What do you get when you combine cutting-edge research, international travel, and the curiosity of bright minds? A whirlwind summer tour as an IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Distinguished Lecturer! My journey across South Korea and Taiwan in 2024 was an exhilarating blend of intellectual engagement, cultural exploration, and a sprinkle of jet lag.

My first talks as an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer began with two virtual discussions: the first as an invited speaker for the IEEE ComSoc Young Professionals Webinar in June 2024, followed by a Virtual Distinguished Lecture for the IEEE ComSoc Bahrain and Karachi Section Chapters in July 2024. With a click of the mouse and voilà — I was beaming into the screens of attendees halfway across the world.

However, as any good adventurer knows, the real magic happens on the ground.

South Korea — Where Innovation Thrives

South Korea greeted me with bustling cities, historic palaces, and, most importantly, eager students and researchers. My talks at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Kyunghee University were hosted by incredible scholars who made me feel right at home.

My lecture focused on “AI-Assisted Network Services over Federated Open Networks in 5G and Beyond,” and we had sparking discussions on how artificial intelligence can enhance network management and ensure security in 5G and 6G environments with federated and open network ecosystems. South Korea’s leadership in 5G technology made it an ideal setting to explore these ideas, and the insights exchanged were both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Between seminars, I took a moment to explore Seoul’s vibrant cityscapes. From indulging in bibimbap to wandering the serene grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace and a traditional village, I was in awe of the perfect harmony between tradition and innovation.

The tour concluded with a visit to Pusan National University in Busan, where I experienced the serene coastal charm of South Korea’s second-largest city. The discussions were as refreshing as the sea breeze, with topics ranging from next-gen networks and testbeds to graduate school and career development.

Taiwan — Where Technology Meets Tradition

In August, I hopped to Taiwan, a haven for technological advancement. My first stop was National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, where the hospitality was as warm as the tropical climate.

Continuing with my lecture on “AI-Assisted Network Services over Federated Open Networks in 5G and Beyond,” I was impressed by Taiwan’s emphasis on innovation and the collaborative spirit of its academic community. Discussions delved into AI’s role in various areas, including network resilience and autonomous systems for smart cities, with each university contributing its unique perspective.

The itinerary was packed, with visits to four institutions in two days, crossing the country from south to north, by taxi and high-speed train. Starting from the National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, other institutions I visited include National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Tainan, National Chung Hsing University in Taichung, and National Taiwan University in Taipei. I discovered that the suffixes “nan,” “chung,” and “pei” of the city names mean south, center, and north, respectively. Each university brought its flavor to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in shaping the future of communication networks.

When I wasn’t immersed in academia, Taiwan’s vibrant night markets and scenic landscapes provided the perfect backdrop to unwind. A ferry ride to Cijin Island from Kaohsiung and a sip of bubble tea in Taipei made me realize that inspiration can strike just as quickly over research discussions as it can over street food!

Introducing the ComSoc Sister Societies Committee and WICE

At the end of each talk, I introduced the IEEE ComSoc Sister Societies Committee and Women in Communications Engineering (WICE), two initiatives close to my heart. As the current Chair of the Sister Societies Committee, I shared the committee’s mission to develop strategies and engage with various national sister societies to foster global collaboration and promote joint activities in specific disciplines. These efforts exemplify ComSoc’s commitment to bridging technological and cultural gaps while encouraging innovation through cooperation.

Additionally, as the immediate past Chair of WICE, I highlighted ComSoc’s dedication to empowering women in communications engineering. WICE promotes the visibility and roles of women communications engineers and provides a venue for their professional growth. Introducing these committees allowed me to showcase ComSoc’s broader vision for inclusivity and global engagement, inspiring members to explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The Takeaway: Beyond Borders, Into Minds

What stood out to me most during this journey wasn’t just the depth of academic discussions but the connections made. The students’ questions pushed me to think deeper, the faculty’s insights sparked new ideas, and the laughter shared over local delicacies reminded me of the universal bond of curiosity.

From Seoul’s tech labs to Taiwan’s innovation hubs, the Distinguished Lecturer Tour was more than just a series of talks. It was a bridge connecting minds, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future advancements in communication technology.

As I reflect on this summer journey, I’m brought back to a conversation with a researcher in Seoul who said, “In technology, it’s not just the breakthroughs that matter, but the bridges/connections we build along the way.” This sentiment truly encapsulated the essence of my tour. From Seoul’s tech labs to Taiwan’s innovation hubs, the Distinguished Lecturer Tour was more than just a series of talks. It was about forging connections, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future advancements in communication technology.

Here’s to more adventures, ideas, and perhaps more bubble tea!

A Heartfelt Thanks to the Hosts

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the incredible hosts at each university and chapter for their warm hospitality, meticulous planning, and engaging discussions. Their efforts made every lecture and interaction an enriching and enjoyable experience. Below is the list of my summer 2024 DL lectures and the hosts.

• IEEE ComSoc Young Professionals (YP), Webinar, Hosts: Sai Prashanth Mallellu and Virginia Pilloni, June 2024

• IEEE ComSoc Bahrain and Karachi Section Chapters, Hosts: Wafeeq Ajoor and Umair Ahmed Korai, July 2024

• Seoul National University, Seoul, S. Korea, Hosts: Byonghyo Shim and Saewoong Bahk, July 2024

• Yonsei University, Seoul, S. Korea, Host: Jong-Moon Chung, July 2024

• Kyunghee University, Seoul, S. Korea, Host: Choong Seon Hong, July 2024

• Pusan National University, Pusan, S. Korea, Hosts: Taewoon Kim and Dohoon Lee, August 2024

• National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Hosts: Chao-Kai Wen, Fan-Shuo Tseng, Chih-Peng Li, August 2024

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, Taiwan, Host: Ren-Hung Hwang, August 2024

• National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Host: Min-Kuan C. Chang, August 2024

• National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Hosts: Hung-Yu Wei and Chia-Han Lee, August 2024