IEEE Computer Society Region 10 (Asia-Pacific)
Newsletter — Q1 2026
Foreword from the R10 GAC Coordinator
Dear IEEE Computer Society Volunteers, Chapter Leaders, and Members across Region 10,
The first quarter of 2026 has been a landmark period for the IEEE Computer Society in the Asia-Pacific region. From the successful convening of the R10 Society Congress in Kathmandu, Nepal, to vibrant chapter activities spanning India Area, Southern Area, Northern Area and Australia and New Zealand area, our community has demonstrated exceptional commitment to technical excellence, volunteer engagement, and societal impact.
This newsletter brings together highlights from across the region — chapter events, congress proceedings, membership initiatives, and collaborative milestones — as a testament to the collective strength of our IEEE Computer Society family in Region 10.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all chapter chairs, coordinators, and volunteers whose tireless efforts make this vibrant ecosystem possible. Let us continue to advance technology for humanity.
Mini Ulanat & Tariq Soomro Region 10 GAC Coordinators, IEEE Computer Society
Looking Ahead — R10 Priorities for 2026
Building on the momentum of Q1, the IEEE CS Region 10 community is focused on the following strategic priorities:
- Expanding Technology Summits on Agentic AI and Quantum Computing across R10 chapters.
- Launching the All India CS Student Congress and TechX initiatives.
- Increasing vTools reporting compliance for chapter grants and recognition eligibility.
- Advancing humanitarian technology projects with inter-chapter collaboration.
- Growing the Global Incubator Pilot and Tech Socials to widen community outreach.
- Aligning R10 programmes with national technology priorities across Asia-Pacific.
R10 Society Congress 2026 — Kathmandu, Nepal
Chapter Reports Presented
Representatives from Pune (Dr. Rajesh Ingle), Madhya Pradesh (Dr. Durgesh Mishra), Philippines (Ethyl Joy), Karachi (Dr. Sadiq Ali Khan), Delhi (Dr. Shyam Tyagi), Bhubaneswar (H.K. Ratha), Bangalore (Dr. Abhishek Appaji), Kerala (Dr. Bijoy Jose), and Bangladesh presented chapter reports on activities, challenges, and achievements.
MoU — Nepal Section & Global Cybersecurity Community Forum
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between IEEE Nepal Section and the Global Cybersecurity Community Forum (Mr. Kumar Pudashine), committing to joint cybersecurity knowledge-sharing activities.
Humanitarian Technology Session
Mini Ulanat showcased impactful humanitarian projects from IEEE Kerala Section supported by IEEE CS funding, and encouraged inter-chapter collaboration on humanitarian technology projects for meaningful societal impact across Region 10.
Participation
The congress witnessed active participation from delegates representing IEEE Computer Society Chapters and leadership bodies across the Asia-Pacific region. Delegates attended from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Malaysia, and Nepal.
The participation of delegates from chapters with varying levels of maturity and operational scale enriched the congress, providing attendees with valuable perspectives on effective chapter management, volunteer development, sustainable growth strategies, and innovative approaches to delivering value to IEEE members across the region.
The congress was organised during a period marked by global geopolitical tensions and temporary air travel disruptions. Despite these unforeseen challenges, delegates from multiple countries attended, ensuring productive discussions, knowledge exchange, strategic planning, and meaningful collaboration among participating chapters.
Program Highlights
The three-day congress was designed to foster leadership development, strategic planning, chapter collaboration, professional networking, and cultural exchange. It combined formal presentations, interactive discussions, collaborative planning sessions, and cultural activities, creating a balanced and engaging experience for all participants.
Day 1: Registration, Networking, and Inaugural Ceremony
The congress commenced on 3 April 2026 with delegate registration and a welcome lunch, providing participants an opportunity to meet chapter leaders and volunteers from different countries.
Following a networking tea session, the formal Inaugural Ceremony was conducted, marking the official opening of the Congress. Distinguished guests, chapter leaders, and regional representatives welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collaboration. A special highlight was the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the IEEE Computer Society, commemorated through a cake-cutting ceremony and reflections on the Society’s global contributions to computing, technology, research, and professional development over eight decades.
The day concluded with the Host Chapter Presentation by the IEEE Computer Society Nepal Chapter, showcasing its major accomplishments, initiatives, challenges, and future plans. The evening dinner provided additional opportunities for informal networking among delegates.
