IEEE Kerala: Towards a New Trajectory

As the incoming Chair of IEEE Kerala Section (IKS) for 2025, I am deeply honored to lead our vibrant community into an exciting era of growth and innovation. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all past Chairs, officers, committee members, and dedicated members who have significantly contributed to shaping the remarkable legacy of IEEE Kerala Section.

Our vision for 2025 revolves around advancing professionalism, member engagement, and societal impact. Building upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, we will prioritize the development of technical excellence through enhanced activities and collaborations. Key initiatives include Distinguished Lecture Programs, industry-academia engagement, and targeted support for startups, young professionals, and graduate student members.

The implementation of a Technical Society Chapter-centric growth model will be pivotal. By empowering Chapter Chairs with financial autonomy and fostering distributed leadership, we aim to create a structure that supports innovation and localized decision-making. Graduate Student Activity Committees (GSACs) and expanded Technical Interest Groups will nurture technical expertise and deepen collaboration within areas like AI, cybersecurity, energy transfer, and blockchain.

Addressing the challenges faced by engineering education in Kerala is a top priority. From enhancing labs and infrastructure through IEEE-supported programs to introducing STEM activities in schools, we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers. Programs such as IEEE@schools will connect students with the opportunities and excitement of engineering, while stronger industry and academic partnerships will ensure relevance and impact in our initiatives. 

We will work closely with the government and academic institutions to advocate for policy changes, strengthen research capabilities, and address systemic issues in engineering education. Enhancing technical focus in conferences and supporting high-quality, society-driven events will further elevate the global stature of our section.

Industry engagement will see a new direction during 2025. Similarly, connecting students and the industry will go beyond the launch pad to make a longer, multi-event, and internship driven model during 2025. 

Finally, operational efficiency remains a cornerstone of our strategy. Exploring tools for better financial management, expanding the reach of student branches, and piloting district-based coordination models will streamline our efforts to serve members more effectively.

As we embark on this new trajectory, IKS remains committed to its mission of empowering professionals and fostering innovation. Together, let us continue to inspire, engage, and lead.

Thank you.

B.S. Manoj

Chair, IEEE Kerala Section (2025)