Seoul, South Korea | Oct 29 – Nov 2, 2024 | FAPA Congress 2024

Six months have passed since the festive FAPA Congress 2024 in Seoul, but the memories still linger. From jam-packed plenaries to spontaneous late-night drinks with new friends, the FAPA Congress was a pivotal moment for the pharmacy profession in the Asia Pacific, and the Asian Young Pharmacist Group (AYPG) was fortunate to be part of it. Held in the vibrant COEX Convention Centre, located in the heart of Gangnam – Seoul, surrounded by luxury hotels, high-end malls, and cultural gems like Bongeunsa Temple, with 1.600 participants from 24 countries and 700 abstract presentations, under the powerful theme “Next Generation Pharmacists in Asia: Pharmacists’ Integrated Role to Enhance Care and Pharmaceutical Sciences,” FAPA 2024 became more than a conference—it became a stage where young energy met seasoned wisdom.

Pre-Congress [Important] Conversations

AYPG’s involvement began even before the main Congress started. On October 30, the AYPG Executive Committee attended the FAPA Pre-Congress Forum, an invitation-only session focused on the forward-thinking theme: “Looking to the Future: Pharmacists as Wellness Experts in a Wellness Hub.” It was followed by a Networking Lunch with pharmacy leaders from across Asia, offering a meaningful dialogue on how pharmacists (including the young gen) can shape and support wellness-focused systems in each of their countries.

1st Day on Booth Shift – AYPG x FAPA HQ Collaboration

While not the first collaboration between AYPG and FAPA Headquarters, the 2004 FAPA congress’s joint booth stood out for its interactive spirit. AYPG supported FAPA by creating a video campaign that captured visitors’ voices on FAPA’s priority areas: Patient Safety, Health for All, and Health Promotion. In the booth, AYPG also sold its official merchandise, which always sells out, such as a Bucket Hat and a Tote Bag. This year, the official AYPG pin was introduced for the first time. The booth wasn’t just a place to pick up a flyer or buy merchandise. It became a space for new connections and honest conversations. Young and senior pharmacists stopped by not just to say hello, but to ask, “What’s next, and how can I be part of it?”

AYPG Council Business Meeting: Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

In its formal AYPG Council Business Meeting, AYPG President, Waranyu “Kimmy” Lengwiriyakul delivered a thoughtful report summarizing past two years of progress, and after that continuing 2022-2024 accountability financial report by Secretary General, Yen – Ting Wang “Amy”, followed by the report by Chairperson of Project, Stanley Saputra and Chairperson of Public Engangement, Yuchen Hsu “Jane”, virtually.

Other agenda included:

  • Progress report by President-elect of Indonesian Young Pharmacist Group (IYPG), a sneak peek into the 7th AYPG Leadership Summit in Lombok Island, Indonesia next October
  • Official introduction of the AYPG President 2024 – 2026, Anggun P. Wardhani (Go Girl, you have a mountain on your shoulder!)
  • Reflection on achievements and renewed commitment for the next term.

YPG Night – Cheers, Surprises, and New Friendships

Forget the suits and slides, later that evening, YPG Night was all about letting loose, reconnecting, and making memories. Hosted by KYPG under the spirited leadership of Taewoong Jang and the organiser team (Peter, Hayeoung, and Hyun Kyu), the evening overflowed with laughter, informal bonding, and young vibes that no one saw coming. The biggest surprise? A visit from Dr. Khang Hoon Choi (KPA President), who didn’t come alone, the FAPA Bureau, the Fip Foundation Director, and the former AYPG President were also coming along. As if that wasn’t enough, he made a heartfelt toast and announced that he was treating everyone in the room. The crowd erupted with cheers, “Cheers! 4 dollars! 건배!” Stories in three languages became the night’s anthem. What a room full of new friendships! Truly, it was a  night to remember.

A Historic First: AYPG Executive Committee Meets the FAPA President

Though the relationship between AYPG and FAPA has been good for a long time, for the first time ever, AYPG held its first official meeting with FAPA President, Dr. Yolanda Robles, on November 1st at the President’s room at COEX Convention Centre. The conversations were anything but formalities. The discussion centred on aligning the visions of AYPG and FAPA, with a strong emphasis on reinforcing mutual support and establishing a clear roadmap for structured collaboration in the future. To commemorate the occasion, the AYPG Executive Committee presented Dr. Yoland Robles—affectionately known among AYPG Exco as “Mom Yoly”—with official AYPG merchandise (a pin, a hat, and a bag). This symbolic gesture underscored the spirit of partnership, trust, and shared purpose between the two organisations. Together Stronger, Together Better.

