President's Letter - December 2024

President’s Letter

December 2024

Bruce Lee’s Ancestral Home in Guangzhou

“Be water, my friend.” – Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee—my role model, and the greatest icon as a martial artist, actor, and philosopher of Chinese-American heritage. This month, during a family trip, I visited Bruce Lee’s ancestral home in Guangzhou, China. A brick-and-wood building, it features a well-preserved interior, showcasing exhibits, photos and 3D holographic projections documenting Bruce Lee’s life, family, and love for poetry.

One of his quotes, “Be like water,” resonated deeply with me for its profound wisdom. Two lessons as I reflected on his philosophy which is inspired by the attributes of water:

  • Adaptability
    “Be like water, making its way through cracks. Adjust, and you shall find a way around or through the object.”
    As leaders, adaptability is essential to navigate new challenges and situations.

  • Fluidity
    “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.”
    Leadership requires recognize the power of yielding and be open-minded as we reset our priorities.

As the year comes to a close, my final message for 2024 centers on reflection and effective action to start the next year strong.

Below, I share reflections on the past year, followed by updates on achievements and upcoming events for Q4 2024.

REFLECTION

Almost a year has passed and what an amazing ride! From increased membership and the formation of 2 new sections to greater visibility at national conferences and a remarkable International Conference in Hong Kong. I look back in order to look forward with a sharper view. My reflections focus on the three pillars of our journey: Values, Visibility, and Voice.

ON THE 3Vs: VALUES, VISIBILITY, AND VOICE

Blessings as we balance actions with deliverables. We remain committed to advancing these three synergistic aspects of leadership:

  • VALUE

    • AIA International Conference 2024, Hong Kong
      With the theme “Architectural Intelligence,” this four-day conference welcomed over 420 attendees from 27 countries. This flagship event elevated AIA’s brand, increased visibility, and offered a global stage to celebrate the power of design.

      • Results: A highly successful event featuring compelling content, insightful discussions, and building tours.

    • Proposal for AIA International Symposium at AIA25 in Boston
      Titled “Shaping the Future of Design across Borders,” this proposed full-day symposium aims to address key challenges and opportunities for architects in a globalized world. Curated as a series of sessions, it will target both US-based and international members. Led by Jason Holland and Genie Khmelnitski, the symposium envisions participation from across the breadth of AIA International participation.

      • Status: Submitted to National for consideration.

  • VISIBILITY

    • UIA Extraordinary General Assembly, Kuala Lumpur (November 18-19, 2024)
      I was honored to be part of a two-member delegation representing AIA and the US alongside AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC at the International Union of Architects (UIA). This international organization, based in Paris, represents architecture organization from 124 countries. Highest visibility as we engaged with leaders from other countries.

      • Results: AIA participated in the assembly and voted on all 18 agenda items according to our strategic positions.

USA delegates at UIA EGA 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

VOICE

  • International Tiered Pricing Model
    To foster inclusivity, we have been collaborating with AIA over the last few months to implement a new pricing structure. This initiative will adjust International Associate membership dues rates based on the World Bank’s economic income ranking of each country. This is a major step towards making membership dues more affordable and helping expand AIA’s global community.

    • Status: Dues discounts for International Associates are being applied for 2025.

ON SERVICE

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the AIA International Board members, Conference and Committee chairs, and all AIA members who have contributed their time and expertise in service to the Institute. A special acknowledgment goes to the Board Members whose terms will end in December 2024. Some will transition to new roles, and their ongoing contributions are deeply appreciated.

  • Scott Gold, AIA, SAME, Immediate Past President (IPP).

  • Lester Korzilius, FAIA, RIBA, AIA Strategic Council Representative.

  • George Kunihiro, FAIA, FJIA, College of Fellows Representative.

  • AIA Chapter Directors:

    • Adam Pantelimon, Intl Assoc AIA, FRIBA, MRAIC

    • Russ Echols, RAIC, NCARB

    • Yimei Chan, AIA, RAIC, NCARB

    • Yasushi Nishimura, AIA

    • Stephanie Kinnick, AIA, RIBA

    • Anderson Hsieh, Intl Assoc AIA

    • Gregory Fonseca, AIA.

ON ACHIEVEMENTS

Grateful as we achieved much, with insights gained to motivate us to achieve more. Highlights include record-breaking attendance at both the AIA International Spring Conference (online) and the AIA International Conference in Hong Kong (in-person).

  • The Spring Conference drew over 1,100 registrants and 3,200 views from 104 countries.

  • The International Conference welcomed over 420 attendees from 27 countries.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to these successes!

EFFECTIVE ACTION

From quiet reflection comes effective action. Be adaptable. Go with the flow. I have some thoughts on how to move forward in the coming year. Working closely with President-Elect Segene Park, I will reveal some of the new initiatives and structural re-organization that build on our existing strengths and resources.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Finally, let me recognize some of our notable achievements from Q4 2024 and highlights of upcoming events, which are detailed further in this newsletter.

National Events

  • UIA Extraordinary General Assembly, Kuala Lumpur (November 18–19, 2024):
    AIA International was represented by Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, President of AIA, and myself as one of two registered U.S. delegates.

AIA INTL and Chapter Events and Activities

  • AIA International Conference 2024: Architectural Intelligence, Hong Kong (October 24–26, 2024).

  • AIA Continental Europe Fall 2024 Conference: Bulgaria—Ancient Places in a Modern World, Bulgaria (October 24–27, 2024).

  • Pan-American Architectural Biennale Quito (BAQ 2024): Convergences: Architectural Landscape, Quito, Ecuador (November 18–22, 2024). Supported by AIA Latin America and AIA International.

  • AIA Middle East Year-End Conference: Qatar—Morphogenesis of a Pearl, Doha, Qatar (November 22–23, 2024).

  • Emerging Professionals Mentorship Series: AIA International’s monthly sessions as part of the Global Architect mentorship program.

    • How to Present Yourself, Part 1: November 5, 2024.

    • How to Present Yourself, Part 2: November 14, 2024.

Upcoming 2025 Events

Bridging Events Across Borders

One of the most inspiring aspects of 2024 has been the collaborative efforts to bridge events across chapters, sections, and peer organizations to benefit our members across borders.

  • AIA South Korea and AIA Taipei: Cultural Continuity & Innovation, online (September 23, 2024).

  • AIA Middle East, Japan Institute of Architects, and RIBA: Events held in Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi (October 7–13, 2024).

Let’s continue building on this incredible momentum!

CONCLUSION

I end my final 2024 President’s message on a reflective mood and am grateful for the grace received. Some exciting plans for 2025 are in store. Stay tuned. 

Keep well. Stay connected.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA 
2024-2025 AIA International President
2024 President, AIA Southeast Asia
yewkee.cheong@aiainternational.org

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