80th Anniversary cake-cutting ceremony — IEEE CS Nepal Chapter 2026
Day 2: Chapter Presentations, Strategic Discussions, and Cultural Exchange
The second day served as the core technical and leadership component of the congress. It began with presentations from Region 10 Area Coordinators, who provided updates on regional initiatives, chapter development strategies, and opportunities available to chapters across Asia-Pacific.
Throughout the day, delegates participated in multiple presentation sessions where Computer Society Chapters shared their annual activities, membership growth initiatives, flagship events, technical programmes, industry collaborations, student engagement efforts, and lessons learned. Portfolio Officers and regional leadership also presented insights into chapter operations, communication strategies, student chapter development, and technical event management.
A dedicated Brainstorming and Collaborative Discussion Session enabled participants to exchange ideas on common challenges and identify opportunities for future cooperation, including volunteer engagement, chapter sustainability, membership retention, industry partnerships, and cross-border collaborations.
The formal proceedings concluded with feedback and summary sessions, followed by certificate distribution and recognition of participants. The day ended with a vibrant Cultural Programme and Traditional Nepali Dinner, where delegates experienced Nepal’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and local cuisine, further strengthening the spirit of international collaboration.
Day 3: Team Building and Cultural Exploration
The final day was dedicated to strengthening interpersonal connections and providing delegates an opportunity to experience Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage. Participants took part in a team-bonding and sightseeing programme designed to encourage informal interaction beyond the formal congress setting.
The delegation visited Chandragiri Hills, where participants enjoyed panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding Himalayan landscapes while engaging in informal discussions and networking. The group also visited the historic Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), one of Nepal’s most iconic cultural and religious landmarks, allowing international delegates to gain deeper insight into the country’s history, traditions, and cultural significance.
These activities provided a relaxed environment for participants to build lasting professional relationships, discuss future collaborative opportunities, and reflect on the key outcomes of the congress. The sightseeing programme further promoted cultural understanding and strengthened the sense of community among IEEE volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
Key Outcomes and Significance
A major outcome of the congress was the strengthening of inter-chapter relationships and the identification of opportunities for future cross-border collaborations. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on joint technical events, knowledge-sharing programmes, professional development activities, and initiatives aimed at fostering greater participation among students, young professionals, researchers, and industry practitioners.
The congress was particularly significant as it was hosted by the IEEE Computer Society Nepal Chapter, which had been established only a few months prior to the event. Successfully organising a regional congress of this scale highlighted the dedication, organisational capability, and leadership of the host chapter and its volunteers.
Beyond official delegates, the congress saw active participation from members of the IEEE Nepal Section, local volunteers, student leaders, academia, researchers, and industry professionals. Their involvement enriched discussions by bringing diverse perspectives from both academic and professional domains, contributing to a comprehensive exchange of experiences and best practices.
The congress concluded with a collective commitment to advancing technical excellence, volunteer engagement, and cross-border collaboration, laying a strong foundation for future initiatives within the IEEE Computer Society community across the Asia-Pacific region.
IEEE CS India Chapter Chairs Meet — February 2026
The IEEE CS India Chapter Chairs Meeting was held on 23 February 2026 at the IEEE Bangalore Office. Chapter leaders, IEEE CS representatives, and R10 GAC volunteers from across India reviewed current activities, identified growth opportunities, and strengthened Chapter–SBC engagement.
Key Discussions
Mr. Eric Berkowitz presented membership trends and regional performance. Mr. Shivam (BoG) introduced Technology Summits on Agentic AI and Quantum Computing, the Global Incubator Pilot, the All India CS Student Congress, TechX, and Tech Socials.
Action Areas
- Timely vTools reporting to maintain active status and eligibility for grants and rebates.
- Regular Chapter–SBC interactions: mentoring, annual activity plans, and quality programming.
- DVP talks, technical workshops, hackathons, internship programmes, and summer schools.
- Strengthening industry-academia collaboration and developing an India-specific speaker directory.
- Aligning activities with national priorities in AI, Quantum Technologies, and Supercomputing.
- Effective utilisation of Emerging Technology Grants for faculty development and research.