FAPA Travel Grant: Empowering the Emerging Leaders

Thanks to a landmark collaboration, FAPA and AYPG partnered to support participants from low- and middle-income countries through the FAPA Travel Grant. AYPG played a key role in identifying outstanding scholars, each one a national YPG president/chairperson:

  • Redwan Hossein (Bangladesh YPG)
  • Erick Mutaqqin (Indonesia YPG)
  • Frances Lois Ucab Ngo (Philippines YPG)
  • Sakkdo Penh (Cambodia YPG)
  • Chawanya Songthep (Thai YPGrow)
  • Anggun P. Wardhani (AYPG)

Each of them leads and represents their national YPG and continues to push boundaries back home. This support not only got them to Seoul, but it also sets the stage for what’s next.

Young Pharmacist Award: Recognising Excellence

The FAPA Young Pharmacist Award—launched in 2023—continued this year with a spotlight on exceptional under-40 leaders making a difference in the profession:

  • Dr. Margarita M. Gutierrez (Former President of YPG Philippines)
  • Yi Ling (Former President of Malaysian Pharmacists Society YPC)
  • Anggun P. Wardhani (AYPG President 2024 – 26)

All three have proven that age is no barrier to impact—and that leadership can come from anywhere.

AYPG’s presence at FAPA Congress 2024 reminded everyone that youth engagement is not about future potential, it’s about present-day impact. From boardrooms to karaoke nights, from structured forums to spontaneous toasts, AYPG helped spark conversations that will echo long after Seoul. Because the future of pharmacy is already here—and it’s collaborative, courageous, and full of purpose. Echoing the tagline of FAPA, Together Stronger Together Better, while staying fun and young.

With Gratitude, From Start to Finish

AYPG’s presence at FAPA Congress 2024 was made possible not just by ambition and teamwork, but by the unwavering support of those who stood with us behind the scenes.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Dong-Churl Suh, Organising Co-Chair of the FAPA Congress 2024, for his constant encouragement and belief in the youth. Deep appreciation also goes to the incredible Korean Pharmacists Association (KPA) Secretariat team, especially Mr. Donghwan Yang and Mr. Woojin Nam, whose energy and kindness carried us through every challenge—big and small. Though they may not be pharmacists by profession, they are our true colleagues, speaking the same language of commitment and collaboration. To Yoonjung Choi—dear friend, chauffeur, and linguistic bridge—thank you for being our lingua franca, connector, and calm in the storm. Your presence brought clarity, comfort, and connection in every moment. To Christine Ching Benosa, Secretary General of FAPA—thank you for being a mentor and the “older sister” who was always there with a solution, a hug, or just the right words. And to the warm, welcoming FAPA Secretariat—Kathrine, Bill, Ark—thank you for giving us a safe space, a helping hand, and an open heart. We are also immensely thankful to our former AYPG Presidents—Jack, Audrey, and Prof. Erick—whose footsteps and vision continue to light the way for the next generation. Your legacy lives in every step we take. To Heyman, our AYPG Secretary General’s beloved husband and AYPG Best friend—thank you for being a constant pillar of strength, patience, and quiet support. To Mr. Joseph Wang, our role model and enduring source of inspiration—your spirit continues to stay with us, in our actions and our hearts.

And a special shoutout to our spirited friends from the Korea Young Pharmacist Group (KYPG), Korean Pharmacy Students’ Association (KPSA), Korean National Association for Pharmaceutical Students (KNAPS), and all Young Pharmacists attending the event. Thank you for lighting up our days with joy, laughter, and unforgettable camaraderie. You reminded us that friendship is the best foundation for collaboration.

Finally, to everyone who supported AYPG in visible and invisible ways, all friends, mentors, and supporters—some named, many unnamed—you are part of our journey.

xoxo, AYPG Executive Committee.

…..

Social Media Publication: Instagram | LinkedIn

correspondence: aypg.secretariat@gmail.com

Leave a comment