Message from the R10 Director – Following the 2026 IEEE Region 10 Annual General Meeting at Kitakyushu

The 2026 IEEE Region 10 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was successfully held in Kitakyushu, Japan, on March 28–29, 2026, at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all delegates, volunteers, and IEEE staff who contributed to this important gathering, as well as to our gracious hosts, including the IEEE Japan Council, IEEE Fukuoka Section, and our partners in Kitakyushu City.

Over the two days of the AGM, we had the opportunity to engage in productive discussions on the future direction of Region 10. The meeting brought together leaders from across North Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific, reflecting the diversity and strength of our Region. Through open dialogue and collaborative exchange, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing IEEE’s mission in a rapidly evolving technological and societal landscape.

During the meeting, we reviewed the continued growth of Region 10. With 63 Sections, more than 1,100 Chapters, and an expanding network of Affinity Groups and Student Branch Chapters, Region 10 continues to strengthen its organizational footprint. At the same time, we recognized important challenges, including sustaining student engagement and further expanding industry participation. Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensuring long-term vitality and member value.

A key focus of this AGM was governance and the preparation for the upcoming 2028 Region Realignment. As previously communicated, 2026 is positioned as a “preparation year,” and we are making steady progress toward this transition. During the meeting, we discussed and advanced important measures, including the development of governance frameworks, financial planning, and structural alignment for the future Regions 10 and 11.

In particular, we confirmed our direction on financial reserve allocation and regional assessment alignment, ensuring a fair, transparent, and sustainable foundation for both Regions. We also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening governance processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting inclusive leadership structures, including the continued adoption of mechanisms such as the Co-Chair system.

The AGM also provided valuable opportunities to hear from IEEE global leadership, including perspectives from IEEE officers and organizational units. These discussions reinforced the importance of aligning Region 10 activities with IEEE-wide priorities, including member engagement, technical excellence, and global collaboration.

Equally important were the many informal interactions throughout the meeting — conversations that strengthened trust, built connections, and fostered new ideas. These moments remind us that IEEE is not only a professional organization but also a global community built on collaboration and shared purpose.

As we move forward, I encourage all leaders and volunteers across Region 10 to continue working together in the spirit of “One IEEE.” The path toward 2028 requires careful preparation, mutual understanding, and collective effort. By building on our strong foundation and embracing both continuity and innovation, we can ensure that Region 10 remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.

Let us view the upcoming realignment not simply as organizational change, but as an opportunity to thoughtfully shape the future of IEEE in Asia and the Pacific.

Thank you for your continued dedication and leadership.