IEEE CS Bangalore Chapter — Events 2026
The IEEE CS Bangalore Chapter delivered a rich programme of events in 2026, spanning leadership development, sustainability, student mentorship, and emerging technology education.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy Meeting Retreat | 25 Jan 2026 | Annual strategic planning retreat at The Chancery Pavillion — aligning ExeCom goals and roadmap for 2026. |
| CxO Meet | 21–22 Feb 2026 | Two-day Global CXO Accelerator Summit 2026 bridging technical expertise and executive leadership readiness. |
| IEEE GreenBit | 22 Feb 2026 | Online event on sustainable technology, energy-efficient computing, and green data centres. |
| Walk with Fellow — Dr. Venugopal K R | 7 Mar 2026 | Fellows and senior members mentored students at Kukkarahalli Lake, Mysore. |
| CS Week | 30 Mar – 4 Apr 2026 | IEEE CS 80th Anniversary celebration at BMSCE Bangalore with multiple tech events. |
| Hitchhiker’s Guide to MLOps | 16–17 May 2026 | Two-day workshop and hackathon at NIE South Campus covering the complete MLOps lifecycle. |
| IamPro | Year-long 2026 | Student internship and mentorship programme covering AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Cloud, and IoT. |
| GirlGeeks | Year-long 2026 | Flagship programme fostering innovation and leadership among women engineering students. |
| Cyber Awareness Talks | Feb–Jun 2026 | Expert talks on Cyber Security topics delivered online and at universities. |
| Student CS Chapter Inaugurations | Year-long | New CS Chapters at SJCE Mysore, Brindavan College, KLE Hubali, Sapthagiri NPS College, VCET Puttur. |
Event Highlights
Strategy Meeting Retreat Workshop
The annual strategic planning retreat was held at The Chancery Pavillion, Bangalore on 25 January 2026. The ExeCom aligned goals, priorities, and the roadmap for the year ahead in a focused one-day session.
CxO Meet — Global CXO Accelerator Summit 2026
Held on 21–22 February 2026 at The Chancery Pavillion, this two-day leadership accelerator programme was designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and executive leadership readiness.
IEEE GreenBit
Held online on 22 February 2026, IEEE GreenBit brought together practitioners and researchers working on energy-efficient computing, green data centres, and the role of technology in environmental sustainability.
Walk with Fellow — Dr. Venugopal K R
An initiative that brings IEEE Fellows and senior members to mentor and interact with students and professionals informally. The walk was held at Kukkarahalli Lake, Mysore on 7 March 2026.
SAC Annual Plan Meeting & SBC Advisor Meet
The Student Activity Committee Annual Plan Meeting (16 May, BMSCE) and the SBC Advisor & Chair Meeting (12 March, online) set the agenda for student community support and year-long chapter activities.
GirlGeeks
GirlGeeks is a flagship programme by the IEEE CS Bangalore Chapter, dedicated to fostering innovation, technical excellence, and leadership among women engineering students and industry professionals across India.
Cyber Awareness Talks
Expert talks on diverse Cyber Security topics were delivered online and at universities from February to June 2026, drawing strong participation from students and professionals.
Student CS Chapter Inaugurations
New IEEE Computer Society Student Branch Chapters were inaugurated at SJCE Mysore, Brindavan College of Engineering, KLE Hubali, Sapthagiri NPS College, and VCET Puttur — expanding the CS footprint across Karnataka.
IEEE CS Bhubaneswar Chapter — Q1 2026 Highlights
Chair: Er. Hare Krishna Ratha, SMIEEE
The IEEE CS Chapter, Bhubaneswar Section (CH11163) conducted 12+ technical talks and expert sessions in Q1 2026 covering AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, 5G, and Healthcare Technologies.
Technical Talks & Expert Sessions
| Date | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Jan | Optimisation in Everything: An AI Perspective | Dr. Junali Jasmine Jena |
| 9 Jan | Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Era | Dr. Kaveri Das |
| 16 Jan | Agentic AI: From Autonomous Networks to Smart Cities | Dr. Ashis Kumar Pati |
| 30 Jan | Identification of Heart Disease from ECG | Dr. Malaya Kumar Nath |
| 6 Feb | Digital Tools for Research & Paper Writing | Dr. Suraj Sharma |
| 13 Feb | AI-Driven Adaptive Wavefront Sensing | Dr. Nagendra Kumar |
| 20 Feb | Machine Learning in 5G Wireless Systems | Dr. Harish Kumar Sahoo |
| 27 Feb | AI-Powered Cybersecurity | Mr. Jayant Kumar Panda |
| 6 Mar | Role of AI in Neuroscience | Dr. Sanjay Saxena |
| 13 Mar | Deep Learning for Healthcare & Industry 4.0 | Dr. Celia Shahnaz |
| 20 Mar | Agentic AI in Combating Deepfakes | Dr. Anjali Diwan |
| 27 Mar | Human-Computer Interaction using ML | Dr. Sriparna Saha |
Conference Participation & Student Engagement
- ODICON-2026 (21 Feb) — Participation at ITER, SOA University covering power engineering, communication, and computing.
