From the President

Marion Bayley, President, APSAA As I produce this annual report and reflect on the year that was, I am experiencing a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Back in May 2021 when I delivered my last report, it felt like we were stuck in the depths of this pandemic and recovery was a distant hope. The concerns of the previous year seemed to just continue in the first months following our AGM (Annual General Meeting) as borders remained closed to international arrivals and state / region regulations were polarizing and restrictive even for those not mandated to endure lengthy lock downs. Much work was done with state governments discussing pilot programs to allow a select number of Internationals to be able to arrive, whilst the local focus was on vaccinating our communities to allow the easing of restrictions.

It was almost inconceivable to imagine that by January 2022, International borders would begin to reopen in parts of our region, and our amazing residents would be ready to flood back to our shores in numbers that we were all too scared to wish for. There is still a long way to go, and a huge effort needed to recoup the losses of the past two years, however 2022 has already shown that recovery is happening and at a faster rate than we had allowed ourselves to hope for.

Throughout this constant flux of external impacts, the APSAA Board of Directors focused on ensuring the ongoing viability of our association so that it can continue to deliver for our members well into the future. Connectivity and the need to maintain relationships have been pivotal during this past year, so we were delighted to be able to solidify our relationship with Acuho-I and commit to a 3-year MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) highlighting the importance and strength of this partnership for our region.

Last year the Board also reviewed its membership fee structure and aligned this to a calendar year. In the short term this gave members a six month membership option at a time where they were experiencing the most significant financial pressure. Furthermore it will also improve the timing of AGM/ Board nominations and ensure that the annual conference and the yearly awards nominations will be held towards the latter part of the membership period.

We all continue to face uncertainty in our organizations. As financial risk to business may begin to ease, staff recruitment and retention loom as the critical risk of 2022 and we see the great resignation play out across our industry. It is sad to see the loss of experience, knowledge, and guidance, however we have gained and attracted wonderful new people that are ready to build a career in student accommodation. It is now more important than ever to invest in our people to develop them and retain them as professionals of our industry. The need to educate, train, and develop people is a core function of our association and APSAA (Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association) continues to offer exceptional value to institutions that otherwise may have been lost. The PD (Professional Development) committee report outlines the amazing work done even under the most challenging of circumstances.

Much of the work done by all the Directors of the Board and Sub-committee members during 2021 was to support and not overwhelm members and they went about this without fanfare. The time commitment and passion these individuals and all professionals that are part of it, show for their industry is outstanding; I could not be prouder to share a table with these colleagues and I thank them for everything they have given over the last year.

Excitingly, State-based events and the return of our much-anticipated annual conference are now back to being business as usual for 2022 and we are so looking forward to getting out into our community and reconnecting with members both old and new.

I look forward to the opportunities the next 12 months will bring as we commence the creation of the next five-year strategic plan and thank you, our members, for the work you do in all your amazing residential communities around our region.

“We are so looking forward to getting out into our community and reconnecting with members both old and new”

Marion Bayley President, APSAA