It is my great privilege to welcome you to the 3rd ASPCR meeting, which will be held in Seoul on June 11-13, 2009. The young ASPCR now has been founded only 4 years ago. It is indeed my good fortune that I am a president of this young society and wish to acknowledge the contributions of all of its members whose contributions have added value and credibility to the ASPCR. Although Asia is the home for billions of people with pigmented skin; most of Asian countries has been lagging behind in research on pigmentary disorders.

The Japanese Society for Pigment Cell Research (JSPCR) has been the leader in pigment cell research in Asia for many years. However, collaboration between Asian countries will be a strong initiator for pigment cell research in Asia. To accomplish this goal, I hope that the ASPCR will be able to work closely with the JSPCR in improving the standard of research. Because of the need and importance of pigment cell research, I believe that the ASPCR will grow rapidly.

Please join our society and enjoy the benefits of member.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the council members of the ASPCR and I wish the ASPCR continued growth.

Welcome your any suggestions for the development of the ASPCR. I can be contacted at gcpark@snu.ac.kr.

I look forward to having your active cooperation in taking the ASPCR forward and elevating the standard of pigment cell research across Asia.