How we become AsiaSTA

In 2007, the Asia Software Testing Association (ASTA) was formally established, marking a significant step forward in unifying the software testing community across Asia. Founded by five prominent ISTQB National Boards—China (CSTQB), Japan (JSTQB), Korea (KSTQB), Malaysia (MSTB), and Vietnam (VTB)—ASTA was created to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of software testing practices throughout the region.

The founding members recognized the growing importance of software quality in an increasingly interconnected digital world and sought to build a network that could address the unique challenges faced by Asian markets. By bringing together the expertise and resources of each member country, ASTA aimed to foster regional cooperation, raise the standard of software testing, and create a platform for innovation and best practices

Our History

2007

The inaugural ASTA event, the “1st ASTA International Software Testing Conference,” was a groundbreaking occasion held in the vibrant city of Seoul, Korea. As the first of its kind, this prestigious conference brought together top-tier experts, industry pioneers, and academics from across Asia and beyond to discuss and shape the future of software testing.

January 2008

The 2nd ASTA (Asian Software Testing Alliance) Conference was a landmark event, held in conjunction with the prestigious 5th JaSST (Japanese Symposium on Software Testing) Conference in the dynamic city of Tokyo, Japan. This collaborative gathering brought together thought leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the globe, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas in the field of software testing and quality assurance. 

 

The conference not only provided a platform for groundbreaking discussions on emerging technologies, trends, and methodologies but also facilitated the initiation of regular online and offline meetings among participants. These meetings aimed to strengthen academic collaborations, encourage resource sharing, and cultivate industry partnerships across Asia. Member countries shared key insights, research advancements, and national updates, setting the stage for future cross-border projects and initiatives that would elevate the standard of software testing worldwide. 

 

February 2008

An ASTA meeting took place in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the 2nd Annual Asia-Pacific Software Testing Conference, marking yet another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between key players in the software testing industry. Held in the heart of Southeast Asia, this gathering brought together a diverse array of professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to share insights and forge new paths in software testing and quality assurance.

April 2008

The 3rd ASTA Conference, titled “2008 The 1st Tianjin International Conference on Software Testing,” was a landmark event hosted in the thriving metropolis of Tianjin, China. This prestigious conference brought together a diverse array of international experts, academics, and industry leaders from across Asia and beyond, all focused on advancing the field of software testing. Held in one of China’s rapidly growing tech hubs, the conference underscored the nation’s commitment to becoming a global leader in software quality and innovation.

2009 - 2010

ASTA’s Hiatus and the Path to Revitalization

In 2009, an important offline ASTA meeting was held in the bustling city of Shanghai, China. This meeting provided a platform for deep discussions on the progress made by member countries, the challenges they faced, and the strategies to overcome them. Shanghai, being one of China’s major tech hubs, was an ideal location for this gathering, reflecting ASTA’s commitment to engaging with the most innovative environments in Asia.

By 2010, ASTA’s activities had begun to slow as many of its key members became increasingly occupied with other industry commitments, leading to a natural decline in the organization’s momentum. This period marked the end of ASTA’s initial phase, during which it had successfully fostered collaboration and innovation across Asia’s software testing community. Although the association’s formal activities subsided, the passion and enthusiasm that originally fueled ASTA’s mission did not vanish—it merely lay dormant, waiting for the right moment to be reignited.

For nearly 15 years, ASTA remained inactive, but the shared vision of advancing software testing in Asia never faded from the minds of those who had been involved. As time passed, a renewed sense of purpose emerged among former members and those who remembered ASTA’s history and impact. Discussions began about reviving the association, driven by a shared interest in once again creating a unified platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the software testing field.

Reformation of ASTA into AsiaSTA

In 2023, the Chinese (CSTQB), Japanese (JSTQB), and Korean (KSTQB) Boards came together to reform ASTA, with the Indonesian Board (IDSTB) eager to join the initiative. Led by KSTQB, efforts were made to reconnect with former members, including CSTQB, JSTQB, MSTB, and VTB, while all historical documents were shared with the involved boards, including IDSTB, laying the foundation for a new era of collaboration.

By May 2024, the first reformation meeting was scheduled in Budapest, Hungary, with representatives from China, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea. This meeting led to the creation of AsiaSTA (Asia Software Testing Alliance), complete with its vision, mission, goals, and organizational structure. In October 2024, the official launch of AsiaSTA was celebrated with an inauguration ceremony in Bali, Indonesia, marking the start of a new chapter in advancing software testing across Asia.