President’s Letter
June 2024
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
In my first days as your President, I envisioned a re-energized organization as we crossed a new threshold into our second decade. The theme for my presidency is 3Vs in 24, emphasizing synergistic leadership. As I enter the second half of my first year, I pose two questions:
Drivers of Synergistic Leadership
How do we fare with the three Vs of Values, Visibility, and Voice, the pillars of synergistic leadership?
1st pillar: VALUE ~ Adding value through synergy by engaging National leadership.
2nd pillar: VISIBILITY ~ Enhancing visibility through synergy by collaborating across Chapters and Sections leadership.
3rd pillar: VOICES ~ Strengthening our voices through synergy by empowering Country Reps leadership.
Have we deepened our engagements Upstream with National Leadership, Across with Chapters and Sections leadership, and Downstream with Country Reps leadership?
I will report on our achievements in Q2 of 2024 towards the end of this message.
REPOSITION
In my first Presidential Message, I emphasized the need to reposition ourselves to be relevant and future-ready, as we strengthen AIA International’s leadership as both a State and Chapter component. Starting today, we begin the work of reinventing AIA International. I share three guiding principles:
1. STRENGTHEN THE CORE
The challenges we face are many: from securing funding to operate and building leadership pipelines, to providing guidance to Section leadership and Country Representatives. Some may not be met within my term, but will be addressed through a strong succession plan. Strengthening our core has begun with nominations for 2025 Vice-President from Segene Park, AIA and 2025-2026 Secretary from Stephanie Kinnick; each brings a proven wealth of experience and diverse skills. As well as a strong ExCom, it is crucial to build a more united and committed Board. This is who we are. This is what we lose when we are unable to inspire more to step up to lead. This MATTERS.
2. DEFINE A BETTER OUTCOME
We are at our best when we come together for a common purpose. Tested, proven. The pendulum needle swings to our favor. To define a better outcome, we must first believe we are global leaders; courage to imagine the volunteer organization we aspire to be, more equal and sustainable and aligned to National values. On global members outreach, we need deeper integration and seek more cross-territorial collaboration among chapters, sections and other international members. It is encouraging to see more inter-chapter exchanges, visits, and shared inter-speaker platforms. Stay true to your values. Reinforce your identity. This MATTERS.
3. SHINE THE LIGHT
“Shine the Light” is a new feature in our newsletter, highlighting members whose passionate efforts advance our values, visibility, and voice. It recognizes members who exemplify service and bring honor to our international institute. We will shine the light on them as much as their works help to shine the light on us. A positive spin. This MATTERS.
We must continue to seek ways to harness our diverse strengths to create a stronger core, a better outcome and a more visible platform to spotlight exemplary services.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Finally, let me recognize our achievements and status in Q2 of 2024:
Section Formation. New section in AIA Sub-Saharan Africa in April, joining AIA Latin America in February.
AIA International Spring Conference 2024. Record attendance with more than 3,000 live views.
Clause 2.4.2. Registered our strong opposition to the proposed bylaw amendment to Clause 2.4.2 which would “remove members…duly elected as an officer…” from the Jury’s authority and power to advance or deny advancement to Fellowship. Amendment was rejected by the AIA board.
Motion 3. Voted to reject motion to amend the bylaws to change the nomenclature of International Associates to “Internationally Licensed Architectural Professionals” during the Annual Meeting; the amendment was rejected. We will continue to engage National to define a better outcome.
AIA International’s presence at AIA24 with two events, the AIA International Celebration: A Reception Honoring Global Sections & Design Award Winners and an informal Meet AIA International gathering at the AIA Lounge.
MOU signing between AIA Southeast Asia and Ho Chi Minh City Association of Architects. I signed on behalf of AIA Southeast Asia.
Call for proposals to host the AIA International Conference 2025. Two candidates - Berlin and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Congratulations to AIA Continental Europe on their 30th anniversary!
CONCLUSION
Today, we plant the seeds to reposition. Huddle down. Press the pedal to move the needle. Together.
Keep well, stay connected, and I hope to see you at our AIA International Conference 2024 in Hong Kong this October. Oh yes, registration is open!
All the best,
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA
2024-2025 AIA International President
2024 President, AIA Southeast Asia
yewkee.cheong@aiainternational.org
