Dr. Ryuki Tachibana Deputy Director, IBM Research - Tokyo Building and operating trustworthy AI for the enterprise Abstract: Generative and agentic AI have enabled new applications and are creating incredible new business opportunities, but they also introduce complex risks for organizations and even our society. How can we mitigate the risks and leverage these powerful tools? How can we cooperate to ensure the future AIs benefit people worldwide? It’s not just about building better technology; it's about creating robust governance and operational frameworks—often in collaboration with other organizations—to manage these risks effectively. In this talk, we'll share our firsthand experiences from the AI ethics team of IBM Japan and practical strategies for building trustworthy AI, focusing on real-world applications in the enterprise. Speaker's bio: Dr. Ryuki Tachibana is a Deputy Director at IBM Research – Tokyo. He earned his B.E. and M.E. in aerospace engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1996 and 1998, and a Dr. Eng. degree from Osaka University in 2007. Since joining IBM Japan in 1998, his research has focused on cognitive technologies and quantum computing, including the development of Watson Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech services. From 2016 to 2022, he served as Senior Manager of IBM Research AI in Tokyo. In 2022, he became a founding member of the IBM Japan AI Ethics team and co-authored "AI Risk Textbook" in late 2023. After serving as an Executive Project Lead and watsonx Project Manager in the General Manager's office until 2023, he joined IBM Quantum, where he is currently focused on the social implementation of quantum computing. In 2025, he was appointed Deputy Director of IBM Research – Tokyo.

Dr. Yasuhiro Soshino Disaster Management Research Institute, Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing Humanitarian Digital Technologies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Saving Lives, Protecting Dignity in a Fragmented World Facing Humanitarian Crises Abstract: In a fragmented world facing increasing conflicts, disasters, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement faces unprecedented challenges: attacks on humanitarian staff, the emergence of autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks targeting medical services. In response, the Movement is increasingly leveraging digital technologies. This talk will introduce key initiatives: the protection of medical services using the Digital Emblem; the Early Warnings for All initiative, and Japanese Red Cross Society’s initiatives in disaster response using digital tools. Finally, this talk will explore how the Movement can collaborate with IEEE to foster both the advancement and the ethical dissemination of humanitarian technologies. Speaker's bio:

Isabelle Mercier Director, Independent Evaluation Office, UNDP Accelerating SDG Achievement: AI and Evaluation Evidence Abstract: Knowledge empowers progress and change, but the abundance of evaluation data and other evidence can make it difficult to extract useful insights. AI is now unlocking this potential, transforming vast stores of evaluative evidence into timely, actionable guidance for decision-makers. By collaborating across the evaluation community, the IEO of UNDP is leveraging AI to deliver relevant, impactful knowledge. This ensures evidence leads to informed choices, more effective interventions, and rapid progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals—ultimately improving lives and fostering sustainable, positive transformation on the ground. Speaker's bio: Ms. Isabelle Mercier leads UNDP's Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), overseeing a team that provides independent, evidence-based advice to UNDP management and the Executive Board. The IEO’s mission is to promote accountability and help UNDP learn from experience. Together with its partners, the IEO co-leads the Global Evaluation Initiative and the Global SDG Synthesis Coalition, two initiatives dedicated to facilitating the use of evaluative evidence. Isabelle has more than 18 years of experience providing evidence-based advice to senior leaders and currently serves as the Chair of the UN Evaluation Group. Throughout her career, she has championed the belief that evidence is the key to effective decision-making. Before joining UNDP, she held senior positions in evaluation in the Canadian public service, including as Director of Evaluation at Global Affairs Canada. She has also served in key leadership functions in the Multilateral Organization Performance Assessment Network and as Vice-Chair of OECD-DAC EvalNet.

Mary Ellen Randall 2025 IEEE President-Elect Presentation title (TBD) Abstract: Speaker's bio: Mary Ellen Randall is an IEEE Fellow and member of the IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu honor society. She held technical and management positions in IBM, including an international assignment, hardware and software development, digital video chips, client/server services, network management, operating systems, and test design automation. She routinely managed projects on an international scale. She served on the IEEE Board of Directors as IEEE Treasurer, IEEE Vice President of MGA, and Region 3 Director, and served as IEEE WIE Committee Chair among other leadership positions. She created and developed the IEEE MOVE International Community Outreach Program for Disaster Relief and STEM education. She received awards for this work, including the IEEE Haraden Pratt Award. Ms. Randall is founder/CEO of Ascot Technologies, Inc., an award-winning software company which develops enterprise applications utilizing mobile delivery technologies. As a result, she was named a top “Woman In Business” in the Research Triangle North Carolina area and made Business Leader Magazine’s “Impact 100” List. She holds a M.S. Computer Science and a B.A. Mathematics from Binghamton University.

