AFOMP @ 25: A Journey of People, Purpose, and Progress – Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics

Rajni Verma, V.Subramani, Aik Hao Ng, Eva Bezak

In 2025, the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (AFOMP) proudly celebrates 25 years of service not just as a regional federation, but as a community of people driven by passion, collaboration, and a shared dream to elevate medical physics across Asia and Oceania. This silver jubilee is a time not only to look back at achievements but to honour the human spirit that shaped AFOMP’s journey.

The story of AFOMP begins not with structures or protocols, but with a group of visionaries medical physicists from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures who saw the need for connection. In the late 1990s, the idea of a regional body for medical physics was nothing more than a hope. But behind that hope were passionate individuals like Dr. Akira Ito (Japan), Prof. Raymond Wu (USA), and Prof. Barry Allen (Australia), who envisioned a space where knowledge could flow freely, where physicists from developing countries could find support, and where innovation could be shared, not siloed. They were encouraged by global figures such as Prof. Colin Orton and Prof. Gary Fullerton, who understood that progress in healthcare should never be limited by geography.

The first gathering that planted the seed for AFOMP was not a grand event, but a simple side meeting during the 1999 International Conference in Guangzhou, China. There, Dr. Akira Ito and Dr. Kwan Hoong Ng (Malaysia) gathered colleagues from China, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong for an informal discussion. What they shared in that room was not just ideas, but experiences, challenges, and aspirations. They spoke of the need for better education, regional standards, and stronger voices for physicists. It was a moment where scientific dreams met human relationships and it worked. Encouraged by mentors and leaders like Dr. Geoffrey Ibbott, Dr. Carridad Borras, Prof. William Hendee, and Prof. Nan-zhuXie, the idea began to crystallize.

Just a few months later, on May 28, 2000, during the Beijing International Congress on Medical Radiation Physics, the idea turned into action. Representatives from eight countries came together not just with votes, but with heart and unanimously agreed: We will build this together. What followed was a commitment of togetherness. A Protem Committee was formed, led by Dr. Kin Yin Cheung (Hong Kong)and Toh Jui Wong (Singapore), with Prof. Raymond Wu as advisor. They worked tirelessly to draft the constitution, invite more members, and prepare for the first official meeting.

In July 2000, during the World Congress in Chicago, history was made. Medical physics organizations from 12 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, and more, gathered for the first AFOMP Council Meeting. These weren’t just delegates; they were committed professionals, peers and mentors. The Federation was officially renamed the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (AFOMP), and elected its first leadership:

President: Dr. Kin Yin Cheung
Vice-President: Prof. Barry Allen
Secretary General: Dr. Akira Ito
Treasurer: Dr. Anchali Krisanachinda

On July 26, 2000, IOMP officially recognized AFOMP as a regional chapter — a proud moment that validated years of quiet, persistent effort.

Over the next two decades, AFOMP blossomed not just as a scientific body but as a network of support and friendship. It has helped guide national organizations, introduced harmonized standards, and opened doors for young professionals who once had no platform to showcase their skills. In November 2001, during the 1st Asia-Oceania Congress of Medical Physics in Bangkok, AFOMP formed three critical committees: Professional Development, Education and Training, and Scientific Committee. These bodies focused on regional standardization of roles, quality assurance, training curricula, and scientific events initiatives that helped ensure that medical physics in Asia-Oceania kept pace with global progress.

Equally important has been the commitment and unity shown during global crises particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. AFOMP’s shift to online webinars, schools, meetings and remote learning kept the community connected and learning, even in isolation.

As we reflect on 25 years of AFOMP, what stands out most is not just the milestones but the journey of shared dreams. From established experts guiding newcomers, to small nations finding a voice on the regional stage, AFOMP has been about people lifting each other up. Today, AFOMP continues to grow with over 21 member associations, and a new generation of physicists leading the way. It embraces innovation, champions inclusivity, and nurtures the spirit of volunteerism that has always defined it.

The future of AFOMP lies in its community the medical physicists working in crowded hospitals, rural clinics, research labs, and academic centers. It lies in the hands of young professionals eager to shape the next decade, and in the hearts of leaders who still believe in the power of unity.

As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, we honor every input, every effort, every long-distance email that made AFOMP what it is. And as we look forward we carry with us the same values that brought us here collaboration, compassion, and commitment.

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