May 17, 2024
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2024

IEEE R10 Newsletter February Special Edition 2024

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2024 IEEE R10 Newsletter Committee

Dr. Akila Wijethunge

Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Akila Wijethunge is a lecturer at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. She is the immediate past chair of IEEE YP Sri Lanka, past Committee member of IEEE R10 WIEC, Chair of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka, and Treasurer of lEEE PES Sri Lanka. She completed her Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. She served as the regional coordinator of IEEE R10 Talk, IEEE R10 Robotics Competition, and co-chair of the global IEEE PES Mentoring initiative.

Dr. Tao (Kevin) Huang

Managing Editor

Dr. Huang (SMIEEE) holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Dr. Huang received the IEEE Outstanding Leadership Award in 2022. He serves as the ComSoc Chapter Chair and Young Professionals Affinity Group Chair for the IEEE Northern Australia Section. Dr. Huang is an Associate Editor of the IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY, IEEE ACCESS, and IET COMMUNICATIONS.

Dr. Prashant R. Nair

Managing Editor

Dr. Prashant R. Nair is working as Vice-Chairman, IQAC and Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Deemed-to-be-University), Coimbatore, India since 2000. Has taught in academic programs in the USA and Europe at University of California, San Diego; Sofia University, Bulgaria and University of Trento, Italy as an Erasmus fellow. He has also been ranked as top innovation mentor in India by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and felicitated by Prime Minister of India.

Takefumi Yamada

Managing Editor

Regarding as IEEE volunteer, from 2011 he got IEEE membership. From 2012-2013 he was chair of Student Branch in Tokyo University of science. From 2014-2019 he created Nagoya YP as vice-chair with excellent engineers and researchers. In 2019 he was chair in Nagoya YP. From 2020 he is YP coordinator in IEEE Japan Council. He hold IEEE Japan SYWL in 2021 and in 2022 as chair. From 2023, he is Secretary of IEEE Japan Council IPC .

Anu Sabu

Managing Editor

Sajani Mayadunne

Managing Editor

Beginning my journey as a youth volunteer after schooling, I discovered my passion for volunteering, which even led me to represent Sri Lanka in the UN. Later, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for IEEE, where I held positions in the IEEE Computer Society Sri Lanka as well as the IEEE Student Activities Committee. Through these, I was able to gain knowledge and experience that allowed me to give back to the community. I wish to keep volunteering as I learn to make an impact in the world.

Kavinda Athapaththu

Webmaster

A philomath

Akarsh Ashok

Webmaster

Akarsh Ashok, is currently pursuing his M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from NSS College of Engineering Palakkad. He has been actively volunteering with IEEE for the past 6 years. He has organised over 40 events at various levels, including SB, Section, Council, and Regional. Additionally, Akarsh has volunteered in various humanitarian and community projects, such as the HAC Project for rural areas, Zero Hunger Project, and providing emergency lamps during floods in Kerala.

Divyansh Bansal

Webmaster

Wires whisper secrets, code sings solutions, and websites blossom under my touch. As a fourth-year Mechatronics student, I navigate the dynamic landscape of electronics, microcontrollers, and web development. Honing my skills within the vibrant IEEE community, I’ve transformed from tech enthusiast to leader, weaving sustainability into every project. My versatility paints a multifaceted picture: I craft intricate circuits, breathe life into websites, and even lead my own startup, Xpressbites. My academic foundation is strong, my skillset diverse, and my passion for innovation burns bright. Prepare to see me leave a lasting mark on the future of robotics and technology. This version maintains professionalism while adding a touch of creativity through metaphors and imagery.

Charindu Abeysekara

Designer

Umaya Bhashini Balagalla

Designer

Ms. Umaya Bhashini Balagalla (MIEEE) holds a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering and currently works as a lecturer attached to the Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. She has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section and the Vice Chair of the IEEE EMBS Sri Lanka Chapter for the year 2024. She was awarded the Outstanding WIE Volunteer (Member Category) of Sri Lanka Section in 2023. Further, she has earned the IEEE R10 WIE Pre-U Active Champion title in 2023. She serves as a member in Design and Graphic Team of the R10 Robotics Competition.

 

IEEE R10 Director’s Message 2024

Happy New Year to all readers and IEEE members. I wish everyone a successful and productive 2024.

It is customary that new resolutions, goals, and plans are drawn at the beginning of the new year, what are yours?

The IEEE Region 10 Executive Committee held the first meeting at Okinawa, Japan, on 6th January, 2024. 39 delegates, including members of the 2023/2024 R10 Executive Committee, Nomination and Advisory Committee, Chair of Fukuoka Section, Chair of Japan Council, and staff from IEEE Asia-Pacific Office attended.

I addressed the meeting with eight words start with the letter “R”, to inform, challenge and inspire the delegates.

  1. Refresh – As IEEE volunteers, we need to refresh our mind on why we do what we do. The focus should be aligned with the IEEE MGA Mission and Vision on Inspire, Enable, Empower and Engage members of IEEE.
  2. Report – I reported my engagements and activities in 2023, which had incurred over 20 overseas trips, more than 100 individual flights and many presentations online or in person each month!
  3. Review – IEEE Membership numbers updated from November, 2023 illustrated 40% of the IEEE members are now residing in R10.
  4. Regroup – I gave an overview of the 2024 ExCom members, with breakdown of diversity in gender, countries and geographical locations. 
  5. Reaffirm – The focus of IEEE R10 maintained to be in alignment with the IEEE MGA vision in 2023-2024. In particular, the tagline “R10 for RIO” was used to highlight the emphasis on Retention, Industry, and Outreach.
  6. Reflect – A question was asked, “What can we learn from Okinawa?”,  the answers being the keys of longevity of the residents on the islands.
  7. Re-engineering – The challenge is how to apply the lessons from Okinawa to R10, PU’s and Volunteering?
  8. Rejoice – Volunteering can only be sustained if volunteers are happy who they are, and believe in what they do – these should be the reasons to rejoice!

Three R10 Vice-Chairs and their committee chairs then presented their 2023 activities reports and plans for 2024 in three sessions. Each session was followed by lively participation and constructive suggestions on the proposed projects and budgets.

Chairs of the “Ethics and Enterprise Risk Management” Committee, Ad-hoc committees on “Volunteer Upskills and Enhancements”, and, “Outreach and Retention”, “Nomination and Advisory” Committee, and “Finance and Budget” also presented their plans. The meeting finished with an overview of the 2024 calendar, and R10 AGM agenda in March, 2024.

The 2024 ExCom Meeting has been very successful and productive. It was conducted in a cordial and friendly manner with fun and laughter. With the current 2024 Executive Committee, I am sure we will achieve the goals of longevity, vitality and a healthy IEEE Region 10. Thank you to all.