- CINE-2026 (12–14 Mar) — Technical co-sponsorship at KIIT-DU; first multi-institutional IEEE CS student delegation.
- ETIIA 2026 (21 Mar) — Strong academic-industry interaction at Lemon Tree Premier, Bhubaneswar.
- IC-ICNS 2026 (26–28 Mar) — Technical co-sponsorship with free registrations for IEEE student members.
- XPLORA INNOVATHON 2026 (11 Feb) — 24-hour hackathon fostering innovation and problem-solving.
- KIIT CS Student Branch Chapter inaugurated on 28 February 2026.
Chapter Activities in Pictures
IEEE CS Karachi Chapter — ICISCT 2026
The 4th International Conference on Information Science and Communication Technology (ICISCT 2026) was held on 15–16 April 2026, jointly organised by UBIT, University of Karachi and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), with technical backing from IEEE and collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission. The conference united academics, researchers, and technology professionals from over 10 countries, with more than 20 keynote speakers and 30+ research papers presented across two days and two venues. All accepted papers are indexed in IEEE Xplore.
Day One — Technical Sessions at SSUET
Plenary sessions covered diverse emerging technology domains. Plenary I featured talks on deepfakes and AI in education from Dr Tariq Rahim Soomro (IoBM Karachi), AI-driven university transformation from Dr Sohrab Khan (Balochistan University), and ethical challenges of generative AI from Prof Dr Sajjad Ahmad Madani (COMSATS). Plenary II focused on AI-powered healthcare diagnostics and robotic surgery (Prof Dr Muazzam A. Khan Khattak, QAU), Islamic ethical frameworks for AI (Dr Salman Ahmed, GIKI), and Multi-Criteria Decision Making applications (Prof Dr S. M. Aqil Burney).
Day Two — International Voices at ICCBS, University of Karachi
The second day convened at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, with speakers from Oman, Australia, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Pakistan. Plenary III addressed the trajectory from large language models toward artificial general intelligence, digital sovereignty, and responsible AI governance in banking. Plenary IV covered smart farming via IoT and AI, AI as foundational infrastructure, and the implications of AI-enabled autonomous systems for cybersecurity.
“The most valuable skill in the agentic era will not be prompt engineering — it will be judgement.” — Prof Rabie A. Ramadan, University of Nizwa, Oman
The closing ceremony summarised contributions from over 20 speakers across 10+ countries, covering AI sovereignty, agentic systems, VR healthcare training, and semantic plagiarism detection. Paper submissions came from institutions across Pakistan (SSUET, NED, FAST-NUCES, UET Peshawar, GIKI, COMSATS) and internationally from Indonesia and Azerbaijan.
IEEE CS Philippines Chapter — Quantum Roadshow PH 2026
The IEEE Philippine Chapters are set to launch the Quantum Roadshow PH, a landmark joint initiative to advance quantum technology education and research across the Philippines. Scheduled for 17–21 August 2026, the roadshow will visit three major academic institutions: De La Salle University (August 17), Cavite State University (August 19), and the University of the Philippines Diliman (August 21).
The initiative is designed to bridge global research standards with local development needs — sharing knowledge on quantum computing and quantum communications, facilitating gap analysis workshops, and building a foundation for a sustainable national quantum ecosystem. The roadshow will culminate in a white paper capturing findings and recommendations for policymakers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders.
Programme Highlights
| Date | Venue | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | De La Salle University, Manila | Keynote Session: Quantum Engineering, Quantum Supply Chain in Asia, Quantum Internet; National Landscape Session; Open Forum |
| Aug 18 | Travel Day | Quantum Education Gap Analysis Workshop |
| Aug 19 | Cavite State University, Indang | Keynote Session; National Landscape Session; Open Forum; Gap Analysis Workshop |
| Aug 20 | Travel Day | Quantum Education Gap Analysis Workshop; Travel to Manila |
| Aug 21 | University of the Philippines Diliman | Open Guest Lectureship — Technical sessions for students and faculty |
Invited Speakers
Three distinguished IEEE speakers have been confirmed for the roadshow. Dr Himanshu Thapliyal (IEEE Computer Society Distinguished Speaker) will present on Quantum Engineering Education and Research. Ms Reena Dayal (IEEE Computer Society Distinguished Speaker) will address the Quantum Supply Chain in Asia. Dr Robert Malaney (IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Speaker) will cover the Next Wave of Connectivity: Quantum Internet. Dr Malaney is confirmed for the UP Diliman guest lectureship; Dr Thapliyal and Ms Dayal are tentatively confirmed.
