As Chairman for 2007/2008, I am extremely proud of the opportunities SOPA has been able to create for local and international media brands in Asia since its founding in 1982. Over the past 25 years, SOPA has dedicated itself to preserving freedom of the press in the Asia region and to ensuring that independent, quality, journalism is observed, encouraged and acknowledged. Our mission is an uncompromising dedication to responsible journalism with integrity that is the cornerstone of every free society.