President’s Letter
October 2024
“We don’t fear the future, we shape it.” – President Obama’s DNC speech.
We enter the fourth quarter, with more breathing space after the online AIA International Annual General Meeting and our successful in-person events at AIA24 this summer. As we ramp up to the AIA International Conference 2024 in Hong Kong, it is timely to reflect on the financial health of our organisation – particularly sponsorship – and on our visibility efforts, such as Elevation to Fellows and our plans for AIA25.
I will report on our achievements and upcoming events for Q3 2024 later in this message.
“RESET”
Membership reflects our shared values as a global community. It unites our offshore AIA chapters, sections, and members outside these territories. It fosters pride, a sense of belonging, and a global mindset shaped by international practice and experience. It is time to reset priorities and consider giving back through service, as many of us have greatly benefited from being part of this network.
We will continue to be relevant and future-ready, with more Values, Visibility, and Voice. I urge members to step up and take on leadership roles within our committees for the upcoming year. Announcements will be made in due course.
CHALLENGES
SPONSORSHIP
In my President’s Message for Q1, I highlighted sponsorship as one of our key challenges. This challenge persists. As global markets change, we are actively diversifying our sponsor base and finding new partnerships. We need immediate support from all leadership levels to secure these relationships. I encourage everyone to reach out to your networks, contact our Executive Director with new opportunities, and MAKE a difference!
The next two months present our best opportunity to secure new sponsors for 2025, as many will have finalized their budgets for the next financial year. We must build up our financial reserves so we can continue our existing activities to serve all our members, launch exciting new initiatives and focus on strategic repositioning.
VISIBILITY
ELEVATION TO COLLEGE OF FELLOWS
While the nomination period for 2024 is now closed, we encourage more experienced AIA members to consider applying for fellowship. Some chapters have run successful programs to demystify the submission process, and I would like to see this knowledge shared widely. 2023 was an exceptional year for AIA International, with two Fellows and three Honorary Fellows elevated to the College of Fellows – of which four were from AIA Shanghai. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to our Council of Fellows representatives for support at fellowsreps@aiainternational.org. MAKE a difference!
AIA INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AT AIA25
The AIA25 Call for Proposals is open! We are developing our strategy to maximise our presence and visibility at AIA25, including submitting our proposal. With AIA National’s focus on international growth, we have a real opportunity to elevate our member’s visibility and contribute to discussions around international practice.
Remember, the AIA25 Call for Proposals is open through October 23 – we encourage interested members to submit your ideas. MAKE a difference!
We must continue to strengthen AIA International’s leadership as both a State and Chapter component, through financial growth, an increase in Fellows, and a strong platform at AIA25.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Finally, let me recognize some of our notable achievements in Q3 of 2024 and upcoming events in Q4, detailed further in this newsletter:
Achievements:
AIA Latin America held its first in-person gathering at Medellín Design Fair, Colombia, September 19 - 21, 2024.
AIA Sub-Saharan Africa hosted a visit to Abuja, Nigeria, by AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMA, in August 2024.
AIA South Korea and AIA Taipei co-hosted a joint event in Seoul, South Korea, on September 23.
AIA Southeast Asia Manila Conference was held in Manila, Philippines, August 30, 2024.
The AIA International Mentorship Series continued as part of the Global Mentorship program, with the latest session featuring Florence Nyole, President of the Architectural Association of Kenya.
Upcoming events:
AIA International Conference 2024 in Hong Kong, October 23 - October 27.
AIA Continental Europe Fall 2024 Conference in Bulgaria, October 24 - October 27.
Pan-American Architectural Biennale of Quito in Quito, Ecuador, November 18 – 22, supported by AIA Latin America and AIA International.
AIA Middle East Year End Conference in Doha, Qatar, November 22 - 23, 2024.
CONCLUSION
Today, we reset and refocus on our priorities to continue moving forward.
Keep well, stay connected, and see you at the AIA International Conference 2024 in Hong Kong. Happy Thanksgiving in advance!
All the best,
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA
2024-2025 AIA International President
2024 President, AIA Southeast Asia
yewkee.cheong@aiainternational.org