Activity Objectives
The roadshow aims to share quantum education and research initiatives led by IEEE experts; present the current state of quantum education and research in the Philippines; facilitate open discussions on national quantum development; conduct workshops on identifying curriculum, skills, and infrastructure gaps; promote networking among IEEE members and non-members; and support IEEE and IEEE Computer Society membership growth.
IEEE CS Kerala Chapter — Q1–Q2 2026 Highlights
The IEEE Computer Society Kerala Chapter continued to strengthen student engagement, professional development, entrepreneurship, women in computing, scholarship awareness, and technology-for-society initiatives through a series of impactful programs conducted across Kerala during 2026.
AGM 2026 | 28 February 2026
The Annual General Meeting reviewed the chapter’s achievements during 2025, presented financial reports, announced the 2026 annual plan, and formally inducted the new leadership team. Dr. Mini Ulanat, IEEE CS Region 10 GAC Coordinator, attended as Chief Guest.
FOUNDHER | 8 March 2026
Conducted on International Women’s Day in collaboration with WITE, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), and IEDC. Speaker Anju Devi shared insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, confidence building, networking, and opportunities for women in technology.
PRANKRAFT | 4–8 April 2026
A statewide creativity challenge organized with IEEE CS SBC Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology and IEEE CS SBC GEC Thrissur. The event promoted innovation, teamwork, and intercollegiate collaboration among students.
All About REM & UPE | 25 April 2026
IEEE Computer Society Kerala Chapter held an online session titled “All about REM & UPE” to educate its members about the REM and UPE Scholarship for Spring 2026 on 25th April 2026. The session was led by the speakers Mr. Navaneeth K B, Chairperson, 2025, IEEE CS SBC RSET & REM Scholar Spring 2025, and Ms. Reema Shaji, Chevening Scholar 2025-26 & UPE Scholar Spring 2022. The speakers elucidated scholarship application procedures, selection criteria, and associated advantages. The session facilitated student comprehension of successful application strategies.
ELEVER 6.0 – Bug to Business | May 2026
The IEEE Computer Society Kerala Chapter successfully completed Task 1 of ELEVER 6.0, titled “Bug to Business.” The challenge encouraged participants to identify real-world software bugs, glitches, or broken user experiences and transform them into innovative startup ideas through a concise three-line business pitch. The competition witnessed several creative submissions from students across Kerala. Gowri Mohandas from Carmel College of Engineering & Technology secured the first prize, while Abu Thahir Abdul Wahid Bushra and Mamta Damodaran from Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology won the second and third prizes, respectively. In the leaderboard standings, Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology secured the top position with 71 points, followed by Carmel College of Engineering & Technology with 26 points and Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology with 24 points.
GasUndo – Technology for Social Impact
GasUndo, a community-focused platform developed during Kerala’s LPG crisis and created by Viswanatha Kartha V, Initiative Lead, GSAC 2026, and Vaishakh Suresh, Joint Secretary – Industry Relations, IEEE CS Kerala Chapter Professional Execom 2026, showcased the potential of technology-driven social impact. The application allowed the public to identify restaurants that remained open throughout the shortage, providing the community with reliable information while backing local businesses during a difficult time. GasUndo was widely acclaimed for its timely impact and social significance, reflecting IEEE volunteers’ commitment to developing novel solutions that directly benefit society.
Editorial
This newsletter has been compiled from chapter reports, congress proceedings, and event summaries submitted by IEEE CS chapter leaders across Region 10. Chapters featured in this edition:
- IEEE CS Bangalore Chapter
- IEEE CS Bhubaneswar Chapter
- IEEE CS Nepal Chapter (Host — R10 Society Congress 2026)
- IEEE CS India Chapter Chairs Collective
- IEEE CS Karachi Chapter
- IEEE CS Philippines Chapter
- IEEE CS Kerala Chapter
For contributions to the next newsletter, please contact your R10 GAC Coordinator.
Stay Connected
- Website: https://asiapacific.computer.org/
- LinkedIn: IEEE Computer Society Region 10
Acknowledgement: IEEE Computer Society Region 10 | Newsletter Q1 2026.