Formed in 1997,[1] APRU fosters collaboration between member universities, researchers, and policymakers contributing to economic, scientific and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim.

Its international secretariat is located at the Cyberport in Hong Kong.

Reference: [2] The Steering Committee 2024-2025 is made up of 15 members, each of whom are chancellors, vice-chancellors or presidents of APRU universities, or staff from the APRU International Secretariat:[3] Gene Block — Chancellor, UCLA Headed by the Chief Executive, the APRU International Secretariat coordinates the agenda and programs of APRU.

The Secretariat also plays an instrumental role in driving APRU's communications and global outreach.

The Secretariat is currently based in Hong Kong and located at the Cyberport.