The International Joint Symposium of Japan, Korea and China was launched in the year 1990 at Saga University, Japan. Until 2012, the Faculty of Economics of Saga University, Chonnam University of Korea and the Academy of Social Sciences in China took turns to host the Symposium annually. In 2012, Kasetsart University of Thailand joined the program thus the title of the symposium changed as the “East Asian Economic Symposium”. In 2015, the Peradeniya University of Sri Lanka joined the coalition, which also solemnized the

revision of the title of the international symposium to the present name “Asian Economic Symposium”.

This endeavor continues to fulfill two major objectives: Promoting Collaborative Research and International Exchange. The Program, which had humble beginnings with the participation of only three countries has expanded its horizons to attract the support and cooperation of a number of countries and institutes around the globe such as:

The Asian Economic Symposium is a beacon that stands out from other similar programs because it is not limited to a small circle of academics, but open to the public. Every year, the forum opens in one of the five host countries unfolding on a theme that focuses on a socio-economic issue caused by globalization in Asia. We have also conducted the programs on internationally significant issues and have received overwhelming responses from throngs of people.

All presentations and discussions involve many years of hard work and research by experts.

Mustering them all annually under one roof aims to achieve international exchange rooted in mutual understanding. By continuing collaborative research activities with overseas countries, we believe that we can contribute to build a plentiful region with strength and confidence to fend off common problems.

During the journey of 30 years, our endeavors have not posed as mere presentations at the annual symposiums. We have published our research findings in the print form as academic books and papers. A quick walk down the memory lane of 30 years is reminiscent of the following themes;