After years of discussions and preparations, it was finally decided in October 1999 during the International Astronautical Congress in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that the Asia Pacific Regional Round would be created, covering countries throughout Asia as well as Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Five months later, in March 2000, the first Asia Pacific Regional Round was held, organised by Mr. Ricky J. Lee and Prof. Alexis Goh.

From its first year in 2000, the Asia Pacific Regional Round has been the largest region in the Lachs Moot, continuing that record in 2004 with 16 teams participating in Sydney and several more in the domestic funding competitions in China and India. The record of 40 participating teams was achieved in 2006, reflecting the exponential growth of interest in space law in the Asia Pacific Region.

The Asia Pacific Regional Champions have gone on to capture the Manfred Lachs Trophy in the world finals on three occasions, in 2001 (the National University of Singapore), 2003 and 2006 (the University of Auckland). On three other occasions, the Asia Pacific Regional Champions have been First Runners-Up at the World Finals.