The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver was formed in August 1978 in Singapore. Since then the number of members has increased from 40 to nearly 5000. APASL covers the region from Manchuria in the North, to Australia in the South, to the Pacific Islands in the East and Iran in the West. Members are elected based on their documented scientific publications.

The main objective of the association is to promote the scientific advancement and education of hepatology in the Asia Pacific region, including the exchange of information and the development of consensus in the field of hepatology. It coordinates scientific studies between scientists and clinicians living in this region and encourages the practice of medicine in liver diseases. The Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (published by Blackwell Publishing Asia) is the official publication of the association and reports on the scientific issues for the region.