The Association of Asian-Pacific Operational Research Societies (APORS) and the Pacific Optimization Research Activity Group (POP) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 August 2025. This agreement represents a significant milestone in strengthening academic and professional collaboration within the fields of operations research, optimization, and analytics across the Asia-Pacific region.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation that reflects the shared mission of both organizations—to promote the advancement of operations research methodologies and to encourage the application of analytical tools in addressing complex societal, industrial, and environmental challenges.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Through this partnership, APORS and POP will together:
– Promote knowledge exchange by co-organizing conferences, workshops, and seminars.
– Support research collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policy makers.
– Provide training and capacity-building opportunities, particularly for early-career researchers and young professionals.
– Encourage cross-regional networking to strengthen global visibility and academic exchange in operations research and optimization.
– Foster innovation and sustainability by applying optimization and analytical methods to real-world challenges across industries, including logistics, healthcare, energy, and the environment.
A Shared Vision
The collaboration between APORS, a regional grouping under the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), and POP, a dynamic initiative focusing on optimization and connectivity in the Pacific region, reflects a shared vision of building bridges between national societies, professional networks, and the broader research community.
Leaders from both organizations expressed confidence that this partnership will accelerate academic engagement, encourage innovation, and expand the reach of operations research across borders.
“This MoU provides a new platform for cooperation between APORS and POP,” APORS President Honglei Xu. “By working together, we can strengthen the role of operations research in addressing regional and global challenges.”
“POP is delighted to formalize this partnership with APORS,” said POP Chairman Kok Lay Teo. “Our collaboration will create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, joint initiatives, and stronger connections among researchers and practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Looking Ahead
With this MoU, APORS and POP reaffirm their commitment to advancing the field of operations research, nurturing the next generation of scholars, and promoting the use of optimization and analytics as tools for sustainable development, resilience, and global cooperation.
About POP
The Pacific Optimization Research Activity Group (POP) is a professional network dedicated to advancing optimization research and applications in the Pacific region. POP serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and innovation, bringing together researchers and practitioners to address regional challenges and opportunities through optimization and analytics. The POP website is https://pop-group.org/
