APFAM aims to achieve its objectives by developing policies and activities that will attain recognition both in member countries and in Asia Pacific Regional bodies. It strongly supports the value of international networking and exchange within the Region.

Issues of mutual concern provide a firm basis for member countries to work together. However, each country’s approach to these issues differs because of different economic, social, cultural and environmental circumstances.

Much of this work has been done voluntarily, and with small but welcome grants from some governments or organizations in member countries. The twelve member countries are Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Fiji, Thailand, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Asia Pacific Forum on Families was launched in 1997 at the World Social Welfare Conference held in Jakarta. Malaysia is represented in APFAM International by Prof Jamilah Ariffin who has the honour of being elected President of APFAM International for the term June 2002 – 2004.