Asia-Pacific Association of Language, Culture, and Education (APALCE)
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Article 1 (Name)
The name of this organization shall be the ‘Asia-Pacific Association of Language, Culture, and Education’ (hereinafter referred to as the “Association”). The English abbreviation shall be APALCE.
Article 2 (Purpose)
The purpose of the Association is to promote academic research and international exchange in the fields of language, culture, and education, with a primary focus on the Asia-Pacific region, thereby contributing to academic advancement and the qualitative improvement of education.
Article 3 (Activities)
To achieve the purpose stated in Article 2, the Association shall engage in the following activities:
-
Publication and dissemination of academic journals, research materials, and newsletters.
-
Organization of academic conferences and research activities related to language, culture, and education.
-
Promotion of academic exchange and joint research among domestic and international scholars.
-
Hosting of academic seminars, forums, workshops, and lectures.
-
Promotion of cooperative projects with international organizations, universities, and research institutes.
-
Presentation of academic awards, research support, and scholarship programs.
-
Other incidental activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the Association.
Article 4 (Location of Office)
The principal office of the Association shall be located in Incheon Metropolitan City. Branch offices may be established domestically or internationally as needed.
Chapter 2. Membership and Officers
Article 5 (Membership Qualifications)
Members of the Association shall be individuals who agree with the purpose of its establishment, have submitted the prescribed application form, and have received approval from the Board of Directors.
Article 6 (Rights and Duties of Members)
-
Members have the right to participate in the operation of the Association through the General Assembly.
-
Members have the duty to adhere to the Articles of Incorporation, regulations, and resolutions of various meetings, and to pay membership fees and other assessments.
Article 7 (Withdrawal and Expulsion)
-
Members may withdraw from the Association freely at their own discretion.
-
A member may be expelled by a resolution of the Executive Board if they fall under any of the following reasons:
-
Damaging the reputation of the Association or obstructing the fulfillment of its objectives.
-
Failing to pay membership fees for more than three years without special reason or notice.
-
Article 8 (Officers)
The Association shall have the following officers:
-
One (1) President
-
Up to thirty (30) Vice Presidents
-
Up to two hundred (200) Directors
-
Up to two (2) Auditors
-
A number of Advisors
Article 9 (Election of Officers)
-
The President and Auditors shall be elected at the General Assembly in accordance with the method prescribed in Article 17.
-
Vice Presidents shall be elected by the Board of Executives and approved by the General Assembly.
-
Directors shall be appointed by the President.
-
All former Presidents shall be appointed as Advisors.
-
By-elections for officers shall be held within two months from the date a vacancy occurs.
Article 10 (Dismissal of Officers)
An officer may be dismissed by a resolution of the General Assembly if they commit any of the following acts:
-
Actions contrary to the purpose of the Association.
-
Disputes among officers, accounting irregularities, or significant improprieties.
-
Actions that obstruct the business of the Association.
Article 11 (Term of Office)
-
The term of office for officers shall be three years, and they may be reappointed.
-
The term of an officer elected through a by-election shall be the remaining term of their predecessor.
Article 12 (Duties of Officers)
-
The President represents the Association, oversees its affairs, and serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Board of Executives, and the General Assembly.
-
Vice Presidents assist the President in their assigned duties and act on behalf of the President in the event of their absence or inability to perform duties.
-
Directors deliberate and resolve major matters of the Association through the Board of Directors and handle matters delegated by the Board of Directors or the President.
-
Auditors audit general accounts and operations. If any irregularities or improprieties are found, they may request corrections from the Board of Directors and convene a Board of Directors meeting or General Assembly to report such findings.
Chapter 3. Board of Directors and General Assembly
Article 13 (Composition of the Board of Directors)
-
The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice Presidents, and Directors.
-
Auditors may attend and speak at Board of Directors meetings.
Article 14 (Convocation of the Board of Directors)
-
The Board of Directors meetings are divided into Regular Meetings and Special Meetings, both convened by the President.
-
Regular Meetings shall be convened once a month. Special Meetings shall be convened upon the request of the President, an Auditor, or more than one-third of the registered Directors in writing.
Article 15 (Quorum for Resolution)
The Board of Directors meeting shall open with the attendance of a majority of the registered Directors and pass resolutions with the approval of a majority of the Directors present.
Article 16 (General Assembly)
-
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body, composed of all members. It consists of Regular and Special General Assemblies, convened by the President.
-
The Regular General Assembly shall be convened once a year within one month after the end of the fiscal year. A Special General Assembly shall be convened upon the request of the President, an Auditor, or more than one-third of the registered members in writing.
-
The President must notify members in writing of the agenda, date, and location at least seven days prior to the meeting.
Article 17 (Quorum for Resolution)
-
The General Assembly shall open with the attendance of a majority of the registered members and pass resolutions with the approval of a majority of the members present.
-
Voting rights at the General Assembly may be delegated in writing to another attending member. In this case, the proxy form must be submitted to the Chairperson before the General Assembly.
Article 18 (Matters for Resolution by the General Assembly)
The General Assembly shall deliberate and resolve the following matters:
-
Election and dismissal of officers.
-
Dissolution of the Association and amendments to the Articles of Incorporation.
-
Acquisition and disposal of basic assets and borrowing of funds.
-
Approval of budget and settlement of accounts.
-
Approval of business plans.
-
Other important matters.
Article 19 (Minutes)
Minutes of the proceedings and results of the Board of Directors meetings and General Assemblies shall be recorded, signed, and sealed by the President and participating officers.
Chapter 4. Secretariat
Article 20 (Composition and Appointment of Staff)
-
A Secretariat shall be established to efficiently execute the business of the Association. The necessary organizational departments shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
-
The appointment and dismissal of staff shall be determined by separate personnel regulations established by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Chapter 5. Accounting and Finance
Article 21 (Classification of Assets)
The assets of the Association shall be classified into Basic Assets and Ordinary Assets.
-
Basic Assets include assets contributed as such at the time of the Association’s establishment and assets designated to be incorporated into Basic Assets by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
-
Ordinary Assets shall be all other assets.
Article 22 (Revenue)
The revenue of the Association shall consist of membership fees, proceeds from profit-making activities, donations, and other income.
Article 23 (Investment and Loans)
For the purpose of its business activities, the Association may receive investments or loans from external organizations upon a resolution of the General Assembly.
Article 24 (Fiscal Year and Reporting)
-
The fiscal year shall follow the government’s fiscal year.
-
Auditors shall prepare a report on the previous year’s business performance and settlement of accounts within one month after the end of the fiscal year, and report it to the General Assembly after approval by the Board of Directors.
Article 25 (Accounting Principles and Prohibition of Profit Distribution)
-
The accounting of the Association shall be managed independently and strictly separated from the personal accounting of the representative and officers.
-
Profits generated from the activities of the Association shall not be distributed to its members.
Chapter 6. Supplementary Provisions
Article 26 (Amendment of Articles of Incorporation)
Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation shall require the approval of at least two-thirds of the registered members at the General Assembly.
Article 27 (Dissolution and Merger)
Dissolution or merger of the Association shall require the approval of at least three-fourths of the registered members at the General Assembly.
Article 28 (Attribution of Remaining Assets)
In the event of the dissolution of the Association, any remaining assets shall be donated to other non-profit organizations or public interest funds.
Article 29 (Operational Regulations)
Matters necessary for the operation of the Association not specified in these Articles of Incorporation shall be determined by separate regulations through a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Addendum
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from January 5, 2026.
