The IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Sister Chapters Program (SCP)-2024 has demonstrated itself as a highly successful and efficient platform for promoting global collaboration among chapters. Driving technological advancements and enhancing professional development within the communications engineering community. With 200+ chapters worldwide, the ComSoc SCP fosters local engagement and global collaboration by connecting chapters from diverse regions and cultures to strengthen international ties and professional growth. The program started in 2023 and continued in 2024, and it received an excellent response. There were 10 chapters in 2023; in 2024, 23 chapters worked together in pairs.

The SPC Committee is composed of the following individuals:

• Mohab Mangoud, Chair

• Ana Garcia Armada, Vice President, Member and Global Activities

• Ricardo Veiga, ComSoc BoG Member-At-Large

• Ranga Rao Venkatesha Prasad, ComSoc Member Services Director

• Trish Jaraicie, Director of Membership and Marketing

The Program

The initial idea was proposed by Ricardo Veiga and Ana Garcia in 2023 and coordinated by Mohab Mangoud. It was successfully piloted in 2023. The program is to bring geographically diverse chapters together for almost one year continuously. The idea is to encourage cross-cultural interactions and cooperation. Usually, the activities are held with the local challenges and issues in mind. However, opening to the world stage will make learning, especially soft skills (interactions, presentation to different audiences), highly fulfilling. We allowed the chapters to come up with their counterpart and apply them; we also asked the chapters with no counterparts to use and propose their ideas for interactions. We then paired the chapters, ensuring that the chapters were geographically apart and that diversity was embedded in making the pairs. Except for one group, all the chapter pairs were geographically far away.

Funding

Initially, ComSoc supported chapter pairs with funding based on various criteria and the programs they had conceptualized. Additionally, a reserved amount was allocated to recognize and reward pairs that demonstrated exceptional collaboration and provided a comprehensive account of their activities, encouraging chapters to go the extra mile.

The Targets

The chapters were briefed at the beginning about the program, and the participants were asked to keep an eye on the following: (a) Exchange information about the problems, challenges, and unique issues that are geographically rooted. (b) Bring resourceful persons to the fore and help members in the chapter pairs to benefit. (c) We instructed the chapter chairs not to get into the technology trap and devise programs different from the usual technical talks. (d) We also asked the chapter pairs to dedicate a few minutes to building friendships and exchanging the best practices. (e) The idea is to foster cross-learning and to learn how to interact on a highly diverse platform/stage.

With the above targets in mind, the chapters were provided with small funding, and all the chapters were brought on one platform. To support each other, we established a WhatsApp group to disseminate the programs, enabling faster communication and providing answers to the chapters, which can also help other chapters.

Awarding

The awards subcommittee developed a selection system to recognize the best five-chapter pairs based on diversity and impact, granting achievement awards and additional funding. The process prioritized activity variety and diversification. For evaluation, the Sister Chapters Awards Subcommittee will collect reports by December 1st, covering joint technical activities (meetings, conferences, training programs), public relations efforts (media engagement, public meetings, student outreach), student branch activities (engagement and professional growth), and membership development (growth and recognition, including IEEE Fellow and Senior Member elevation).

In the 2023 pilot program, only 10 chapters were selected to participate, divided into two groups, with each group collaborating internally. However, in 2024, the program format evolved to enhance global cooperation. The 2024 Sister Chapters Program (SCP) introduced a new structure by pairing chapters directly to foster closer collaboration. A total of 11 sister chapter pairs (23 chapters) were formed, uniting chapters from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds. This new approach also allowed chapters to form partnerships across different IEEE regions. Each sister chapter pair actively engages in research exchange, professional development initiatives, and community-driven projects, further strengthening the global ComSoc network. The program promotes cross-cultural exchange and drives innovation by encouraging knowledge-sharing and joint activities. Below is the list of 11 sister chapter pairs participating in the IEEE ComSoc Sister Chapters Program 2024:

The following are some snippets from the program activities.

Bahrain-Karachi Sister Chapters: Harnessing AI for Network Innovation

The Bahrain-Karachi partnership delivered six webinars on AI in Communication Networks, covering Digital Twin Networks and Generative AI in 5G. Their IEEE vTools Training Workshop enhanced volunteer engagement and chapter management, fostering academic and industry collaboration.

