The R10SC united 150 students, young professionals and women in engineering, computer science and allied fields from the Asia Pacific Region, from all countries between Japan and Pakistan, to explore ideas, develop skills and discuss issues in their profession.
With a theme of "emerging technologies", the host of the event was The University of Auckland's IEEE Student Branch.
Hengjie Wang, President of the IEEE student branch and organising committee, commented: "The IEEE fosters an environment that stimulates the collaboration of world-changing technologies, and inspires future leaders; both being an integral part of the R10SC. We were thrilled to have ABB as our Principal Sponsor, and everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the professional, technical and social aspects of the R10SC."
In the principal sponsor's address ABB's New Zealand Managing Director Grant Gillard welcomed the delegates:
"Engineering is at the core of our activities," said Grant. "We are proud to support the next generation of engineers, and the theme of emerging technologies is an essential part of our own business strategy".
Left: Grant Gillard gives his principal sponsors address. Right: ABB's Grant Gillard (second from right) at the opening of the event with (from left) Hengjie Wang, Josheel Pran Lal (Vice president, IEEE organizing committee), and Professor Michael Davies (Dean of Engineering, The University of Auckland)
Simon Walton and Dustin Murdock, from ABB's Power Electronics team in Napier, represented ABB as part of the official programme, presenting a paper each in the emerging technology seminars on the second day.
Hengjie Wang presenting Simon Walton (left) and Dustin Murdock (right) with thank you gifts at the official congress dinner.
This is the first time the event has been held in New Zealand since its inception in 2002, and this was the first time ever that the event has combined the student, GOLD and WIE programs.
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world's largest professional association dedicated to the advancement of technological innovation and excellence. It boasts over 400,000 members from 160 countries, including over 90,000 students and over 50,000 members of Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), IEEE's affinity group for young professionals. Region 10 (also referred to as the Asia-Pacific region) comprises 57 local geographical sections and student branches at over 500 universities. It encompasses a geographical area from South Korea and Japan in the north-east, to New Zealand in the south, and Pakistan in the west. With a membership of over 73,000, it is the largest region in the IEEE.
ABB (www.abb.co.nz) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 130,000 people.
