Mission & President Message

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and productive New Year as we all move forward with new and exciting goals. I would like to briefly report on past and future APFNDT activities.

Due to the ongoing situation in regards to COVID-19, on October 1, 2021 at 10:00 (Japan Standard Time), the first ever APFNDT General Assembly (GA) was held online. I would like to thank everyone for their attendance, especially those members with difficult time zones.

In order to prepare for the GA, the Executive Committee (AEC) met several times and in addition the full Board met as well. It was agreed that because the need for an online GA would be necessary, arrangements were made to hold the GA and implement a proper voting system. Because of this, the Secretariat continued to prepare even on the day so that the GA would run smoothly. I was also relieved to see that everyone looked to be in good health and spirits.

Last year, ISO/TC 135 and related SC meetings, were held online for approximately two weeks from October 11-22. Overall, several SC's were completed in one day, nine SC's in two to three days, and four to five days including the last TC 135 general meeting. In contrast to face-to-face meetings, it is possible to express ones opinion while watching the faces of those present, but online, it is somewhat difficult to decide whether to agree, disagree, or abstain, but since there were not many comments, it was possible to make smooth progress.

However, we had a lively discussion at the APFNDT general meeting, and I believe we had a productive and fruitful outcome. Online meetings have their advantages and disadvantages, but I would like to get back to face-to-face discussions so that I can see everyone once again.

In promoting APFNDT activities, I would like to do my best together with the current AEC, Board, and member countries until the next APFNDT GA to be held in conjunction with the 16th APCNDT in Melbourne, Australia from February 27 to march 3, 2023. As for NDT, there is a worldwide rush for international conferences, but APFNDT member countries should cooperate with each other as colleagues to make WCNDT 2022 a success. I believe that we should not spare any effort. Furthermore, I believe that it is this unity from APFNDT that will lead to the success of the 16th APCNDT to be held in 2023, and the next to be held in Hawaii in the United States.

In APFNDT, the Board activities so far have been progressing well even under the spread of COVID-19. With the establishment of internet channels with APFNDT and ICNDT, administrative processes and information exchanges are becoming smoother, the newsletter is being developed, and the budget for each TG's activities are being allocated and in particular we have great expectations for TG 6: Standards and TG 7: NDE 4.0.

In the world of NDT, techniques, personnel, and standards are essential valuables. In order to implement these elements, I believe that we need to collaborate with ICNDT and each region to ensure the implementation of a qualification and certification system for Non-Destructive testing personnel in each country based on ISO 9712, which is under revision. Because of this, I would like to personally ask for the cooperation and support of all member countries.

Best regards,
Dr. Norikazu Ooka
President,
The Asia-Pacific Federation for Non-Destructive Testing (APFNDT)

Greetings member countries of the Asia Pacific Federation for Non-Destructive Testing.

In 2013, APFNDT was founded and is already in its eighth year. Similar to the expression, "Time flies like an arrow", I am realizing how quickly the time has passed. In regards to COVID-19 and the global pandemic, I hope all members are staying safe and keeping in mind their health. I know that many member countries in APFNDT are experiencing difficulties such as lockdowns in Malaysia and Australia, in addition Japan has faced challenges as the Olympic host country, so I hope all of you will continue to use safe practices.

During the last APFNDT Board Meeting, due to the difficulty in holding face to face meetings because of the global pandemic, it was approved to extend the current terms of offices for the Executive Committee (AEC) and Board until the next in person General Assembly to be held in conjunction with the 16th APCNDT in Melbourne, Australia from February 27th to March 3rd, 2023. After consultation with the Board members, the proposal was approved without objection.

For the time being, until we can recruit new members it is very important to continue to maintain APFNDT activities and foster cooperation between countries as best we can through tools such as WEB conferences. Also, before the next APCNDT can be carried out, the dates for the 20th WCNDT, organized by Korea, has been changed to February 28th through March 4th, 2022. Because most NDT Societies and organizations are rushing worldwide to resume conferences, participating sponsors and guest speakers have been difficult to acquire. Especially because Korea is not only holding the conference, but is also a member of APFNDT, so that the 20th WCNDT is successful we should all support KSNT as much as possible. In addition, the 16th APCNDT in Melbourne, Australia and the 17th APCNDT in Hawaii, USA are important so it is truly the time for APFNDT members to strengthen their collaboration and support each other.

As far as other APFNDT activities go, the Regional Newsletter will continue to be published, TG 5 has made improvements to various standards, and the newest task group for NDE 4.0 (TG 7) has been formed. It is our hope that with TG 7, APFNDT will be able to disseminate more information on the subject throughout the Asia Pacific region in the future. In addition, as APFNDT has many advanced countries as members, we need to promote technical cooperation with IAEA/RCA activities, as well as, it is essential to promote a qualification certification scheme for nondestructive testing personnel based on ISO 9712 and to work toward mutual recognition.

As the current president, I will continue to do my best to carry out APFNDT activities and appreciate all of your support and cooperation.

Best regards,
Dr. Norikazu Ooka,
President,
The Asia Pacific Federation for Non-Destructive Testing (APFNDT)

New Years Greeting

January 1, 2021

I would like to first take the opportunity to wish you all happy holidays, a very happy new year and hope you are all staying safe. It goes without saying that we were all forced to face many challenges and drastic changes in regards to the COVID-19, but with a new year comes a new optimistic outlook for the future..

Currently, APFNDT comprises a total of twenty-three members, seventeen as Primary Full Members, three as Secondary full members and three as Associate Members. As we look to the New Year we not only want to continue fostering cooperation with all of the current members but in addition support those who lack the resources needed to form a society and attract new members. As APFNDT grows, it is our hope that through mutual support our shared accomplishments will be beneficial to all.

While in regards to COVID-19, it still remains to be seen when everyone can fully return to normal operations, in the interim, we will strive to move forward as safely as possible. Many major events such as the APCNDT and WCNDT had to be postponed so as we try to move past such a difficult year I am also looking forward to once again meeting you all in person. I encourage all of you to continue using safe practices as we all enter a new and successful year.

Happy New Year and best regards,

Dr. Norikazu Ooka
President, APFNDT

The Asia Pacific Federation for Non Destructive Testing (APFNDT) was established at Mumbai in India in 2013 to meet demands from the providers and users of NDT in the Asia Pacific Region for promoting the application of NDT and for encouraging research and development into NDT techniques. The main activities of APFNDT have therefore covered education, qualification and certification, training, standardization etc. over the whole NDI spectrum.

APFNDT also has a responsibility for the safe use of NDT and has to extend this safety responsibility in a more general sense to the public for ensuring the integrity of products, assemblies and structures, plants etc. during their service life. This responsibility will make it the goal of NDT certified personnel to strive to improve their skills and expertise through education and training.
The member countries in APFNDT are now facing important circumstances towards the ISO 9712 revised in 2012 and there may be more demands on harmonization of NDT personnel at the international level for qualification and certification based on the requirements of ISO 9712. In this regard APFNDT members should develop strong and friendly collaboration with other regions and their vitality will be requested to do so.
In addition communication occurs through the conduct of national and international conferences, symposia, seminars, workshops etc.
APFNDT will involve in national and international activities with the aim to promote and develop NDT as a key technology to be used by the industrial sector.
Lastly, I would like to work together with the members and societies in not only the Asia Pacific region but also other regions as a president of APFNDT. All these APFNDT activities need your support and more involvement!