In 1968, a group of Filipino entrepreneurs led by Leandro "Biboy" Enriquez founded the Miss Asia Quest Inc., a non profit organization whose main objective was to promote peace and goodwill and enhance trade and tourism among the participating nations.  The formal search for Miss Asia began with the selection of the Philippine representative known as Mutya ng Pilipinas and the crowning of Miss Asia in December 1968.

From 1968 to 1983 this pageant was called Miss Asia Quest, open to all nations in Asia and Oceania.   It was held annually in the Philippines, except for 1981 & 1982 in Malaysia.  In 1984, when the pageant was held in New Zealand, the title was changed to Miss Asia Pacific Quest after the inclusion of entries from Central and South America, including the U.S.A. and Canada, whose borders touched the Pacific Ocean.  It was held in Hong Kong in 1985 to 1989 before returning to the Philippines.

In 2005 China hosted the pageant, renamed Miss Asia Pacific International with the participation of countries from all over the world.  It has not been held since.

Sincere appreciation to these contributors: Anuar bin Othman, Cecilio Gentapa, David Aizik, Ennis Bergman, Eve Tam Chuck-Yan, Leanne Sorby, Maddy Sharma & Orland Michael Yumang,  If anyone has been unintentionally overlooked, please inform the webmaster.