Overview

The ASEAN Association for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (AACLS), formerly the ASEAN Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (AAMLT), is a professional organization dedicated to advancing clinical laboratory science across Southeast Asia. It fosters regional cooperation, scientific exchange, and hosts regular congresses for professionals to share advancements. AACLS is currently represented by ASEAN member associations from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

AAMLT was established in April 1985 to bring together medical laboratory technologists across ASEAN into a unified professional community. Its founding objectives were to foster regional collaboration, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and elevate the standards of medical laboratory practice throughout the region.

The historic agreement was formalised at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, during the inaugural ASEAN Conference of Medical Laboratory Technology (ACMLT). Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand convened to establish AAMLT as a formal regional body representing the interests and advancement of medical laboratory technologists. This significant milestone coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the Malaysian Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MSMLT), now known as the Malaysian Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MIMLS), marking an important chapter in the development of the profession both in Malaysia and across ASEAN.

In November 1986, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) hosted the second ACMLT in Manila, Philippines. During this meeting, the first Biennial General Meeting (BGM) of Delegates was convened, where the AAMLT Constitution was formally prepared and adopted. The Constitution was subsequently revised in 2006 during the 10th Biennial General Meeting. It was also agreed that member country associations would take turns hosting future ACMLTs, reinforcing shared ownership and regional collaboration.

AAMLT was formally associated with ASEAN in November 1993 during the 27th ASEAN Standing Committee Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, further strengthening its regional standing and recognition. Over time, the organisation grew in both stature and influence. Reflecting the evolving scope and increasing importance of the profession, AAMLT was renamed the ASEAN Association of Clinical Laboratory Scientists (AACLS) in 2006 during the 11th ACMLT in Jakarta, Indonesia, held on 23 May 2006 in conjunction with the 11th Biennial General Meeting. This transition underscored the expanding role of clinical laboratory scientists as integral contributors to modern healthcare systems.

In year 2024, the AACLS Council has entrusted Malaysia (MIMLS) with the privilege to once again host the ACCLS Conference in year 2026. We are extremely excited to welcome the 19th ACCLS Conference and our ASEAN colleagues back to Malaysia—this time to the beautiful city of Kuching, Sarawak, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.