The APFHRM has evolved from its beginnings in 1977 when Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, India and Indonesia were represented at a HR conference in Manila, Philippines. From this time, the Federation has grown and become a more representative body of the region and now has members from the following countries:

Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The APFHRM joined the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) as a full member in 1980, four years after the WFPMA formed in 1976. The WFPMA was founded to aid the development and improve the effectiveness of professional people management all over the world.