobhon (Phra Raj Nyanakavi) Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple in Bangkok. The Venerable emphasised that our unique experiences and circumstances inevitably lead to varied outcomes, but it’s natural to strive for success, yet it’s also essential to learn the art of letting go.

The event featured a diverse line-up of speakers, both local and international. Sarindhorn Mativachroanon delivered a powerful keynote speech on “Grow and Glow”, while Pongsuk Hiranprueck shared his insights on the pros and cons of artificial intelligence and IT. Lynn Howard emphasised the importance of fostering a positive relationship between the mind and body, and Hycinth Arya from India discussed work-life integration. 

Sunethra Jayaratne Nugawela from Sri Lanka urged attendees to look beyond the essentials and prioritise education. Cheryl Mathew from Pakistan spoke on navigating transitions in the workplace, Mea Isaac from Papua New Guinea discussed preparing for the wean off, Melisa Ong from Malaysia encouraged action-taking, and Panitta Srisa-ard explored the art and essence of living. Lastly, Khunying Chamnongsri Rutnin Harnjanelak took attendees on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of life beyond the mundane.

ASA Bazar was the platform to generate income for the host country charity deed by selling products from each country. Alvina Chung from Brunei and Zarine Commissariat from India were recognised for their outstanding achievement of attending twenty congresses amongst five, ten, and fifteen number attendees.  The entertainment line-up was filled with exciting events, but the cruise dinner stood out as the most thrilling part. Additionally, members showed off their talents during the ASA Got Talent performances on other nights.

In honour of the late founder of the ASA, the ASA project Award was renamed the “Virginia Albania’s Award”. Six countries participated and a panel of distinguished judges led the way and the winner of the project was the Sri Lanka Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (SLAAPS), which will be hosting the 26th ASA Congress in 2025. 

The official closing ceremony was a beautiful event, with the usual exchange of gifts between the host country and member countries. The Congress concluded with a captivating performance by the ASA Member Associations, which provided an evening full of entertainment. The officials of the host country deserve a great deal of appreciation for hosting such a wonderful event that was methodical, educational, friendly, and fantastic.