Seishi Takamura, Chair, IEEE R10 Strategic Planning & New Initiatives Committee
The R10 Strategic Planning and New Initiatives Committee (SPNIC) invites proposals for new activities and leads efforts toward Region Realignment. Volunteers are key to driving innovation, strengthening governance, and building a stronger future for IEEE in Asia-Pacific.
Technological advancements and their rapid global applications present both opportunities and challenges for IEEE’s growth. Furthermore, natural events such as pandemics and other disasters could impact IEEE’s operations. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor evolving circumstances and develop strategic plans to capitalize on opportunities while minimizing potential risks in the region. Based on this background, the R10 Strategic Planning and New Initiatives (SPNI) Committee was established in 2021, which had been under the auspices of VC Professional Activity. Its goals are set as follows: 1) Development and assessment of the strategic directions and initiation of new activities in R10, 2) Development of strategies for R10 short-term and long-term goals with roadmaps for implementing the strategies, and 3) Assist R10 Director in initiation, development, organization, and execution of activities that are strategically important for Region 10.
Starting in 2025, the SPNI Committee was positioned as independent of the VCs. At the R10 AGM held in February 2025, the following two projects were approved.
Project 1 (New Initiatives Program Fund)
This is designed to support potential new initiatives expected to empower members and communities within R10. IEEE R10 Strategic Planning and New Initiatives Committee (SPNIC) is looking for New Initiative proposals for new projects/activities/events in line with IEEE’s strategic plan, involving multiple IEEE R10 OUs and other communities working together.
Points Emphasized:
- Activities with Novelty, Quality, Feasibility, and Impact to Societies are expected
- Consider Continuity, Experience/Capability of the proposal team, and future potential
- Wide-coverage (Inter-Committee, Inter-OU, or Inter-Zone) projects are recommended
- Matching co-funding or sponsorship from other sources is expected
- Involvement of more members/non-members participation expected
Planned Budget:
- Total $10K, $1-3K /proposal
- Number of Recipients: 4-5
Schedule:
- Physical Call for Proposals was distributed at the 2025 R10 AGM. Also, a Call for Proposals via e-mail was distributed to Section/Council Chairs & Secretaries on March 13th.
- Review and selection from time to time (no proposals will be accepted after mid-October)
- Each project shall be completed by mid-November
- Receive result/interim reports by November 30
Project 2 (Towards Successful Region Realignment)
Well before the Region Realignment, we need to draft and have governmental documents (particularly the ByLaws) approved. At the same time, post-Realignment Region activities should be coordinated to ensure a smooth transition and foster collaboration among the new Regions.
Points Emphasized:
- Drafting New Bylaws for new Regions 10 and 11
- Drafting New Operations Manuals for new Regions 10 and 11
- Planning Newsletter, Website for new Regions 10 and 11
- Coordination of Flagship Conferences (TENSYMP, TENCON, HTC and SYWL)
- Harmonization with Region realignment discussions within MGA
Schedule:
- Communication with R10 Nomination and Advisory Committee: time to time
- Communication with MGA: in Feb, June and November
- Communication with R10 Conference Quality and Management Committee: time to time
- Communication with R10 Treasurer: time to time
- Draft Bylaws: by November (to be approved at 2026 R10 AGM and then submitted to 2026 June MGA Board Meeting)
- Draft Operations Manual: by November (shall be drafted under supervision of new R11 Director-Elect 2026-2027)
- New Flagship Conferences strategies: by November
The website (https://spnic.ieeer10.org) will be made available soon. We will be working with valued R10 volunteers to make above goals. Your help is essential and highly appreciated!