The Council of the Asian Paleontological Association (APA) convened an online meeting on December 27, 2024, with 20 of its 23 members present. The session addressed critical topics such as council member confirmations, participation fee waivers, membership systems, and preparations for upcoming conferences.

The council tackled communication challenges with three members, successfully establishing contact via intermediaries and email. A proposal to replace a Malaysian member was approved.

A key discussion focused on waiving participation fees for APA members at conferences hosted by other societies. The council agreed to begin with council members, leaving open the possibility of broader implementation later. Decisions on fee waivers will be determined by the conference’s host country.

Membership structure also came under review. Alongside the existing organizational framework, a suggestion to introduce individual memberships was raised, slated for further deliberation at the APC3 conference. 

Leadership roles were solidified with the approval of Deputy Secretary General positions—one per vice president’s country—and a full-time secretary candidate. Plans for a larger secretariat group remain under discussion for the next meeting. 

Future engagements were outlined, with the next council meeting scheduled online within six months to a year. The APC3 conference, set for Thailand, was detailed by Prof. UDCHACHON Mongkol. Emphasis was placed on engaging young researchers in international conferences, with efforts to support their involvement ongoing.

Action items include finalizing the council member list, enacting fee waivers for council members, establishing secretary roles, and advancing talks on membership and youth participation. Next steps involve scheduling the upcoming council meeting and confirming APC3 arrangements in Thailand.