On September 12, 2024, the Asian Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations (AFLAS) successfully held its Council Extraordinary Meeting in Xi'an, China. This meeting was conducted both on-line and in person, with representatives from member organizations across 10 countries and regions participating.

The present council members with voting rights are Prof. Qin Chuan, the current AFLAS President and Executive Vice President of the Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences (CALAS), Prof. Chiung-Tong Chen, Executive Council Member of Chinese Taipei Society for Laboratory Animal Science (CSLAS); Dr. Fitriya N. Dewi, President of the Indonesian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (IALAS); Dr. Atsuo Ogura, President of the Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JALAS); Prof. Seung Hyun Oh, Secretary General of the Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science (KALAS); Dr. Vijay Pal Singh, President of the Laboratory Animal Scientists' Association - India (LASA India); Dr. John Shia Kwong Siew, President of the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia (LASAM); Dr. Cherry P. Fernandez-Colorado, President of the Philippine Association for Laboratory Animal Science (PALAS); Dr. A.D.D. Sachini Amarasekera, President of the Sri Lankan Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS); and Dr. Partnep Ratanakorm, President of the Thai Association for Laboratory Animal Science (TALAS). Dr. Edgar M. Pena, President of the Singapore Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SALAS) was absent due to technical issues of Zoom online meeting.

The attendance without voting rights included Prof. Zhao Deming, Prof. Zheng Zhihong, Prof. Wu Baojin, Prof. Tian Yong, and Prof. Qiu Yefeng, who are Vice Presidents of CALAS, as well as Mr. Zhao Hongxu, Ms. Zheng Huiting, and Ms. Zhao Zihan from CALAS Secretariat. Dr. Devi Kartika and Dr. Permana Wati from IALAS, Dr. Atsushi Yoshiki, Chair, International Communication Committee of JALAS and Dr. Toru Takeo, Vice Chair, International Communication Committee of JALAS, Prof. Sunshin Lee, Secretary for International Secretary of KALAS and Dr. Dae Young Yoo from KALAS, Dr. Haryanti Azura Binti Mohamad Wali, Secretary General of LASAM, and Prof. Mangala Gunatilake Delwatta, Founding President of SLALAS.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Zhao Hongxu from CALAS.

First, Prof. Qin Chuan, on behalf of AFLAS and CALAS, delivered a welcome address. She warmly welcomed all participants to the meeting and highlighted that AFLAS member organizations have long upheld the spirit of inclusiveness, openness, cooperation, and exchange. Dedicated to promoting scientific research and laboratory animal welfare, AFLAS has significantly contributed to fostering regional and international cooperation and witnessed tremendous growth in laboratory animal science and technology.

Following this, Ms. Zheng Huiting from CALAS presented a report summarizing AFLAS activities since September 2023, including preparations for the 10th AFLAS Congress and the 2024 AFLAS Council meeting, work handover with member organization, and initiatives for AFLAS's sustainable development, as well as the contact with KALAS in terms of the ongoing maintenance of the AFLAS website. Prof. Seung Hyun Oh, Secretary General of KALAS provided a brief report on the financial transition and current status of AFLAS finances.

Next, CALAS presented an overview of the preparations for the 10th AFLAS Congress, to be held in 2025. Finally, three key proposals were deliberated and approved during the meeting: Proposal on the Establishment of "Asia Laboratory Animal Day", Proposal on the Establishment of AFLAS Awards, and Proposal on the Amendments to AFLAS Statutes and By-laws.

Since assuming the AFLAS presidency in September 2023, CALAS, under the leadership of Prof. Qin Chuan, has organized a series of significant initiatives and activities, with the support of AFLAS Council members. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Qin Chuan extended a heartfelt invitation to all AFLAS members to attend the 10th AFLAS Congress in Hangzhou, China, in October 2025. She expressed her hope for continued collaboration with AFLAS member representatives in advancing laboratory animal science and technology for a brighter future.

The successful conclusion of the AFLAS Council meeting has injected new energy into the growth of AFLAS and laid a solid foundation for the 10th AFLAS Congress in 2025. Through the AFLAS platform, we look forward to promoting advances in laboratory animal science and technology and contributing to human health development.