Takako Hashimoto IEEE R10 Director Humanitarian Technology Activities in IEEE Region 10 (Asia-Pacific Region) Abstract: IEEE Region 10 (Asia-Pacific) comprises around 200,000 members across 28 countries and territories. In recent years, the Region has increasingly focused on using technology to address social and humanitarian challenges — from disaster recovery and public health to climate resilience and inclusive education. This talk introduces key Humanitarian Technology Activities (HTA) in Region 10, supported by the R10 HTA Committee, IEEE SIGHT groups, and young volunteers, and more. It will highlight notable initiatives from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific, demonstrating how local innovation and collaboration can deliver real-world impact. Speaker's bio: IEEE Region 10 Director, Deputy to the President, Professor, Chiba University of Commerce Research Fellow, University of Tokyo Takako Hashimoto graduated from Ochanomizu University in Japan, and received a Ph.D. in computer science, specialization in multimedia information processing, from the Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering of University of Tsukuba in 2005. She worked at the software R&D center of Ricoh Co. Ltd., in Japan, for 24 years, and participated in the development of many software products as a technical leader. From April of 2009, she joined Chiba University of Commerce. In 2015, she stayed at University of California, Los Angeles as a visiting researcher. She is currently serving as Director, Deputy to the President, Dean of Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration. She has focused on data mining research and social media analysis, especially topic extraction from millions of tweets related to disasters and topical problems like COVID-19. She is serving as Associate Member of the Science Council of Japan, and Chair of the National Council for Research and Development Committee, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. She served as a Board Member of the Database Society of Japan, Chair of IEEE Japan Council (2021-22), and BoG of IEEE Computer Society (2021-23) and has served as the Past Chair of IEEE Women in Engineering (2015-16). She is now IEEE R10 Director (2025-26). In 2019, she received the IEEE 2019 MGA Larry K. Wilson Transnational Award, and Fellow of the Information Processing Society of Japan.

Prof. Emi Yuda Innovation Center For Semiconductor And Digital Future (ICSDF), Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University Women in Biomedical Engineering: Fostering a Balanced and Innovative Future Abstract: This talk will explore the current state of women in the field of biomedical engineering. We will address the persistent gender imbalance, where engineering and related disciplines remain male-dominated while healthcare professions like nursing are primarily female. The discussion will focus on strategies to improve this balance, including how to better support early-career female researchers and promote a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. By fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment, we can drive greater innovation and ensure a richer future for biomedical engineering. Speaker's bio: Emi Yuda, Ph.D., is a Professor at Innovation Center for Semiconductor & Digital Future and the Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University. She specializes in biosignal processing and biological big data analysis, spanning fundamental studies on physiological fluctuations and brain–heart interactions to applied research through industry to academia collaboration. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Engineering and Associate Professor at its Graduate School of Information Sciences. She holds cross-appointments as Professor at Tohoku University (specially appointed) and Professor at Chitose Institute of Science and Technology (visiting).