The Austin and UAE chapters spearheaded projects on Large Language Models (LLMs) in Telecommunications, co-hosting the IEEE ComSoc competition with MathWorks. Their collaboration during the Future Networks World Forum (FNWF) included panels on Smart Cities and 6G technologies, complemented by a Student Leadership Summit and Women in Engineering sessions promoting inclusivity and leadership. A November hybrid Distinguished Lecturer (DL) event further solidified their knowledge exchange.

Argentina-Colombia-Trinidad & Tobago Sister Chapters: Empowering the Next Generation

This tri-nation partnership ignited student engagement through Café Científico sessions in Argentina, highlighting ComSoc benefits and projects. The Scientific Paper Expo on Communications in Colombia attracted over 150 participants, while workshops in Trinidad & Tobago explored emerging communication technologies. Their combined efforts resulted in new student branches and a significant increase in membership.

San Diego-Kerala Sister Chapters: Pioneering 6G Research and Professional Development

The San Diego-Kerala collaboration focused on the 6G Summit: 6G & Beyond, emphasizing secure, resilient communication networks for disaster management. They hosted a lecture series on achieving IEEE Senior Member and Fellow status and organized a Young Professionals (YP) meet, fostering mentorship and cross-regional professional growth.

Bangalore-Spain Sister Chapters: AI Driving the Future of Communications

Bangalore and Spain chapters held AI-centric events, including the Women in Communications Engineering (WICE) event on AI in Communications and a hybrid event on AI’s Role in the Telecommunications Sector, bridging academia and industry through collaborative research.

Chile-Ecuador Sister Chapters: Innovating for Societal Impact

The Chile-Ecuador collaboration emphasized societal resilience via technology. TELECOM 2024 celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day while research on IoT-based Early Warning Systems aimed at improving disaster preparedness in seismic regions, highlighting technology’s role in public safety.

Malaysia-Sri Lanka Sister Chapters: Advancing V2X and ITS Technologies

Malaysia and Sri Lanka chapters hosted webinars on V2X Technologies and 5G/6G Spectrum Strategies. Their Virtual Distinguished Lecturer Program featured prominent industry leaders, sparking global conversations on mobility’s future and telecommunications innovations.

Delhi-Lebanon Sister Chapters: Exploring the Frontiers of 6G and Cybersecurity

Delhi and Lebanon explored emerging 6G technologies and cybersecurity through workshops like Unlocking the Potential of 6G and lectures on Dark Web Anonymity Networks. Their LaTeX Scientific Writing Workshop enhanced academic writing, while student branches at key universities bolstered membership.

Final Words

The above collaborations exemplify the transformative power of the IEEE ComSoc Sister Chapters Program. By fostering cross-cultural partnerships, promoting professional excellence, and nurturing technical innovation, the SCP continues to shape the future of global communications engineering. The IEEE ComSoc Sister Chapters Program 2024 brought together a dynamic group of chapter chairs whose leadership was pivotal in fostering international collaboration and innovation. The program featured Jacques Demerjian, Román Lara, Zhensheng Zhang, Miguel Gutierrez Gaitan, Vivek Ashok Bohara, Muhammad Ary Murti, Diana Dawoud, Wafeeq Ajoor, Fawzi Behmann, Stefano Giordano, and Umair Ahmed Korai Baloch. Their efforts were complemented by Mohamad Yusoff Alias, Yasitha Harshanath, Anindya Saha, Tao Huang, Javier Prieto, Massimiliano Pierobon, Jesus Vazquez, Romeo C. Velarde, Diana Briceño, Manoj BS, Sachin Ganpat, and Milton D. Marche. These chairs were crucial in spearheading groundbreaking research, professional development initiatives, and community-driven projects, significantly contributing to the program’s success and reinforcing the global IEEE ComSoc network.

Looking forward to 2025, the program aims to broaden its reach, engage more chapters, and deepen international partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to diversity, innovation, and community-building, the SCP is poised to keep IEEE ComSoc at the forefront of advancing technology for humanity.

For more information on participating or exploring upcoming collaborations, visit the [IEEE ComSoc Sister Chapters Program page] (https://www.comsoc.org/membership/chapters/sister-chapter-program).