With the participation of 589 Scouts and Leaders from different countries in the world, this year's Conference, hosted by Scout Association of Japan, set the highest record of participation since the first regional conference in 1958. Out of 589 participants, 18% are delegates, 41% are observers, 8% are accompanying persons, 12% are guests, and 21% are committee/sub-committee members, host organization staff and World Scout Bureau staff.

To mark this biggest Scouting event in the region, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino graced the opening ceremony welcomed the delegates, observers and accompanying persons who gathered at the National Youth Center. In his speech, Prince Akishino expressed his high expectations for the conference and the Scout Movement.

Countries represented were Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Scouts of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Macau, French Polynesia, Afghanistan, Belgium, Botswana, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, New Caledonia, Rwanda, Sweden, Uganda, UK, USA, WOSM, Interamerica Region, Africa Region, Asia Pacific Region, Arab Region, Kandersteg, other organizations, Scout Association of Japan’s Host Organizing Committee and staff.

At the conference proper, Regional Chairman Eric Khoo, Regional Director Abdullah Rasheed and Regional Treasurer Renato Paras gave an overview on all aspects of operations, management and finance. APR Scout Foundation President Anthony Thng gave a report on the progress of the foundation's projects.

World Scout Committee Chairman Herman Hui talked about the principles of Scouting and the necessary innovations needed in facing the challenge that the Scout Movement is facing today. He highlighted the key issues on growth and development, brand communications strategy, membership development, youth participation, registration fee and governance.

WOSM Secretary General Eduardo Missoni met with the region's key leaders and shared his proposed vision of “one organization serving one movement.”

Five members of the Regional Scout Committee who served from 2001 to 2007 were recognized and the new composition of the Regional Scout Committee and Sub-Committes was formed.

As this is the year that Scout Movement is celebrating its 100 years, the regional conference becomes the venue of Scouts and Leaders across the region to renew their commitment to young people, communities and environment.

To know the complete details of the conference, see INBOX November.