On March 10 to 11, 2003, 108 experts attended the Asia Pacific Employee Assistance Roundtable (APEAR) in Singapore where experiences to provide and patronize Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) in their hometowns were shared. While it might not be the first time for the users and providers of EAP to meet and exchange their expectations, it was the first time for such type of meeting to be held in the Asia Pacific region. APEAR was commissioned by a group of individuals committed to further the development of EAP in the Asia Pacific region. They took the initiative to form a Steering Committee in September 2002. With the support of an Organizing Committee, the APEAR was successfully launched and it attracted a high turnout. Employee Development Service (EDS) of Hong Kong Christian Service was one of the members of the Organizing Committee. The Chief Executive, Mr. Ng Shui Lai, the Manager, Mr. Stanley Lau and Miss Isabella Chan, Business Development Executive of EDS were very glad to have participated in that event.

APEAR aims to improve the understanding of EAP through a showcase of programs seen in the Asia Pacific region. It provides a forum for EAP and human resources professionals to exchange their expertise in the area, and it also provides networking opportunities to people from the region. Participants came from a wide range of countries and cities including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, England, and United States of America.

HKCS's Employee Development Service is the pioneer EAP provider in Hong Kong. We are experienced in developing and maintaining the professionalism of the service. In the March 2003 meeting, Miss Chan presented our observation of changes in the level of receptivity of EAP in Hong Kong. Mr. Lau presented a paper on our clinical experience in working with employees with mental health problems, and the support that we had offered to the management in dealing with such issues in their work environment.

APEAR is proven to be a success. Fruitful exchanges and stimulating insights abound. Each and every participant found the meeting rewarding and all agreed that similar events should continue in the future. EDS will continue to take an active role to support APEAR and to assist the EAP in the Asia Pacific region to prosper.