As I conclude my tenure as the President of the Council of Asian Science Editors, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the remarkable strides we have made together. Our mission to elevate the standards of scientific journals across Asia has always been a challenging yet rewarding journey. It is through the collective effort of our members and partners that we continue to empower journal editors with the knowledge and tools they need to uphold excellence in scholarly publishing.

In this era of rapidly advancing technologies, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into academic publishing presents both tremendous opportunities and significant responsibilities. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we handle peer reviews, plagiarism checks, and manuscript management, making these processes more efficient and accurate. However, with this potential comes the ethical imperative to use these tools transparently, equitably, and with an unwavering commitment to integrity.

As stewards of scientific communication, we must ensure that AI serves as an enabler of quality and not a shortcut to compromise rigor. Our focus should remain on fostering trust in the scientific community, which relies on the integrity of the research we publish.

I leave my role confident in the council’s ability to lead the discourse on AI adoption responsibly and to support editors in navigating these challenges. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members, the executive team, and our partners for their dedication and collaboration. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for a future where science in Asia can thrive and contribute meaningfully to global knowledge.

As I pass the baton, I look forward to seeing the council continue to inspire innovation, uphold ethical standards, and champion the advancement of scientific excellence across Asia.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve.

Basil D’Souza
President (2022-2024)