The association aims to establish partnerships with research, education and development projects in Asia and: provide research, education and training opportunities for people from these countries both domestically and abroad; support local projects on their way to sustainable development; promote a better mutual understanding between people from different nations. To this end, the association places particular emphasis on: promoting a close dialogue between individual members, the board and local projects; decision-making by consensus based on a known plan; promoting the joint use of personnel and financial resources by as many members as possible; promoting member engagement through involvement in financial and practical support for local projects. The association is politically independent. The association does not pursue commercial purposes and does not strive for profit.