Chun Che (Lance) Fung IEEE R10 Past Director 2025-2026 Ethics and IEEE Humanitarian Technologies: Responsible Innovation for Social Good Abstract: The talk on “Ethics and IEEE Humanitarian Technologies: Responsible Innovation for Social Good”, explores how ethical principles guide impactful technology solutions in underserved communities around the world. The presentation will focus on real-world projects from IEEE Asia-Pacific Region (R10), and the session will highlight best practices, common dilemmas, and tools for ensuring that innovation is not only effective but also equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. The session targets engineers, technologists, students, and young professionals who are passionate about using humanitarian technologies to make a difference – advancing technology for the benefits of humanity. Speaker's bio: Emeritus Professor Chun Che Lance Fung, IEEE Life Senior Member and IEEE R10 Past Director (2023-2024), was trained and worked as a Marine Radio and Electronic Officer in Hong Kong during the 70’s. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with First Class Honours and a Master of Engineering Degree from the University of Wales in the early 80’s. His Ph.D. Degree was awarded by the University of Western Australia, with a thesis on Artificial Intelligence and Power System Engineering, under the supervision of late Professor Kit Po Wong. Lance has taught at Singapore Polytechnic (1982-1988), Curtin University (1989-2003), and Murdoch University from 2003 where he was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2015. His roles included Associate Dean of Research, Postgraduate Research Director, and Director of the Centre for Enterprise Collaborative in Innovative Systems. He has supervised to completion over 30 doctoral students and published over 350 academic articles. His contributions can be viewed at IEEE Xplore, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and Scopus. Lance has been a dedicated volunteer for the IEEE for nearly 30 years in various positions in Chapters, WA Section, Australia Council, Region 10 Executive Committee, IEEE Conference Committee, IEEE Audit Committee, the IEEE SMC Society Board of Governors, and many other IEEE committees.

Don Tan IEEE Vice President TAB Coming soon Abstract: As the EV technology for the driving train entered the phase of maturity with many superior performances, significant progress in battery technologies ushed in the era of electrical vehicle proliferation. Battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV) are now in price parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, even being more competitive. Many countries/regions now have aggressive mandates towards zero-emission to combat global climate change. A major remaining obstacle is the availability of ultra-fast charging required for long-haul driving and ubiquitous charging structure for everyday driving. We will discuss the challenges facing ultra-fast charging and available solutions coming on the horizon. We will provide a new thinking in achieving ubiquitous charging infrastructure by leveraging existing and readily-available technologies. For autonomous vehicles, wireless power charging provides a path forward. The newly-founded IEEE Transportation Electrification Council (TEC) is providing much-needed leadership in the technical space to help pushing for ubiquitous charging infrastructure on a global scale. Transportation electrification will contribute heavily to climate change, benefiting the entire humanity. IEEE MGA and IEEE Technical Activity Board will enhance their collaboration among themselves and particularly with our Japanese colleagues in both geographical and technical areas. First-hand collaborative experiences between MGA and Tab will be discussed as examples to highlight the importance and potential impacts. Speaker's bio: Dr. Tan earned his PhD from Caltech. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA and a fellow of the IEEE. He has served as Distinguished Engineer, Fellow, Chief Engineer-Power Conversion, Program Manager, Department Manager, and Center Director in a US Fortune 500 corporation. Unusually prolific as a visionary technical leader in ultra-efficient power conversion and electronic energy systems, Dr. Tan has pioneered breakthrough innovations with numerous high-impact industry firsts and record performances that received commendations from the highest level of US Government. He has developed hundreds of designs and thousands of hardware units deployed for space applications without a single on-orbit failure. His suite of world-class electronics performed flawlessly on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), located one million miles away, achieving world-record-breaking performances. Dr. Tan is the IEEE Technical Activities Vice President-Elect 2025, founding President of IEEE Transportation Electrification Council, Chair of IEEE Fellow Advisory and Oversight Subcommittee, and Vice Chair of IEEE Industry Engagement Committee. Among numerous others, Don has served as Division II Director, IEEE Board of Directors; Fellow Committee Chair, IEEE PELS/PES eGrid Steering Committee Chair, PELS Long Range Planning Committee Chair, Nomination Committee Chair, PELS President, Editor-in-Chief (Founding) for IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, APEC (the fourth largest event in IEEE) General Chair, PELS Vice President-Operations, Guest Editor-in-Chief for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Fellow Committee, PELS Vice President-Meetings, IEEE Chair for IEEE/Google Little Box Challenge (awarded $1M cash prize), and IEEE/DoD Working Group Chair, developed IEEE/ANSI standards 1515/1573. Don has delivered about 130+ keynotes/invited global presentations. He has received more than $30M+ external customer funding for research and technology development. He also serves on many prestigious national and international award, review and selection committees.

Grayson Randall IEEE HTB Chair Introduction to IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the programs, grants, and opportunities offered by IEEE Humanitarian Technologies at the intersection of humanitarian technologies and global challenges, and explore its role in creating the infrastructure to support the many Humanitarian programs in IEEE. Speaker's bio: